Kate Middleton gave us a lesson in upcycling at the BAFTAs on Sunday evening. The Princess of Wales took to the red carpet wearing a familiar white one-shoulder gown reimagined for a whole new look.
The one-shoulder gown is by Alexander McQueen, one of Kate’s go-to designer houses. We first spotted the Princess wearing the frock at the BAFTAs in 2019. This year, the designer removed the appliqué detail from the shoulder and replaced it with a shoulder drape finished with a bow.
When Kate debuted the gown in 2019, she wore it with cool-tone accessories. The result was a demure, Princess-perfect look. This year, she added drama with a mixture of gold and black—notably, the gold floral statement earrings and long black opera gloves.
Quick look at where each piece of Kate’s outfit is from- sorry I do not have time for one of my full/usual breakdowns. Family has been ill-perils of having a toddler!
- Earrings are by Zara – sold out. Available on eBay.
- Shoes – Aquazzura Fenix 105 in Gold
- Bag – Jimmy Choo Celeste Clutch in Black
- Gloves – Possibly Cornelia James Melissa style in black velvet. I’ve written to the brand, just awaiting confirmation.
While the BAFTAs issued a ‘sustainable’ dress code in 2020, this year’s invite did not include any such stipulations. The Princess simply chose to rewear the glamorous white gown. I suspect she wanted to show the world that you don’t need a new outfit for every occasion—you can wear the same thing to the same event twice. She’s been leaning into sustainable fashion increasingly over the past few years, coinciding with William launching Earthshot and the Cost of Living Crisis looming over the UK.
We’ve noticed that the Princess always showcases British designers at the BAFTAs—which makes sense, they are the British Academy Film Awards after all. Since her first red carpet, she’s opted for Alexander McQueen three times and Jenny Packham once.
William and Kate returned to the BAFTAS on Sunday after a three-year hiatus, partly due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Although the pair could have returned last year, Prince William delivered a speech via video link due to a schedule conflict.
Prince William has been President of BAFTA since February 2010.
The dress is great. This gown warrants an updo hairstyle; we know she has had some great hairstyles like that in the past. I would have raided the Royal Vault for some dazzling jewels, too. Like a diamond bracelet and some beautiful earrings.
The accessories don’t work with it, though. The gloves, in particular, would be better with her strapless black velvet gown she wore shortly after getting married. The black gloves, the black clutch, gold shoes, rose gold colored cheap earrings – with a floaty gown? None of it makes sense.
Up-do would have been perfect!
I hope you are all well very soon
We’re feeling better now – had Flu and then a stomach bug. With a toddler at nursery, I’m sure I’ll have something else next week
Thank you for your kind words!
First post ever!
I did not like the gloves when I first saw them on her, but they have grown on me. I still think they are a bit too high (I think they should end just above the elbow), but I like their drama. I liked them more after I saw the video of her and William walking into the theatre.
I do think her earrings would have looked better if her hair had been pulled back into a simple bun or something similar.
I like the drama too, but something jars me about them – hmmm maybe it is the length. I’m trying to think if white would have worked better? Then kept to gold accessories? Maybe she’ll try that next year, haha. Imagine that, the same dress at the same event each year, reworked. That would be interesting.
Oh yes, hair back might have showcased the earrings and given the whole look a more polished finish.
Thanks for commenting! It makes my day to read comments 🙂
I think elbow length gloves in white would have looked pretty great!
I think black satin would have definitely worked better than black velvet for gloves.
Also – I absolutely LOVED what Sheila Atim was wearing. OMG.