20th November 2013—The Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton) attended the Place2Be Forum.
The event took place at the offices of Clifford Chance in Canary Wharf, London.
Place2Be is a children’s mental health charity that provides emotional and therapeutic services in schools. The charity aims to build resilience through talking, creative work and play. Kate has been the charity’s Patron since 2013.
The conference addressed the topic of resilience and emotional strength in schools:
With the wellbeing of British children still lagging worryingly behind many of its European neighbours – the UK ranks only 16th out of 29 developed countries – the charity brought together health and education experts, including Professors Stephen Scott and Tanya Byron, to address key challenges facing today’s children, and how we can help them to tackle these and grow up resilient.
Pertinent topics covered included: cyberbullying; self-harm; special educational needs of children today; preventing addiction; the need for parents to bring up strong, well-adjusted children; and how we can raise aspirations, access and achievement.
Kate’s outfit:
Kate chose a navy blue ensemble for the Place2Be Forum. Her jacket is by Italian label Max Mara.
It was from the designer’s autumn/winter 2013 collection. It features a Peter Pan style collar, asymmetrical zipper, pocket detailing and full-length sleeves. Here’s a closer look:
Kate’s blue pleated skirt is by Irish designer Orla Kiely. It’s from the designer’s spring/summer 2012 collection.
The blue skirt is made from crepe fabric and it features permanent pleats all the way around. There is a hidden button and zip closure on the back of the skirt.
Kate carried a familiar clutch bag. It’s the Stuart Weitzman Muse style in blue suede. Regular readers will know Kate carries the bag frequently.
The Duchess owns the bag in three other colours. She’s carried them regularly since joining the Royal Family in 2011. Stuart Weitzman produced the Muse in a number of colours and materials for many years, though they sadly do not stock it today. It’s thought Kate purchased the bags from Russell and Bromley in London. The shop is one of the only UK stockists and Kate used to visit quite regularly.
Kate also wore a pair of gloves, also in blue. They feature a bow detail on the cuff. Unfortunately, we do not know who designed these gloves.
Kate’s blue suede heels are by Alexander McQueen. Kate first wore the shoes during the Canada Tour in 2011. Sadly, little else is known about the pumps.
Kate accessorised her outfit with a pair of Annoushka Baroque Pearl Drop Earrings. The earrings feature creamy white freshwater pearls suspended from 18-carat gold rings.
The earrings can still be purchased from Annoushka.com for £375 (other currencies are available, the designer ships worldwide.)
Kate wears her pearl drops suspended from Kiki McDonough hoops.
