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Kate stuns crowds at the “Millies” wearing black velvet Alexander McQueen dress

Kate at The Sun Military Awards in 2011
Kate Middleton's Jimmy Choo Cosmic pumps in black suede

Jimmy Choo Cosmic Pumps

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On December 19th 2011, Duchess Catherine attended The Sun’s Military Awards, along with Princes William and Harry.  The event, which is sometimes known as the “Night of Heroes” or “The Millies”, was held at London’s Imperial War Museum.

The Duchess of Cambridge attends the "Millies" wearing a black velvet Alexander McQueen dress

The Duchess of Cambridge attends the “Millies” wearing a black velvet Alexander McQueen dress

A star-studded line up of royalty, politicians and entertainers attended the awards to pay tribute to the courage, sacrifice, achievements and excellence of the UK’s Armed Forces.

David Beckham, Jimmy Carr, Frank Lampard, Christine Bleakley and Gordon Ramsey were just a few celebrities in attendance.

There were nine categories of awards this year, recognising the bravery and professionalism of the men and women working in our Armed Forces around the world, as well as members of the public, who, in various ways, work tirelessly to support our Service personnel.

– Gov.co.uk

Kate’s outfit:

Kate looked absolutely stunning in a floor length velvet strapless dress, which she paired with some glittering jewels:

Kate in black velvet McQueen gown at "The Millies"

Kate in black velvet McQueen gown at “The Millies”

The dress is a bespoke piece by Alexander McQueen.  It appears to be a customised version of the label’s “Strapless Velvet Gown“:

Alexander McQueen velvet gown

Alexander McQueen velvet gown

From Net-A-Porter.com:

Velvet is a huge trend for FW11, and Alexander McQueen’s black strapless gown is a spectacular way to work it into your evening portfolio. Elevate the sheer chiffon skirt with statement sandals and complete the look with swept-up hair and a bright box clutch.

Kate’s dress is further customised with a full velvet skirt and a ruffled bustier.

Shop black Alexander McQueen dresses:

Kate accessorised her dress with a little bling.  She wore an amazing diamond necklace with pink-red stones (perhaps rubies?) and a matching bracelet.  Clarence House confirmed Kate’s jewellery is from her personal collection, given to her as a wedding gift by a friend.  The set is by luxury jewellery and timepiece company Mouawad:

kate middleton's jewellery

Kate’s Jewellery by Mouawad

Sadly, we cannot locate a picture of Kate’s set, but here’s an example to show some of the company’s exquisite jewellery:

Mouawad jewellery

Mouawad jewellery

Kate also wore the same mystery earrings from her appearance at Canada Day’s evening celebrations (where she wore the purple Issa dress) and again, which she wore to Zara Phillips’ wedding.

Kate debuted a new pair of shoes to the Sun Military Awards.  She wore the Jimmy Choo Cosmic pumps in black suede.

Kate wearing her Jimmy Choo Cosmics (shown here on another occasion)

Kate wearing her Jimmy Choo Cosmics (shown here on another occasion)

The almond-toe pumps feature a 4.7″ heel.  The company says the soft black suede shoes “exude modern elegance” and the “perfectly proportioned silhouette will prove endlessly versatile from the board room to dinner dates”.

Shop Jimmy Choo Cosmics:

Kate’s black velvet clutch bag features an oversized bow.  It is by “Pretty Ballerinas“.

Pretty Ballerinas Velvet Bow Clutch

Pretty Ballerinas Velvet Bow Clutch

Shop black bow clutch bags:

20 Dec 2011

Brands: Alexander McQueen | Jimmy Choo | Mouawad | Pretty Ballerinas
Tagged with: Black

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About Carly W

Thanks for stopping by! My name is Carly and I've been writing Kate Middleton Style Blog for 11 years! You can read more about me and my site on this page.

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Comments

  1. Lisa says

    December 20, 2011 at 3:04 pm

    Princess Margaret, the Queen’s sister, wore a tiara that converted to a necklace when she married Anthony Armstrong-Jones. In 2006, Christie’s held an auction of items belonging to the princess and the tiara/necklace was included in the auction/photos. Incredible!!

  2. Melissa says

    December 20, 2011 at 11:34 pm

    nothing sexier than black velvet, she looks gorgeous

  3. Kate says

    December 23, 2011 at 11:08 am

    I couldn’t believe it when I saw this picture as I had a dress almost exactly the same for my prom earlier this year (obviously not designer) I just wish I looked like her when I wore it!

  4. bonna says

    December 25, 2011 at 1:56 am

    she should really stop being so beautiful. not gosh darn fair to the rest of us!!!! ;)~

    simply stunning!

  5. mandysroyalty says

    December 27, 2011 at 11:36 pm

    I provided a link to this article, and did so before I noticed the convertible necklace question that you posed. I asked that same question on Twitter. I thought it looked convertible because it has that tell-tale “spiked” look on what could be a base (if it was to be a tiara).

    🙂
    Mandy

  6. Ann says

    May 4, 2012 at 12:09 pm

    Now she looks lovely.

Trackbacks

  1. Royal Round Up 12-27-11: Duke Has Surgery; Catherine Dazzles; Queen’s Irish Trip Praised By PM | Anglotopia - For People That Love Britain says:
    December 28, 2011 at 2:32 pm

    […] Duchess C Dazzles In Velvet […]

  2. Kate Middleton Outfits: Christmas, Premiere & Gallery | Kate Middleton Style says:
    February 15, 2012 at 10:37 pm

    […] you may remember is the label behind Kate’s black clutch bag with the bow on the front, worn to The Sun Military Awards.  It looks like the shoes will be re-issued too, so that’s great news for fashion […]

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