In an unannounced visit to the Imperial War Museum today, The Duchess of Cambridge wore an old dress by Jenny Packham, and learnt about her family’s involvement in WWI.
Kate wore her by Jenny Packham, seen in Canada for the couple’s official arrival. The pencil-fit dress features puckered shoulders, half sleeves with flute detail, a self belt, and hem that falls past the knee. There is a visible zip to the rear and the collar, pointed at the rear with a v between the points, was removed for today.
UPDATE: The collar was still present on the dress, but the wide-set nature of it kept it hidden under her hair!
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And as seen in Canada in 2016:
We have found this piece from the Jenny Packham line on which it looks like Kate’s dress was based. This is the Debo Embellished Dress, made of crepe.
We were pleased to see this piece again today, and it was a very popular look during the tour, so we think others are too!
The Duchess teamed her dress with Gianvito Rossi ‘105’ heels in praline. These 4.5-inch heels feature a pointed toe in a dark nude suede – a very easy item for us non-Royals to copy! They cost £495. Get a pair here or try these very affordable replikates here and here.
Gianvito Rossi ‘Gianvito 105’ Praline Suede Pumps
There was a new clutch on the scene today: an ‘Amberley’ bag in rosewater-coloured smooth leather from Mulberry, costing £515, which can be worn as a bag or clutch. The bag features a flap opening with rounded corners, a ‘riders lock’, which comes from from traditional equestrian styling and a gold chain strap can be removed. Internally, the bag has a main compartment, zipped pocket and card slots. This colour-way has sold out, but is still available in others, like black grain leather. Get an Amberley bag here.
A smaller version is available, but is – obviously – a touch smaller in size and more of a pouch style bag.
Kate wore her sapphire and diamond drop earrings too. It is thought these were repurposed from Diana’s stud earrings.
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Finally, in the run up to Remembrance Day, the Duchess was wearing a Royal British Legion poppy brooch. This is the ‘Women of The First World War Brooch’, very appropriate to learn about her grandmother’s role as a war nurse. It features the standard shaped poppy (two petals) in enamel, with a stem and two leaves embedded with clear crystals. The piece is finished in gold.
A lovely touch has been given to each piece – a brooch also comes with a certificate commemorating the life of a woman who lost her life as a direct result of the First World War. These names are recognised by CWGC as women serving in the auxiliary units during the First World War.
Get one here for £29.99 – profits from the RBL go to support those in the Armed Forces and their families.
Be a copy Kate with these items:
With thanks to @Japenese_ginger
Photos from @KensingtonRoyal
