No longer can she be dubbed “Waity Katie." With November 16th 2010’s official announcement of her engagement to her handsome prince, wearing the late Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring, Kate Middleton showed that she was a poised, confident young woman, ready to take on the world’s press and become Britian’s next global fashion icon.
There will inevitably be many comparisons between Kate Middleton and Prince William’s mother, the late Diana, Princess of Wales. None more so than in the fashion stakes where Princess Diana firmly established herself as a fashion maven and became the world’s most photographed woman of her time. Even before her wedding to Prince Charles her hairstyle was imitated by millions of women worldwide and during her marriage and beyond, the world saw Princess Diana evolve from a shy 19-year-old girl to a sexy style icon.
Prince William and Kate Middleton's Engagement
The announcement of Kate Middleton's engagement to Prince William, currently second in line to the British throne, will inevitably mean that the eyes of the fashion press will be on her. Such intense scrutiny is enough to make anyone run for the door, but whether she likes it or not, Kate Middleton is set to become Britain’s number 1 export in terms of global fashion.
Kate Middleton’s Style
After the death of Princess Diana, British fashionistas have been hankering after another Royal style icon and this new English Rose has some very big (fashion) shoes to fill.
Kate Middleton has had 8 years of practice, however, at being the wife of a future King of England and this 28-year-old's style shows definite promise. This future queen has already landed herself on People magazine's "Best Dressed List" for 2007 and 2010. Her personal style can be described and demure but classically sexy.
Since her St Andrews University days alongside fellow student Prince William, Kate Middleton's signature style has evolved from a typical student's wardrobe of baseball cap, long scuffed boots and skinny jeans, to curvy tailored jackets that flatter her tiny frame and demure (with hint of sexy) just-above-the-knee Issa dresses that show off her best assets, her legs. For partying, there are sleeveless Issa thigh-skimming cocktail shifts, and for special occasions, sophisticated column-cut satin halterneck gowns from both Issa and Christopher Bailey at Burberry, which flatter her willowy frame.
When it comes to accessories there’s her favorite Mulberry bag and Longchamp clutch. Kate can carry off almost any headwear with aplomb, due to her very symmetrical face, and one of her trademarks is her oversized Philip Treacy hats.
Kate is also a country girl at heart and her casual wardrobe reflects this. At home in her white shirt, Ralph Lauren belt and tweeds, a jaunty hat and brown suede high heel boots, Kate gives country chic a young and modern look.
Kate Middleton’s Favorite Designers
Kate Middleton has proved that she is just as much at home in a Top Shop or Next number as a designer label. She shares this ability of mixing high-end with high street, with another global fashion icon, First Lady, Michelle Obama.
Flying the flag for British designers Kate favors Mulberry and Burberry, but her favorite designer is London-based Issa. For her engagement to Prince William, Kate wore a demure (but sexy) royal blue Issa wrap dress. Brazilian-born Daniella Issa Helayel with her eponymous label Issa London has been her favored designer for years. Such is Kate Middleton's style clout that she has become an unofficial ambassador for the Issa brand.
After her marriage to Prince William it is inevitable that her style will evolve as she will have access to the best of the best in terms of designers. Speculation is already rife as to which designers will gain royal favor. According to the Daily Mail, Vogue magazine is predicting that Erdem, Preen, Alice Temperley, Julien MacDonald, Roksana Ilincic and William Tempest will be possible choices. Referring to her as the ”Queen of clean”, American designer Michael Kors told the Daily Mail that Kate Middleton was one of the women he would most like to dress.
Kate Middleton's Wedding Dress
The six million dollar question is who will design the Kate Middleton wedding dress? Princess Diana chose designer duo David and Elizabeth Emmanuel for her fairytale gown. Thirty years on, according to the Daily Mail, Brides magazine is predicting that Bruce Oldfield will create her wedding dress. However, this is just speculation. Other hot favorites include Daniella Issa Helayel and the London-based wedding dress designer to the stars, Phillipa Lepley.
Sources:
- Jones, Liz. “Kate Middleton has great style….just lose the yellow hotpants,” Daily Mail, November 17, 2010.
- Abraham, Tamara. “How Kate Middleton’s favourite designer became a fashion must-have,” Daily Mail, November 18, 2010.
Gill Hart - Gill Hart is a fashion and image professional who specializes in women's fashion over 50.
