Mystery of Kate’s ‘private dressmaker’: Duchess dazzled in a custom frock by an unknown designer at the palace – following the lead of the Queen who’s relied on seamstress Angela Kelly for years
- Duchess of Cambridge, 37, donned a frock by a ‘private dressmaker’ yesterday
- The royals did not release the name of the designer behind the chiffon creation
- The Queen has relied on her own private dressmaker, Angela Kelly, for years
The Duchess of Cambridge sparked a wave of fashion intrigue after it emerged the chiffon frock she wore yesterday was created by a ‘private dressmaker’.
Kate, 37, was the picture of elegance in the ice blue frock as she joined husband Prince William, 36, and other senior royals for a reception commemorating the 50th anniversary of Charles’ investiture as the Prince of Wales.
While the brands behind the Duchess’ ensembles are usually shared shortly after a public appearance – either by royal aides or the designer itself – all that was revealed yesterday was that Kate’s dress was the work of an unnamed ‘private dressmaker’.
Some royal commentators have speculated that Kate, who typically wears named designers like Alexander McQueen and Jenny Packham, might start to wear more low-key custom commissions as her seniority within the Royal Family increases.
Kate, 37, was the picture of elegance in the ice blue frock by a ‘private dressmaker’ as she joined senior royals for a reception commemorating the 50th anniversary of Charles’ investiture as the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace yesterday, pictured
In doing so she would follow the lead of the Queen, 92, who has relied on trusted seamstress and personal stylist Angela Kelly to create her ensembles for high profile occasions for more than a decade.
The dress worn by the Duchess of Cambridge yesterday featured a buttoned top, flattering above-the-ankle length and a delicate pie crust collar that is a nod to fashion’s current fondness for Victorian-inspired day dresses.
It looked strikingly similar to one debuted by the Duchess during a mosque visit in Kuala Lumpur in 2012.
Kate has worn pieces by an unidentified dressmaker only on a handful of previous occasions.
Kate has worn pieces by an unidentified dressmaker only on a handful of previous occasions. In 2015, while pregnant with Princess Charlotte, Kate wore a custom coat by a dressmaker with an ASOS maternity dress for a visit to a children’s centre in London, pictured
In 2013 when she was expecting Prince George, the royal stepped out in an apricot dress ‘from a private dressmaker’ for a visit to Naomi House Hospice, in Hampshire, pictured
In 2015, while pregnant with Princess Charlotte, Kate wore a custom coat by a dressmaker with an ASOS maternity dress for a visit to Home-Start children’s centre in Woolwich, London.
Two years earlier, when she was expecting Prince George, the royal stepped out in an apricot dress ‘from a private dressmaker’ for a visit to Naomi House Hospice, in Hampshire.
It is not known whether the same ‘private dressmaker’ is behind all the outfits.
More often, Kate turns to a handful of high profile designers, including Catherine Walker, who create made-to-measure outfits for her public engagements.
Some royal commentators have speculated that Kate might follow the Queen’s lead and wear more custom commissions as her seniority within the Royal Family increases. The Queen has relied on seamstress and stylist Angela Kelly for years. Pictured, in Angela Kelly last month
She also famously integrates high street labels into her wardrobe, stepping out in the likes of Reiss, Zara and LK Bennett, which has recently gone into administration.
However these off-the-rack pieces are also frequently altered so they fit the royal perfectly.
Some royal style commentators have speculated whether the dressmaker she uses for alterations might be the same one called upon to produce custom ensembles.
Angela Kelly, far right, has become a trusted adviser of the Queen and joined Her Majesty and Anna Wintour on the front row of Richard Quinn’s London Fashion Week show in February 2018