In 2012, the Duchess of Cambridge (still often referred to by her maiden name, Kate Middleton) visited Leicester with the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. For the engagement, she chose the teal ‘Davina’ dress and coordinating ‘Jude’ peplum jacket, both by L.K. Bennett.
You might notice the belt is different? The Duchess decided to change things up a bit by wearing a thicker black belt by Alexander McQueen.
Later, Kate wore the L.K. Bennett Jude jacket again (this time with its original belt) to the ICAP 23rd annual Charity Day in 2015.
About the L.K. Bennett Jude Peplum Jacket:
The teal peplum jacket is made from wool and retailed for £295 (around $392 at today’s exchange rates). Here’s how L.K. Bennett described the piece back in 2012 –
“A fine balance between sharp tailoring and femininity. Jude features a double neckline with a v-neck front and raised collar in the back, which frames the neck and decolletage perfectly. The nipped waist is complete with a belt. Pair with a pencil skirt for a clean line and elevate with sleek heels.”
Where to buy the Jude jacket today:
Sadly, the original Jude jacket sold out long ago. If you’re after the original jacket from 2012, try eBay. Otherwise, check out the Judi jacket, just released by L.K. Bennett UK/International for the autumn/winter 2016 season.
As you can see, it is virtually identical in style (and in name – almost) to the one worn by Kate. There are a few key differences. First, the jacket is crafted from a polyester blend fabric and not wool and second, the colour. Instead of teal, L.K. Bennett have released the jacket in a darker shade called “Evergreen”.
Here’s how L.K. Bennett describes the piece:
“A classic style, the Judi jacket will see you effortlessly elegant at the office or your next event. With its peplum silhouette, coordinated belt and collarless design, this jacket partners ideally with the matching Saskia dress or Juki skirt for a complete look.”
The Judi jacket currently retails for £225 (approximately $300 USD) at the time of writing.
Note: it is not currently available on the L.K. Bennett USA/Canada site.
Jude or Jetta?
A couple of years ago, L.K. Bennett released an updated version of the Jude jacket named ‘Jetta’. It had the same silhouette with a peplum and it came in the same blue/green teal colour. However, the Jetta featured a different neckline and lapel. It was also made from a polyester blend fabric and not wool like its predecessor.
Kate Middleton wearing L.K. Bennett
The Duchess regularly wears L.K. Bennett for public engagements. She owns several pairs of shoes, a number of dresses and many coats by the brand.
Pictured above: Kate wearing the L.K. Bennett Detroit dress during a visit to The Arm Room charity in 2014.
Below, a picture of Kate wearing the L.K. Bennett Fern heels during the India and Bhutan tour while sat outside the iconic Taj Mahal.
