Wednesday, 31 January 2018

She Wore Blue Velvet: Kate in Erdem for Glamorous Stockholm Reception!

Following a busy day in Stockholm with Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spent their last evening in Sweden at a glamorous event at Fotografiska Gallery.


William and Kate travelled to Fotografiska by boat, allowing the couple to take in the beautiful views of Stockholm by night as they pass around the harbour.


The event was a celebration of contemporary culture with guests representing the worlds of music, film, television, theatre, tech, dance, art and sport, with live music, drinks and canapés.


An arrival video from Richard Palmer. 


When Kate saw Victoria she laughed and said "That was a quick change".


Located in the heart of Stockholm, the museum has an exhibition space of 2,500 square metres, and features four major exhibitions per year and approximately fifteen to twenty minor exhibitions. The museum's exhibitions are among the city’s most popular attractions. Contemporary photography is celebrated with photographers from all over the world showcasing their work. Since the grand opening in 2010, they have shown legends like Annie Leibovitz and David LaChapelle, as well as new photographers like Nick Brandt, Helena Blomqvist, Klara Kallstrom and Johan Wik.


William, Kate, Victoria and Daniel posed for a photo.


At night, the gallery boasts glittering views over Stockholm.


Before the reception, the Duke and Duchess enjoyed a short tour of the gallery's latest exhibition by UK photographer Nick Veasey.


The exhibition titled 'Inside Out' is described by the gallery: "Seeing Beneath the Surface with Nick Veasey’s X-Ray Vision. Everything is stripped down to the bare bone, the raw metal or whichever components are included in the objects that are subjected to Nick Veasey’s X-rays. He captures everything from the beauty of Victorian clothes to the fragility of a flower, or, why not, the humorous fact that a host of well-known personalities share the same skeleton? Embark on an exciting journey..."


British photographer Veasey is primarily known for creating his work using X-ray imaging. Speaking about 'Inside Out' he said:

"I want my images to make people sit up and take notice. I want to reach out to the viewer. My starting point is that we are all essentially the same from the inside out, which X-ray photography demonstrates. I’m convinced that there is more that unites us than divides us. That’s why every human body in my photographs is represented by the same skeleton, regardless of what attributes I add to the image."

According to Veasey, we should question our obsession with superficiality. His X-ray images are a way of posing this question.


We know Kate enjoys photography immensely and takes beautiful photos of her children. It turns out Kate takes photos of George and Charlotte every day, as William revealed whilst talking to Nick Veasey.


More from the Mail:

'Nick said later: 'We had a conversation about ultrasound, because she has been having scans while she is pregnant, and I told her that I'm inspired by the work of radiographers. She was really interested and she's a passionate photographer. William said that she takes pictures of her children every day.'
Meanwhile William admired tattoo artist Jesper Lagergren's inkings, joking that he might even get one himself. He said "they are cool tattoos" and he asked how many I have, but I wasn't able to answer because I don't know,' said Jasper, whose head is covered in ink. 'I said if he was interested I could fit him in tomorrow and he joked that he might get a tattoo of the Swedish flag.'

The Duchess meeting guests.


William and Victoria chatting with guests.


During his speech, Prince William said: "Tonight is a celebration of energy, creativity, innovation and engagement in the world - all words we associate with both Britain and Sweden. Above all, tonight is a celebration of friendship. Skål!"



'In the past two days, Catherine and I have also explored some of the many scientific partnerships between the UK and Sweden that make our lives longer, healthier and more productive.  It was a privilege to learn more about how the legacy of Alfred Nobel is used to celebrate the very best of humanity in science and the arts.  Our visit to the Karolinska Institute was a particular highlight – a world-class centre of learning, which has developed extraordinary insight into the science underpinning our mental health.

We have learned about the extraordinary contribution Swedish design and fashion has made to the world.  I am very pleased we were able to launch a programme that links young architects and designers from our two countries to develop creative ideas for affordable, sustainable, safe housing.

Tomorrow, we are looking forward to meeting representatives of Sweden’s armed forces.  There is a Swedish saying that I won't attempt to say in Swedish but which translates in English something like, "It matters to you, too, when a neighbour's wall is on fire."  Your security concerns are ours, and it is hugely important that we continue to work ever more closely together to reduce threats.
Great things happen when we work together. Indeed this very special place where we are this evening will bring a great new addition to the London arts scene when it opens a sister museum there later this year.
 
We have encountered a wonderfully warm welcome.  We are particularly grateful for the hospitality of Their Majesties The King and Queen, and of Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel.  We have been very fortunate to have spent much of the past two days in their welcoming company, including at their home in Haga.  Thank you for making us feel so welcome.  We very much hope we will have the opportunity to repay your generosity in the United Kingdom soon.

