Kate Middleton oozed with glamour at the Royal Variety Performance on Thursday evening.
The Princess of Wales looked sensational in a Poseidon blue floor-length gown by Safiyaa London, matching heels by Gianvito Rossi, exquisite faux pearl and crystal earrings by J.Crew, a glittering bracelet and a coordinating silver box clutch by Jenny Packham.
The Princess attended the performance with her husband, Prince William. However, the couple weren’t the only royals in the house!
They were joined by Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden.
The two Swedish royals are spending a few days in the United Kingdom on an official visit. Earlier today, they met with the Prince and Princess of Wales at Windsor Castle:
The Royal Variety Performance, a prestigious annual event in the United Kingdom, is a glittering night of entertainment designed to raise funds for the Royal Variety Charity. This year, it took place at the Royal Albert Hall.
William helping Kate up the steps, shortly after their red carpet arrival:
Traditionally attended by senior members of the British Royal Family, this gala event showcases a diverse array of performances from top-tier talent in music, comedy, dance, and theatre.
It’s a highlight of the entertainment calendar, where the worlds of royalty and showbiz splendidly collide. This illustrious evening not only provides a platform for world-class entertainers but also supports the charity in aiding those from the entertainment industry in need of care and assistance. The event’s history dates back over a century, symbolising a longstanding relationship between the royals and the arts.
This year’s performance was star-studded and diverse. It was hosted by Bradley Walsh and featured an array of celebrated artists. The iconic Cher performed number from her new Christmas album. The performance also included a special “Disney 100 Medley” featuring songs from “The Lion King,” “Frozen,” “Aladdin,” “Hercules,” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
Adding to the musical extravaganza, the lineup included renowned artists like McFly, celebrating their 20th anniversary, Rick Astley, Zara Larsson, and Paloma Faith, who performed her latest single. The event also featured Hannah Waddingham accompanied by The ENO Chorus.
For a touch of comedy, performers like Ellie Taylor and Simon Brodkin were included. Theatre lovers enjoyed performances from “Crazy for You” and “Sister Act,” featuring Beverley Knight.
Derren Brown performed part of his ‘Unbelievable’ magic act. While world-renowned pianist Lang Lang collaborated with the young and prodigious Lucy, who won Channel 4’s “The Piano” competition.
Other notable acts included the dance troupe Malevo, Melanie C & Ben Forster in a tribute to Bill Kenwright, the National Youth Choir, Rosie Jones, The Little Big Things, Tom Allen, Viggo Venn (winner of Britain’s Got Talent), and the Welsh Guards Band.
Let’s look at Kate’s stunning ensemble now.
Kate’s outfit:
I think this gown is another testament to Kate’s impeccable taste, showcasing her ability to consistently dazzle with fresh and elegant choices. Just when you’re still getting over one show-stopping gown look, she manages to pull another one out of the bag!
This design is by Safiyaa. It’s the Destiny Long Dress in Poseidon Blue.
The gown’s silhouette is sleek, and features dramatic shoulders and long sleeves that match the floor-length hem and split just above the elbow. The crystal embellished embroidered neckline offers a hint of sparkle and serves as a built-in accessory.
The back of the dress is just as meticulously designed, with a hidden zipper ensuring a seamless look and the continuation of the sleek, body-skimming design.
The boat-neck gown is crafted from a heavy crepe fabric.
Would this gown work for your next formal event? Find it on Safiyaa’s website for $2,445 though other colours are available upon request. The dresses are made-to-order in Safiyaa’s atelier.
This is the first time we’ve seen Kate in Safiyaa. The label was on my radar though—I had stumbled across them a year ago following the South Africa State Banquet. They sold a white gown that worked as a ‘dupe’ for people wanting to copy Kate’s look from the evening. At the time, I remember thinking the collection aligned seamlessly with the Princess’s aesthetic. I wondered if we’d see her wear a Safiyaa gown in the future. And now we have! I suspect it won’t be the last either…
Daniela Karnuts founded Safiyaa London in 2011, the label is named after her daughter. With a focus on craftsmanship and quality, Safiyaa’s designs are distinguished by their precise tailoring and exquisite detailing, appealing to those who appreciate high-end fashion with a personal touch.
The Princess paired the gown with a pair of suede pumps in a matching tone of teal-blue. I am pretty sure she’s wearing the Gianvito Rossi 105 pumps.
The Princess debuted the shoes at the Irish Guard parade on St Patrick’s Day last March.
At the time, Emmy London emailed me to say Kate wore their Rebecca style in Lake—which match the clutch bag she carried to the event (also by their company). However, they were wrong. I saw the logo on the back of Kate’s shoes at the Irish Guards parade and they definitely matched the Gianvito Rossi logo—the designer always embosses the logo horizontally on the sole.
The sole on the Emmy London shoes are quite different and very distinctive in their own right. They’re stamped with Emmy London’s cursive logo and finished with a diamanté crystal.
At the time, Emmy’s PR rep seemed quite certain Kate wore their shoes, so I wouldn’t rule out the Princess owning both pairs. She could be wearing the Emmy London pair tonight.
But I do think she’s wearing the Gianvito Rossi pair, due to the heel caps. Below: Kate / Gianvito Rossi / Emmy London.
I think Kate’s heel cap very slightly “trumpets” out like the Gianvito Rossi heel caps. The Emmy London heel caps are tight squares. I could be wrong! It’s really quite impossible to know for certain.
