Kate Middleton Style Blog

A FASHION BLOG CHRONICLING KATE MIDDLETON—The Princess of Wales's— STYLE

  • Home
  • All Kate’s Outfits
    • March 2023
    • February 2023
    • Older
  • Inside Kate’s Wardrobe
    • Dresses
      • Casual / daytime dresses
      • Workswear / smart dresses
      • Gowns / evening dresses
      • View all dresses
    • Coats & Jackets
      • Winter Coats
      • Blazers
      • Casual, sports & outdoor coats
      • Formal, evening coats & coatdresses
      • View all coats
    • Bags & purses
      • Top Handled Bags
      • Clutches
      • Tote Bags & Holdalls
      • View all bags
    • Shoes & Footwear
      • Boots
        • Ankle Boots
      • Heels / Pumps / Court Shoes
      • Sneakers / trainers
      • Sandals
      • Flats
      • Wedges / Espadrilles
      • View all shoes
    • Tops & Sweaters
      • Sweaters / jumpers
      • Cardigans
      • Shirts / blouses
      • T-Shirts
      • View all tops
    • Bottoms / pants & skirts
      • Jeans
      • Trousers / pants
      • Skirts
      • Sportswear (leggings, tennis skirts, jogging bottoms)
      • View all bottoms
    • Jewellery
      • Earrings
      • Necklaces
      • View all jewellery
    • Accessories
      • Gloves
      • Sunglasses
      • Scarves
      • Belts
      • Hats
      • View all accessories
    • Suits
    • Maternity
  • Copy Kate’s Style
  • Favourite designers
    • Alessandra Rich
    • Alexander McQueen
    • Aspinal of London
    • Annoushka
    • Catherine Walker
    • Emmy London
    • Gianvito Rossi
    • Jenny Packham
    • Kiki Mcdonough
    • L.K. Bennett
    • Mulberry
    • VIEW MORE →
  • Articles
    • 9 British Bag Brands Kate Middleton Carries On Repeat
    • Kate Middleton’s Best Looks Of All Time
    • 9 Reasons Why Kate Middleton Is A Fashion Icon

Kate wears Orla Kiely dress to view exhibition she helped to curate at the National Portrait Gallery

Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton) visiting the National Portrait Gallery wearing an Orla Kiely dress
Gianvito Rossi 105 heels in Praline

Gianvito Rossi ‘Gianvito 105’ pumps in Praline Suede

View / Buy

Jimmy Choo Celeste Clutch

View / Buy
Orla Kiely Margaret Smock Dress as worn by Kate Middleton

Orla Kiely x Leith Margaret Smock Dress

View / Buy

Kiki McDonough Pink Tourmaline & Green Amethyst Earrings

 
 

On the 28th February 2018, Kate visited the National Portrait Gallery (NPG) in London.

Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton) attends the National Portrait Gallery "Victorian Giants" Exhibition wearing Orla Kiely x Leith Clark (L'Orla) dress

As you may recall, the Duchess is Patron of the gallery.  She took on the patronage in 2012.

Kate Middleton in the snow

It was the second engagement of the day for Kate, who spent the morning discussing the future of the Royal Foundation with William, Harry and Meghan.  (Read more about that here.)

Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle at the Royal Foundation Forum today

Kate visited the gallery to see and promote an exhibition which she helped to curate, titled ‘Victorian Giants: The Birth of Art Photography’.

Duchess of Cambridge at the NPG

The Duchess worked with the National Portrait Gallery to select Victorian photographs for a special “Patron’s Trail”.

Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton) visiting the National Portrait Gallery

Kate contributed personal captions for selected images in the exhibition.

Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton) visiting the National Portrait Gallery

She also wrote a foreword for the exhibition’s catalogue, in which she speaks about her undergraduate thesis:

This period in the history of photography has long interested me. As a student at the University of St. Andrews, I chose it as the subject of my undergraduate thesis and photographs of children particular, which feature predominately within the exhibition, are of real interest to me.

These photographs allow us to reflect on the importance of preserving and appreciating childhood while it lasts. Children held a special place in the Victorian imagination and were celebrated for their seemingly boundless potential. This notion still rings true for us today and it underpins much of my official work and the charities I have chosen to support, and, indeed, my role as a mother of a young family.  – Duchess of Cambridge

According to exhibition curator Dr Phillip Prodger, Kate explained that her undergraduate thesis is stashed away somewhere in the ‘family archives’.   Apparently, Kate asked to retrieve the document, but nobody could find it.

Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton) visiting the National Portrait Gallery

Kate, who graduated from St. Andrew’s University with an Art History degree, also wrote that she’s an “enthusiastic amateur photographer”.  As you may recall, Kate regularly takes and releases her own ‘official’ photographs of her children.  Earlier this year, the Duchess released two photographs of Princess Charlotte to mark her first-day attending nursery school.

Princess Charlotte - photograph taken by the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton

The Victorian Giants exhibition includes rarely-seen photographs from a number of photographers, including Oscar Rejlander, Lewis Carroll, Julia Margaret Cameron and Lady Clementina Hawarden.  Some of the photographs have been loaned to the NPG from the Royal Collection.

Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton) visiting the National Portrait Gallery

After touring the exhibition, Kate met guests and NPG staff at a reception.

Kate at the NPG reception

If you’d like to go and view the Patron’s Trail, the exhibition will run until the 20th May 2018.   You can find out more details at npg.org.uk.

Kate’s outfit:

On to Kate’s outfit now.  The Duchess wore a floral print dress by Irish designer Orla Kiely.  It is from the designer’s third collaboration with stylist and Harper’s Bazaar contributing editor, Leith Clark.  Their capsule collection has been titled “L’Orla“.

Kate Middleton wearing Orla Kiely

The style name is “Margaret Smock Bib Floral Print Dress“.  It’s from the resort 2018 collection.

Orla Kiely Look 3 from the Resort 2018 collection L'Orla

The dress features a colourful floral print, long sleeves, a soft velvet collar band, ruffled bib detailing, soft pleats at the hem of the skirt and soft, ruffled cuffs.

Orla Kiely x Leith Margaret Smock Dress, as worn by Kate Middleton
Orla Kiely x Leith Margaret Smock Dress, as worn by Kate Middleton

Here’s how the dress was described at VeryExclusive.co.uk:

This floral print smock dress will have you looking effortlessly feminine at this seasons occasions, cut to a flattering figure-skimming fit that’s sure to have you turning heads – team it with your favourite strappy heels and a clutch as part of a chic party-ready ensemble.

Sadly, the dress is now sold out.  However, Selfridges still stock the Margaret dress in a retro 70s-inspired print and a long skirt with the same floral print and ruffled detailing.

L'Orla floral print skirt
L'Orla Margaret dress in spotty retro print

Kate’s beige clutch bag is by Jimmy Choo.  It’s the designer’s “Celeste” clutch.

Jimmy Choo Celeste Clutch

The bag is described as being “ballet pink” at Nordstrom.com, where it currently retails for $1,495.  The silver-coloured frame is decorated with pink crystals.

Jimmy Choo Celeste Clutch
Jimmy Choo Celeste Clutch

Kate’s shoes are by Gianvito Rossi.  They’re the designer’s “Gianvito” style in Praline.  Kate owns at least five pairs of the shoe in varying colours and heel heights.  You can read more about the shoes here.

Kate Middletons nude gianvito rossi shoes at the National Portrait Gallery
Kate Middleton wears the Gianvito Rossi 105 pumps in beige/praline

If you’d like to own the same shoes, they can be purchased from Net-A-Porter.com for £495 GBP / $675 USD.

Kate brought back her bespoke Kiki McDonough earrings for the exhibition.  They’re made from h stones.  They’re similar to the pair pictured below:

Duchess of Cambridge wearing her Kiki McDonough earrings at the NPG

Copy Kate - Jimmy Choo & Gianvito Rossi:

01 Mar 2018

Brands: Gianvito Rossi | Jimmy Choo | Kiki Mcdonough | Orla Kiely
Tagged with: Black • Floral

Related Posts:

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.

GET KATE'S OUTFIT INFO

Sent into your inbox 1x per week

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

.
« Kate takes to the stage with future sister-in-law Meghan to discuss The Royal Foundation’s future
Kate wears cream coat to see the work of Family Links at primary school visit in Oxford »

Comments

  1. C says

    March 1, 2018 at 8:19 pm

    Hideous unflattering dress, as per usual lately.

  2. Wendi says

    March 2, 2018 at 5:09 pm

    I have to say that I am not a fan of these frocks that HRH has been wearing. They are matronly & not particularly flattering. Those Erdem dresses she wore on the latest tour were awful – the blue one looked like a repurposed carpet. She usually owns the room but not in these floral disasters.