Tonight is a celebration of energy, creativity, innovation and engagement in the world – all words we associate with both Britain and Sweden.  Above all, tonight is a celebration of friendship.  Thank you, all, for joining us.'

For the second night in a row, the Duchess selected a dress by Erdem. I'm predicting it's going to be more popular than last night's choice :)


Kate wore the Christina Devore Velvet Midi Dress (with thanks to the talented HeavenQRF for her lightning fast ID). The 'petrol blue' dress features a mock neckline, long sleeves with flared cuffs, banded waist, A-line silhouette, flounced hem and nude silk crepe de chine lining.

Erdem

Browns Fashion described the dress:

'This blue Erdem 'Christina' silk and velvet dress is giving us all the Victorian feels – but apart from corsets and crinolines to portray your affluent stature, it's our friend Mr Moralioglu's luxury design and fabrics that suggest you live a high-flying lifestyle. Each style has been crafted in the UK from a mid-weight cotton-blend velvet-devoré fabric and boasts a floral print design and features a high neck, long sleeves with flared cuffs, fluted waistline with fitted bodice, fluted godet hemline inserts and a centre-back concealed zip and two button fastening.'

The Christina is from the AW17 Collection.


A closer look at the floral print.


The Duchess wore a black coat by well-known Swedish designer Ida Sjöstedt. Ida graduated from London’s University of Westminster in the year 2000, and set up her own label in Stockholm the following year. Since then she has become one of Sweden’s most popular designers, combining ready to wear collections with couture dresses. The Swedish royal ladies adore her designs and are regularly photographed wearing them. Yesterday, Victoria wore a floral print dress and coat by the designer. Middleton Maven noted it appears Kate's coat is from the A/W 2018 Collection.


Kate accessorised the coat with her Troy London faux fur collar and faux fur cuffs from yesterday.


Kate wore her Gianvito Rossi Ankle Strap Suede D'orsay Pumps. The pumps are described: "These Gianvito Rossi pumps demonstrate traditional Italian craftsmanship and designs in a d’Orsay silhouette. Softly structured from black suede,  pointed-toe pair is finished with a buckle ankle strap for a slender sculpt."

Gianvito Rossi

Madhu identified Kate's new earrings as the Robinson Pelham Aspen earrings from the Oxygen collection. The £4,000 earrings are set with white diamonds in 18ct gold.

Robinson Pelham

A closer look at the earrings on Kate.


Tomorrow the tour moves to Norway. A look at the itinerary:

Thursday, 1 February, Oslo -

  • William and Kate will depart Sweden for Norway from Uppsala Airbase. Prior to their departure, The Duke and Duchess will receive a short briefing on the Swedish Armed Forces' operational capabilities, before viewing some of the Gripen aircraft of the type deployed by Sweden as its commitment to the Joint Expeditionary Force.
  • The Duke and Duchess will land in Norway at Oslo Gardermoen Airport in the late morning, where they will be met by Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit. From there, Their Royal Highnesses will travel directly to the Royal Palace, where The Duke and Duchess will stay at the invitation of King Harald and Queen Sonja.
  • On arrival at the Royal Palace, The Duke and Duchess will be officially welcomed to Norway by The King and Queen by way of a luncheon, which will also be attended by other members of The Royal Family. Following this, The Cambridges will visit the Princess Ingrid Alexandra Sculpture Park within the Palace Gardens, which opened last year in the name of Princess Ingrid Alexandra to mark the 25th anniversary of The King's reign. The sculptures, of which there are now four, are designed by and for children, through cartoon competitions in schools across the country. During this visit, The Duke and Duchess will have the opportunity to meet members of the public gathered in the park.
  • Later that afternoon, The Duke and Duchess, accompanied by Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, will attend an event held at MESH, a co-working space for entrepreneurs and start-up companies to grow their businesses and thrive in a creative environment. Encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation are high priorities for Norway and the UK, with plenty of exciting collaboration across the North Sea. Their Royal Highnesses will meet a number of Norwegian and UK companies based at MESH showcasing their work, and will see how some start-ups are tackling issues such as the environment, and mental health and wellbeing, in new and engaging ways.
  • That evening, The Duke and Duchess have been invited by Their Majesties to an official dinner in their honour at the Royal Palace. The dinner will be attended by members of government, leaders in business and those from the Norwegian creative industries. There will also be serving members and veterans from the Norwegian Armed Forces, who will be introduced to Their Royal Highnesses. Both King Harald and The Duke will speak at the dinner.


Earlier today William and Kate carried out several engagements in Stockholm before joining Victoria, Daniel and their children for tea at Haga Palace. Click here to view the post!


Did you enjoy William and Kate's two-day visit to Sweden? What were the highlights for you?