Kate’s clutch bag is by Jenny Packham. It’s the Casa Crystal Clutch.
The item features a silver metal geometric frame that’s finished with a gold/silver sparkled textured fabric and a crystal-encrusted clasp. Kate’s carried the bag several times before and she also owns it in red.
Sadly, it is no longer available for purchase.
Of course, Kate’s pretty loyal to Jenny Packham, the British designer known for her glamorous gowns and elegant bridal collections. The Princess often chooses Packham’s creations for high-profile public engagements.
Onto Kate’s jewellery now. Let’s start by looking at her earrings:
The Princess is wearing her ‘pearl and crystal’ earrings from J Crew, first seen at the 2018 Festival of Remembrance. (You can see the pearls clearly in this picture I am unable to licence for the blog, unfortunately. It opens in a new tab.)
This is only the second time we’ve seen Kate wear them in public to date. Each earring features three faux pearls and a cluster of crystals. The earrings are made from brass, glass and plastic and plated with a light gold metal.
They’re long-sold out at J Crew I’m afraid. eBay or Poshmark is your best chance of snagging a pair now.
Finally, Kate debuted a new bracelet at the Royal Variety Performance. It looks like a costume jewellery piece, though I cannot say for certain. I’m also not sure if it has blue stones or the colour is simply reflecting from Kate’s dress!
Unfortunately, I cannot tell you anything further about the piece—it remains a mystery.
Did you like Kate’s look this evening? What did you think compared to her previous Royal Variety looks? As ever, let me know in the comments below!
Related reading:
I made a mistake and commented on this ensemble under the other post. That said, I dislike this dress immensely. The sleeves are awful, the shoulder pads are atrocious, and the shoes are not the same hue as the dress. If you’re going to go for a column of color, leave it at the dress and don’t try to match in suede shoes because they will never be a perfect match. I hope this isn’t a polyester crepe fabric!
She does look good in this color, I’ll give her that. I just can’t get over these shoulder pads. This isn’t Dynasty, Kate.
I’d change out those sleeves and also wear a metallic shoe, or those really cool sparkly ones she has. Jewelry is nice enough, hair is good (although I’d do something different with it so the neckline is highlighted as it should be), and so is the makeup – it’s very good.
As a seamstress myself, this dress is very ill-fitting on Kate. It’s too big. Those vertical darts in the front are not found on the version the model is wearing. It has not been properly tailored to fit Kate.
Also the fabric is 100% polyester crepe, not something I would choose to make a gown like this from.
Carly, thanks for all the details on this ensemble, and also thank you for deleting my mixed up commentary on the other post from yesterday!!!!!
What goes around comes around. Maybe shoulder pads are coming back, and that makes her a trend setter.
Not loving this gown. I do love the fit – the Princess has such a lovely figure as well as the colour but she seems to be having a fling lately with these poncho-like sleeves that to my eye make her arms look awkward as well as giving her a look that is so heavy at the top. Whoever is styling her is going down the wrong path. I don’t think it would be inappropriate to turn up the sexy a bit for these glam occasions. If this had been perhaps a halter-style with the beading at the neck, a slit to show off her lovely legs and a hard no to suede pumps for an evening out on the town, maybe a tear-drop opening….
I love the color on Catherine. In late November I understand wanting a little coverage from colder weather.
As for the strong shoulder, this is a trend I don’t care for and a look I hope is not around for long in fashion.
do not like the shoulder style and cape effect – does not seem to fit well either
colour is good – hair too long and too young for her
sandalwood
At least I’m not the only one who doesnt like the dress. It’s the shoulder pads(?) to me. I like sleeves or capes but that doesnt look good but the colour is lovely.
I don’t get the negativity of the other comments. Kate looked fabulous and really like that she does not stick to one style or trend.
Do not like the sleeves. It does not do her beauty justice. She is beautiful put something beautiful on her. Color was great.
The cut and fabric are just awful on her. When Kate walks in this gown the dress completely loses any semblance of shape. Not a good look for a Princess!
She looks stunning while the dress needed another fit because it’s cut for a curved figure but she looks gorgeous anyway. Perfect hair and makeup
As awlays a stunning look. Shoes matching the bag would have been a better choice. Only thing I think she should reconsider is sporting a fringe. When her hair was swept away with the wind, her face looks so much better – regal and statuesque.
I like that Kate is wearing the Windsor blue color. I saw mention of a “pastel” blue and feel this does not do her choice of color justice. While I like a tailored look, I do wish Kate would be a little less fitted. I do like the gowns that are somewhat tailored with the chiffon type overlays. Windsor blue is one of the better colors I have seen her wear. I do think strappy is more elegant for evening rather than a pump or suede style. A high heeled strappy sandal in a silver with stones would be beautiful with this gown. I do not like the should pads but that is general statement not specific to Kate.
I really liked this look on Catherine, it looks regal and splendid, even though I must say, I survived the Dynasty days, and although I like 1940s-style shoulder pads, I’m no fan in general of the hugely exaggerated Dynasty-style shoulder pads. Catherine has the height to make them bearable. The colour is superb on her. The only thing I don’t like are the bangs hanging like a draped curtain over her beautiful face and eyes. She looks like she’s hiding! As for the fitting of the clothes, I keep on wondering whether she isn’t pregnant – very early. I’m wondering again, quite frankly. She’s doing a sort of protective hand gesture sometimes of late, and William’s being very protective too. I’m watching with interest! Don’t expect any more, and she’s suffered so in her pregnancies, but I’m wondering!