The Duchess of Cambridge’s powers of fashionable symbolism reached new heights this evening as she chose a patriotically red and white poppy-emblazoned dress for a reception at Buckingham Palace celebrating the achievements of Team GB’s Olympic heroes. Along with The Queen, Prince Phillip, Princess Anne, Prince William and Prince Harry, the Duchess met the likes of Nicola Adams, Ellie Simmonds and Tom Daley on the second day of the official post-Rio celebrations.
Kate’s just-above-the-ankle, floral printed dress is by Alexander McQueen, the British label with which she has long-held affinity. It comes from McQueen’s Resort 2017 collection which hasn’t yet landed in most stores but is available to pre-order in some places. A sleeveless, open-backed version of the dress is available to pre-order at Saks with for £2657.05 with delivery promised in January.
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The collection was inspired by the intricately beautiful hand painted patterns seen in British folk art, with designer Sarah Burton recreating colourful flowers on dramatically flounced mini dresses and maximalist tiered skirts.
Of course, translating such a richly detailled offering for the needs of a future Queen has become a speciality of the Alexander McQueen team; the silk dress worn by the Duchess tonight came with an elegant v-neck, nipped-waist and long, cuffed sleeves.
The relationship between the Duchess and Alexander McQueen began over five years ago when Burton designed the Duchess’s wedding dress and the gown which she changed into for the evening reception. Ever since, Burton’s modernly British clothes have seen Kate through the Christenings of both her children, numerous dinners and official engagements.
It’s clear that the partnership is as strong as ever, with the Duchessrecently opting for McQueen during the recent tour of Canada and to watch the Wimbledon final in July. The Duchess more experimental and glamorous style choices of late segue well with McQueen’s reputation as one of the most highly-respected British fashion houses operating today, known for exquisite detailling and romantic, beautiful yet strong silhouettes.
It’s likely that the dress chosen tonight was part of the same order as that worn in Canada as both come from the same collection.
The Duchess’s poppy-printed ensemble wasn’t the only look of note in the evening’s proceeding’s. The Queen’s shimmering blue cocktail dress proved that age is no barrier to glamour (and completed a red, white and blue colour theme) while Prime Minister Theresa May attracted numerous ‘fabulous shoes’ comments with her L.K Bennett kitten heels. And not forgetting the athletes themselves; some were smartly attired in navy suits and red tops while others opted for black and white pleated skirts with black blazers.