It's Catherine Walker & McQueen for Day Two of the Royal Tour!

Day Two of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's royal visit to Sweden began with a focus on the country's pioneering work in the field of mental health and children's wellbeing, and in particular how this translates into support for children and young teenagers going through the Swedish education system.


Kate made a stylish arrival.


The Duke and Duchess, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel began the day at the world famous Karolinska Institute, which accounts for over 40 per cent of the medical academic research conducted in Sweden.


The Crown Princess and the Duchess greeted each other with a kiss.


An arrival video.


The foursome posed for photos before heading inside.


The Karolinska Institute was founded by King Karl XIII on 13 December 1810 as an "academy for the training of skilled army surgeons" after one in three soldiers wounded in the Finnish War against Russia died in field hospitals. Indeed, a report of the time came to the conclusion that "the medical skills of the army barber-surgeons are manifestly inadequate, so Sweden needs to train surgeons in order to better prepare the country for future wars." Just one year later, in 1811, the Karolinska Institute was granted license to train not only surgeons but medical practitioners in general. Today, it is considered one of the largest and most prestigious medical universities in the world. The Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute awards the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.


The royals met with leading scientific researchers and practitioners to discuss ground-breaking academic work in developmental psychology, and Sweden’s approach to managing mental health challenges, including the impact of physical activity on mental health.


They also heard about the Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) programme run by the National Association for Suicide Research and Prevention of Mental Ill Health (NASP). YAM is a programme run for 14 – 16 year olds promoting increased knowledge about mental health through dialogue and role-play, and now operates internationally, including in the UK.

More on the programme:

'Based on empathy building and finding solutions as a group, the YAM youth reflect and analyse their actions through play and dialogue. Through the discussion of different perspectives on problems, the participants learn that they as individuals are not alone responsible for solving their problems, but that they can together help each other to feel better. Identifying mental health resources in the community and connecting individuals and schools with such organisations.'

Mental Health is a key focus for William and Kate, it's good to see it incorporated into the tour itinerary. As the Heads Together campaign continues, it's a wonderful opportunity for them to learn more about services offered in the country. Sweden is renowned for their healthcare system which has been described as "among the best in the world".


From there, the royals headed to Matteusskolan, a comprehensive school in the heart of the city centre.


They joined children who have taken part in the YAM programme during one of their mental health activity sessions.


They also met mentors who run the training.


Prince William spoke about the importance of young people having conversations about mental health challenges. "Catherine and I and Victoria and Daniel care deeply about mental health. It's all about early intervention. Sometimes a conversation is enough."


Children held British and Swedish flags.


The Duchess greets locals during a walkabout.


William, Victoria and Daniel meeting children.


You can see Kate's private secretary Catherine Quinn in the background wearing black.


More from the Mail Online:

'One teenager, more in hope than expectation, quizzed the Duchess about her taste in rap music: 'I asked her if she knew J Hus,' said Lucas Tinseau, 15. 'She said 'I will look out for him. He added: 'I asked her how her grandmother was, Queen Elizabeth. She said, 'I will say hello from you.''  
Malte Bregqvist, 15, a ninth grade pupil, said: 'I shook both their hands. It was weird, I never really met a royal before. I asked them how they were and they said the same thing to everyone, they were nice, they were doing fine. It's generous of them to take time and shake everybody's hands.'
Robin Szoppe, 15, also in ninth grade, said: 'Kate just walked in front of me and I said 'hi and shook her hand. She said she was good. She just walked by. Fellow student Kendal Kaya, 15, added: 'You would think they would be a bit arrogant because they're famous but they were really polite. It was really nice. They were casual people.'

Handshakes and high-fives as the royals departed.


And a wave goodbye before travelling to their next appearance.


Next, the two Royal couples visited one of Sweden's leading department stores – NK – to open an interactive exhibition of UK design, fashion and brands that operate in Sweden.


Kate and Daniel heard about shoe design.


A short video from Victoria Murphy.


The Mail reports:

'Alicia Lai, founder of vegan shoe company Bourgeois Boheme, which makes shoes out of materials including cork and recycled rubber showed her products to Kate.
She said: 'We're here to show people there is an alternative to what's out there in the mainstream, to leather, because leather isn't the most sustainable material out there. For us quality is key.' 
She said of Kate and Prince Daniel: 'They hadn't heard of vegan shoes before so that was great to introduce them to that and look at the ethos behind our work. They were really interested in our product. Kate was asking about the materials we are using, how large is our range. 'We're such a small company that being given the recognition for what we're doing is great.'  

They heard how UK brands are putting innovation, technology and sustainable practices at the forefront of their businesses.


William and Victoria looked at innovative furniture designs.


