When the Princess of Wales stepped out in a dress by Beulah London to open the new-look Young V&A Museum in London, she won plaudits for her sustainability.
It was the second time she had worn the £720 pink crepe gown – designed by the ethical luxury fashion label run by William’s childhood friend Lady Natasha Rufus Isaacs – that she first donned for the 2021 Wimbledon Men’s Final.
But she is not the first to give the ‘Ahana’ dress a Royal seal of approval: the fit-and-flare design, with its cap sleeves, set-in belt and button-front bodice, has become a regal staple.
Crown Princess Mary of Denmark set the trend in 2020 when she wore it in beige for a visit to Frederiksborg Palace.
The following year Kate wore her pink dress to present the Men’s Singles trophy at Wimbledon, accessorising it with nude heels by the Canadian designer Aldo, a vintage Josef ‘Point de Beauvais’ beaded clutch and Ray-Bans.
The Princess of Wales, patron of the V&A, arrives for a visit to open the Young V&A in Bethnal Green, east London, ahead of its opening to the public on Saturday. Picture date: Wednesday June 28
The Prince of Wales attends day 13 of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 11, 2021
Denmark Queen Margrethe II and Crown Princess Mary attending the opening of the exhibition ‘The Queen’s Faces’ The Knight’s Hall and the portrait revelation at the National History museum at Frederiksborg palace in Hillerod, Denmark
Since then, a host of Royals have followed suit. In 2022, Norway’s Princess Mette-Marit wore a beige Ahana dress to the French Open, teaming it with matching flats.
Both Princess Beatrice and Lady Sophie Windsor (nee Winkleman, wife of Lord Frederick Windsor), chose the design to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral – Sophie opted for a long-sleeved version in fuschia, while Beatrice wore it in blue.
And, last Saturday, Peep Show actress Sophie wore it in yellow to attend Royal Ascot, co-ordinating it with a cream pillbox hat and pumps.
In an unusual twist, Lady Natasha Rufus Isaacs, 38, is married to Kate’s ex-boyfriend, lawyer Rupert Finch, a graduate of St Andrews.
Her business partner is Lavinia Brennan, 35 – who once dated the actor Jack Fox – and is now married to champagne salesman Jamie Richards.
Princess Beatrice of York attends the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral on June 03, 2022
Sophie Windsor attends day five of Royal Ascot 2023 at Ascot Racecourse on June 24, 2023, in Ascot, England
In an unusual twist, Lady Natasha Rufus Isaacs (pictured), 38, is married to Kate’s ex-boyfriend, lawyer Rupert Finch, a graduate of St Andrews
‘Nats’ and ‘Lavs’, as they are known to friends, created the red ‘Sarai’ evening gown Kate wore for her first 100 Women in Hedge Funds charity dinner in 2011. ‘The Beulah woman is sophisticated, glamorous, and has a conscience,’ Lady Natasha told Tatler.
‘Kate needs dresses which can be thrown on to make her look instantly glam, and she also cares about how and where her clothes have been made.
‘I love how effortless and timeless vintage styles can look, with a modern twist.
‘They never go out of fashion and can be passed down from generation to generation.’
Perhaps one day we will even see Princess Charlotte in one of her mother’s dresses.
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