On the 20th July 2017, William and Kate attended a reception at the Clärchens Ballhaus in Berlin.
The visit took place during the Royal Couple’s official visit to Germany and Poland.
Clärchens Ballhaus is a former ballroom that’s over 100 years old.
Today it’s used as a dance hall, live music venue and restaurant.
Described as a “living time capsule” by Spiegel.de, the ballroom on the ground floor has dark wood panelled walls, candlelit tables, antique bars and a dance floor with a huge disco ball overhead.
The upstairs area is pretty impressive too. From Timeout.com:
Upstairs is another room that never fails to elicit gasps of awe from first-time visitors. Smaller but with high ceilings and a fin-de-siècle vibe, the chandeliered Mirror Salon has huge cracked mirrors, ornate moulding work and candlelight, transporting guests straight back to the 1920s.
The Ballhaus has a rich history. From Spiegel.de:
Clärchens Ballhaus has seen illegal duelling, Nazi dancing bans, wartime destruction and communist black-marketeering. Fans celebrating its 100th anniversary this week say it retains a timeless charm that makes it an enduring icon of Berlin nightlife.
Kate’s outfit:
Kate chose a green dress by Markus Lupfer, a German-born designer who is now based in London.
The dress is sleeveless with a midi-length skirt and it features a bird print motif. It’s available to pre-order at MarkusLupfer.com for £580 GBP.
On his website, the designer describes the dress as having “intricate pintuck pleating with a high neck and flattering midi length skirt.” The dress is made from a 100% polyester georgette fabric.
Markus Lupfer told InStyle Magazine that the wild sparrow was one of his key motifs for the season.
“We created this print in-house, it was hand drawn and painted to create more character and personality. The Crystal pleating technique created a flattering, modern silhouette.
He also told the magazine that he was “over the moon” to see Kate wear his design.
“She looked absolutely beautiful and so elegant. As a German born designer, based in London, seeing Catherine represent me in Berlin was a very proud moment … It doesn’t get much better than a princess wearing your brand.”
A shorter version of the dress is available at Harrods.com for £520.
Kate’s belt didn’t come with the dress. Our friend Michelle suggests that it’s looks like from Jenny Packham‘s Bridal Collection. Jenny Packham is, of course, one of Kate’s favourite British designers.
Kate’s shoes are from Prada. They feature a stiletto heel and three wavy straps. They’re made from an ecru-coloured suede fabric. We know Kate owns them in at least one other colour.
It appears that they’re from an older season, as they’re no longer available for purchase. Though, Net-A-Porter.com does carry the shoe in black (in limited sizes).
Kate debuted a new handbag from African-born designer, Anne Grand-Clément. The designer creates beautiful bags in collaboration with Indian artisans. I believe Kate’s carrying the designer’s Zip Pouch in the Plain Iron colour way. The bag is listed for £300 on Anne Grand-Clement’s website. It features a silk satin interior and several “clever designed” pockets.
Kate accessorised with her Soru Jewellery Baroque Pearl Earrings. They’re made from 18ct yellow gold, Sterling silver, Swarovski crystals and baroque pearls. They cost £130 GBP.
Kate finished her outfit with her famous engagement ring, plus a triple stranded pearl bracelet.
Several bloggers believe it belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales. The Princess wore a similar bracelet during a visit to the Culture Centre in Hong Kong in November 1989.
Such a happy & beautiful occasion. Loved it! XOXOXOXOXO
Yes, me too!
Why are we so fascinated by Catherine I won’t even call her Kate Middleton she is married with two children.
– She is married to the royal family and found a great stylist. You can work hard and make your own mark on the world. As for style hire a stylist or find out what works for you and stick to it.
– Why not look up to a someone in academics and learn more and grow more.
Setting up a site in her name and paying for it – You are burdened and Catherine is benefiting.
Ask yourself – Who is Benefitting and who is Burdened! – In terms of time, effort and cost.
Great site – But one I think should be in your own name – instead of Catherine….
To address your points:
I do work very hard, thank you. I run my own business, which this website is part of. I’m very happy with my style and I do stick to it. But I also enjoy admiring Kate’s.
I hold a first class Master’s degree in media and communications, so please don’t patronise me by telling me to “learn more and grow more”. You don’t know me, and who I admire. I can admire more than one person…
Who is benefiting?
Me: clearly, I generate advertising income.
My readers: they want to track down a particular piece that Kate has worn because perhaps they’d like to buy it to wear to work, or discover new designers to wear. What’s wrong with that? See something, like it, want to buy it? Isn’t that what millions of people do every day?
The royal family: they benefit from being held in positive regard, otherwise we’d just abolish the monarchy!
The charities and organisations Kate supports: they also benefit from the exposure. Note: In 2013, I worked with a group of bloggers to raise £6,000+ for a charity Kate supports – https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/babycambridgefundraiser
The countries Kate visits: I’ve already visited Paris after Kate did because I was enchanted by the city while following the tour. I’d now like to visit Heidelberg and the Ballhous in Berlin featured in this article. These tours must contribute to the travel industry in the countries she visits or the Governments wouldn’t bother!
The fashion designers Kate wears: I’ve discovered so many new designers in the last few years and bought clothing from them (often, completely different to clothing worn by Kate). After I identified a scarf that Kate wore being sold on ETSY, the seller told me she was very thankful for all the additional exposure because her son was about to leave for university. I’d say she benefited for certain.
The British economy: Kate flys the flag for Great Britain and wears lots of clothing from London-based designers. Why not Google the “Kate effect” and see how much her fashion choices are worth: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-17094139/uk-fashion-industry-boosted-by-kate-effect
Finally, you criticise me and my readers, but it is you wasting time reading and commenting on something you have no interest in. I suggest perhaps you find a new and enriching hobby. May I suggest something that will help you “learn more and grow more”.
I wouldn’t worry about this, especially since the commenter wrote the very same thing to What Kate Wore. Keep doing what you’re doing Carly! xoxo
Thank you, Lacey. ❤️
Trolls… They always say, “Why not look up to someone in academia, etc etc. Why not look up to a doctor, blah blah.”
I’m in an environment full of professors and doctors and you’d be surprised to learn how little there is to admire among them these days. There is a lack of creative, original thinking. Everyone’s out for social media clicks. Honestly, Kate and her family are one of the very few bright spots in our world right now.
Trolls always want to make you feel bad/demean your intellect in some way by referring to something assumed to be superior to your genuine interest. Carly, your website is fabulous and you genuinely appreciate your subject. Ignore the haters. They’re meaningless.
Awwww thanks Blueberries!
I think you summed it up perfectly, Kate is a bright spot in the world.
I appreciate you visiting my site!
Keep up the great work you do Carly. Look forward to all the emails I receive from you about the royals.
Aw thanks Evelyn
Your page is very informative Carly. You make great points of interest. The research you provide is always well balanced and of substance
I suggest to Anjiline Sirsikar if you don’t like this page and what it stands for, don’t read the page. It is very petty to criticise others , why don’t you put your energies to something more useful and constructive instead of being borderline mean and nasty.
Thank you and great advice Sophia
Carly,
Your response to that troll is perfect! Kate sets such an inspiring example. Seeing her fashion and causes cheers my day. Thank you so much for the work you do for us!
Thanks for the kind words Carol 🙂