The event took place in NK's entrance hall, and for the duration of the exhibition the best of British brands will feature in the display windows of the store.


A look inside.


Next, William and Kate travelled to Haga Palace, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel's official residence, for a private tea with the couple.


They were joined by two very special guests - Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar.


I think a playdate with George and Charlotte is in order :)


The Duchess wore a red and white houndstooth Catherine Walker coat with large red buttons. It's the second consecutive day Kate has chosen the British brand.


Kate teamed the coat with a bespoke Alexander McQueen dress.


The piece features the same fabric as the Metallic wool-blend bouclé-tweed midi dress. It is described as "Alexander McQueen's Pre-Fall '17 collection is inspired by the medieval heroines of Arthurian legend - Isolde, Guinevere and the Lady of the Lake. Beautifully made from wool-blend bouclé-tweed, this midi dress is flecked with gold yarns".

Net-A-Porter

The bouclé tweed is 'very Chanel'.

Net-A-Porter

Speaking of the fashion house, The Duchess carried her Chanel Bag with Enamel Handle from the Fall/Winter 2015/2016 Collection.


It's good to see Kate carrying chic small handbags instead of clutches during this tour. They add a stylish finishing touch to the overall look.


Kate wore her £267 Tod's Pumps with fringes. The shoes feature an almond toe, fringed detailing and metal buckle on the toe, with leather insole.

TOD's

Kate's pearl drop earrings are by Swedish brand In2Design.


I emailed the brand and they believe the Duchess wore their $152 Baroque Pearl Drop Earrings. They are also available at Banana Republic. Princess Sofia of Sweden is also a fan of the brand. For those in Europe, if you wish to purchase the earrings, In2Design are accepting orders via email.

In2Design

More from the product description:

'Inspired by the simplicity and modern elegance of Swedish design, In2Design was founded in 2002 to produce handcrafted jewelry that is modern, classic, unique and highly wearable. These elegant Baroque pearl drop earrings showcase the unique shape and color of these classic, freshwater pearls. Due to the nature of Baroque freshwater pearls, each is a one-of-a-kind original. Each piece is unique as the exact pearls will vary.'

And Kate wore her Cornelia James Imogen gloves.

Cornelia James

In their article on the look, The Telegraph writes, How Jackie Kennedy became the Duchess of Cambridge's style muse:

'In the second series of popular Netflix drama, The Crown, the Queen visits Norman Hartnell’s atelier in preparation for a state visit by the American president. She is looking for something modern, and fresh; a look which will compete with the US First Lady, Jackie Kennedy. The unflappable British monarch is intimidated by Kennedy’s globally-famed style. Though the scene may be grounded in imagination, Jackie Kennedy’s international status as the first lady of fashion is undisputed.
And now, her style seems to be inspiring the Duchess of Cambridge. For today’s visit, to Sweden’s Karolinska Institute, she followed Kennedy’s style to the letter (see lead image). First, her double-breasted Catherine Walker swing coat. echoes a recurring style in Kennedy's wardrobe, and one she wore throughout her pregnancies during the 1950s. Kate accessorised the coat with black gloves, a compact Chanel handbag, pearl earrings by Swedish label In2 design and Tod’s loafer-style court shoes. Underneath, she wore a bespoke cream bouclé dres by Alexander MCQueen. Each piece is straight out of the Jackie catalogue.
This is the latest in a long-line of examples of Kate emulating the former first lady. There was a red Carolina Herrera dress coat; accessorised with a perfect chignon and pearl drop earrings, the look was vintage Jackie. Then came the tailored suits, nipped at the waist - lilac Catherine Walker, checked Eponine London. Gradually ‘The Jackie Look’ is filtering into the Duchess’ wardrobe.
Keeping up with fashion today is a minefield - navigating multiple collections, trends which come and go faster than you can blink and a never-ending stream of influencers. The answer, when your every style move is documented, lies in finding a formula which cuts through the noise. Rules which create a style baseline, and will help govern which pieces feel simultaneously ‘now’ and will translate for years to come- that tweed Gucci dress and today's Alexander McQueen shift are a cases in point. And looking to the tried, tested and universally approved wardrobe of one of the most stylish women of the last century - it makes perfect sense.'

Meanwhile, People noted similarities between the look and one Diana wore several times in the early nineties.

People Twitter Feed

The eagle-eyed Heaven noted Princess Victoria selected Swedish brands today; wearing the Avalon coat by Acne and a pastel blue suit by Rodebjer. Victoria's grey clutch is by Stella McCartney.


Victoria wasn't the only one supporting Acne today - Richard Palmer revealed William's jumper is from the Swedish fashion house.


This evening, the Duke and Duchess will attend an event at the Fotografiska Gallery.

Kate's Favourites