Kate Middleton owns a purple suit by Emilia Wickstead.
The Princess of Wales has worn the suit in public twice to date, in September 2021 for a visit to Derry-Londonderry. And again in 2023, for the inaugural Shaping Us National Symposium (pictured above).
During the 2021 visit, Kensington Palace confirmed to journalists that Emilia Wickstead designed the purple trouser suit.
About the purple suit:
The suit is a sartorial masterpiece, exuding both elegance and modernity. This impeccably tailored suit features a structured blazer and sleek, straight-leg trousers, all in a rich purple hue. The design balances classic femininity with a contemporary edge, making it a versatile choice for various formal occasions. Its streamlined silhouette and striking colour make it a standout piece, ideal for anybody seeking to make a sophisticated yet bold fashion statement.
It looks like Kate commissioned the purple suit directly from Emilia Wickstead. The designer did send the suit down the runway in purple during her Autumn-Winter 2021 show, but as far as I can tell, the colour was never offered as part of her ready-to-wear collection.
It looks like Kate wears the Dida jacket and the Gus trousers. Both were both sold ready-to-wear in grey, brown and houndstooth between 2021 and today. They look like a match for the purple suit worn by the Princess.
Emilia Wickstead describes the double-breasted Dida blazer as “softly tailored to offer a structured yet ultimately feminine silhouette”.
The jacket featured defined shoulders, welted pockets, peak lapels and self-covered buttons across the front and at the cuffs. It’s made from a mid-weight wool flannel fabric and features a silk-acetate mix lining.
Emilia Wickstead say the Gus trousers’s “precision construction and tailored finish” offer “a universally flattering fit.” The trousers feature a high-rise silhouette with stitched waist pleats and a tapered leg that creates a relaxed fit.
Does Kate wear Emilia Wickstead often?
Yes, Emilia Wickstead is undoubtedly one of Kate’s favourite designers, with the Princess often selecting her brightly-coloured dresses and impeccably tailored coats for various royal engagements each year.
One of her most notable appearances in Emilia Wickstead was recently, during the South African State Visit. On this occasion, the Princess wore a bespoke plum purple coat dress with peak lapels, a mid-length knife-pleat skirt, waistband, and long sleeves.
About Emilia Wickstead:
Emilia Wickstead, a New Zealand born designer, is renowned for her modern elegance and refined aesthetics. The brand resonates with a sense of timeless sophistication. Established in London, Emilia Wickstead has become synonymous with beautifully crafted garments that blend traditional techniques with contemporary design. The brand’s aesthetic is marked by a minimalist approach, often featuring bold colours and clean silhouettes, making it a favourite among those who appreciate understated luxury and impeccable tailoring.