  3. Em Gray says

    March 2, 2018 at 9:57 pm

    Catherine looks beautiful no matter what she wears. She seems beautiful inside and out.
    It is a refreshing change that she dresses with dignity as opposed to the barely there clothing now worn by so many
    celebrities. She sets a good example for all women in my opinion.
    Her patronage’s in support of women, children and the mental health of all are to be admired.
    She seems very humble, bright, kind and talented.
    William and Kate seem soulmates.
    She will be a remarkable Queen that will make the UK proud.

  4. Blueberries says

    March 3, 2018 at 3:30 am

    Great post, Carly! The photo selection was niiice.

    Is this outfit reflecting the weather in the UK right now, just curious? Personally, I liked the dress. The earrings and clutch are also interesting departures from her usual. Not sure if I’m liking them, but overall, she’s making some interesting choices since the Sweden tour.

    • Carly Wood says

      March 3, 2018 at 10:32 am

      Hi Blueberries, thank you for commenting (especially as I’ve had to take a bit of a hiatus recently, but I’m slowly getting back to blogging).

      The weather in the UK is horrendous right now, we’re calling it Snowpocalypse. Though some areas have it worse than others. Norway, Canada and other “cold countries” are laughing at us though, saying it’s nothing! Haha.

      • Blueberries says

        March 4, 2018 at 4:20 am

        Hey Carly, Thought you Brits would be used to snow. ;D

        I saw news of your “Snowpocalypse” after I wrote that comment. In late February too, oh brr! Do not envy you guys at all.

        Anyway, welcome back! Wish we had your posts during the Sweden tour!

Home » Kate Middleton's Outfits » Kate wears Orla Kiely dress to view exhibition she helped to curate at the National Portrait Gallery
Welcome to Kate Middleton Style Blog

A fashion blog about Catherine, Princess of Wales (still often referred to as Kate Middleton). We cover Kate's outfits & post news from her royal engagements.

Kate Middleton’s recent outfits:

Older:

  • Kate Middleton in Navy Floral Erdem Skirt Suit & Royal Bling For 2023 Commonwealth Day Service
  • Kate Middleton Respectfully Covers Up With Headscarf for Visit to Hayes Muslim Centre
  • Kate Middleton’s Combat-Ready Look Steals the Show During Snowy Visit with Irish Guards

View more of Kate's outfits

Kate’s outfits from the archive:

RECENTLY WORN BY KATE

Gianvito Rossi 'Gianvito 105' pumps in black suede

Browse site by month:

Browse site by category:

Featured:

Kate Middleton Carries Bags From These 9 British Brands on Repeat

Kate Middleton’s Most Romantic Looks: A Valentine’s Day Tribute

Kate Middleton’s Handbags

Kate Middleton’s Boots:

This website participates in advertising and affiliate marketing. This means I receive compensation from some of the companies mentioned here, at no extra cost to you. Full details can be found on this page

Carly Wood (KateMIddletonStyle.org) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com & amazon.co.uk. Read full earnings disclosure here

Boring legal stuff:

  • About & Contact
  • COOKIES & PRIVACY
  • Media, Press and PR
  • Privacy policy
  • General disclaimer
  • Earnings disclaimer
  • Google Sitemap

Browse Kate’s wardrobe:

  • Bags
  • Coats & Jackets
  • Dresses
  • Jewellery
  • Earrings
  • Shoes
  • Wedges
  • Boots
  • Skirts
  • Tops
  • Sweaters / Jumpers
  • Trousers
  • Maternity
  • Sunglasses

Browse by colour:

  • Blue outfits
  • Green outfits
  • White outfits
  • Black outfits
  • Red outfits
  • Pink outfits
  • Yellow outfits
  • Gold Outfits
  • Purple outfits
  • Peach Outfits
  • Orange Outfits

Browse by style:

  • Tie-neck blouses & dresses
  • Casual style
  • Wedding guest style
  • Country style
  • Sporty style
  • Summer style
  • Floral prints
  • Stripes
  • Skirt suits

Designers worn by Kate:

  • Alexander McQueen
  • Kiki Mcdonough
  • L.K. Bennett
  • Jimmy Choo
  • Stuart Weitzman
  • Mulberry
  • Tiffany & Co.
  • Gianvito Rossi
  • Jenny Packham
  • Prada
  • Topshop
  • Catherine Walker
  • Cartier
  • Zara
  • Beulah London
  • Temperley London
  • Cornelia James
  • Barbour
  • & Other Stories
  • Boden
  • Emilia Wickstead
  • Erdem
  • Goat

Find us on social media:

  • BlogLovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Kate Middleton Style Blog is written by Carly Whitewood, 2011—2022

 

Loading Comments...