The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended an evening reception for members of the Diplomatic Corps at Buckingham Palace on 4th December. Catherine proved that a fairytale princess gown is real and glittered in a bespoke Jenny Packham gown.
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The Duchess wore a Jenny Packham tulle beaded floor-length gown in white colour-way with the slightest tone of grey. The dazzling gown features a tulle overlay on top of the bodice with a slight cowl neck at the front, with a lower dip at the rear of the dress. Gorgeous feminine ruched cap sleeve details adorn the arms for an old-world vibe. A cinched waistline with very thin belt is a signature of Jenny Packham gowns and a construction element we have seen on almost all of Kate’s previous Jenny Packham gowns. A beautiful full fit and flare skirt skims to hit the floor perfectly and the mark of true master tailor. Kate’s skirt boasted a wide hem which is quite popular at the moment. The entire gown is delicately beaded with flourish of sequins cascading over the bodice and down the skirt, picking up the light perfectly to create a magically sparkling gown.
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Below we show a similar design from Jenny Packham’s recent collection.
The rear of the gown appears to close with fabric looped buttons and an invisible zip closure, that is just slightly visible in the image below of the back of Kate’s dress. The rear closures are very much in keeping with bridal designs and we would assume this gown may be part of Jenny Packham’s upcoming bridal collection.
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The Duchess wore the Lovers’ Knot Tiara, a favourite tiara for the Duchess to wear. Kate has worn this tiara for almost all of the banquets she has attended. The tiara has diamond scrolls topped with larger round diamonds. Baroque style pearls dangle in diamond arched windows sitting upon a diamond band, swinging as the wearer walks.
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The Duchess accessorised with Diana’s Collingwood pearl drop earrings and a diamond bracelet. The baroque pearl drop earrings hang from two diamonds. Pearls seem to be a favourite of the Duchess’.
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Kate carried her Jenny Packham ‘Casa’ gold glitter box clutch. The hard frame hinge clutch has an unusual shape, neither rectangular or technically trapeze. The clutch closes with a diamond shaped clasp inlaid with crystal. This clutch is a past season and no longer available. Try this as a replikate here.
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The Duchess also wore her Royal Family Order of Queen Elizabeth II. Kate has only publicly been seen wearing the Order just over a month ago though having received it at this time last year. The miniature portrait of The Queen sits within an oval glass frame, surrounded by diamonds and a diamond and ruby encrusted crown, pinned upon a yellow ribbon. Traditionally the cameo was made of ivory, but Kate’s new one is glass.
Any female member of the Royal Family may wear a family Order as bestowed upon them by the current Monarch, as a personal gift. Queen Elizabeth normally wears two, that of her father and her grandfather.
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We did not get to see Kate’s shoes due to her gown length and limited images supplied of the evening. Catherine’s Oscar de la Renta ‘Cabrina’ heels might have been a good option though.
You can get Kate’s evening look here: