Whether she was roaming the grounds of St. Andrew’s University or gracing the balcony at Buckingham Palace, Kate Middleton’s clothing choices have piqued our interests ad infinitum. Though she is not the first modern Princess by any means—we’d give this title to her predecessor, Princess Diana—the former Duchess of Cambridge’s royal wardrobe is one underscored by contemporary sensibilities.
Indeed, her closet is rife with shapes and prints that bring the monarch’s sartorial codes into the 21st Century. Plus, as the sustainably-minded wearer she is, her outings are never short of a re-wear either.
But between mingling with international dignitaries, her humanitarian and charity work or stepping behind the camera to snap candid shots of her growing youngsters, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, you can always count on an appearance from a few sturdy staples; a Gianvito Rossi stiletto while attending a daytime function, a chintzy Jenny Packham gown for an evening soirée, even sometimes a garment from high-street favourite Zara to prove that even sovereign’s aren’t immune to the allure of affordably elevated fashion.
Yes, there are key brands that serve as a cohesive source of support for Middleton’s public appearances, but also a proclivity for emerging British designers, too. Curious to know what brands are the linchpins of Kate Middleton’s timeless sense of style? Ahead, GRAZIA brings you our guide to the Princess of Wales’ favourite fashion brands.
Kate Middleton’s Favourite Fashion Brands
Emilia Wickstead
By way of internships in Milan and a Bachelor’s degree in Arts from Central Saint Martins, New-Zealand born, London-based fashion designer Emilia Wickstead is a contemporary womenswear brand underscored with a strong connection to form and femininity. Having begun as a made-to-measure boutique in the ritzy suburb of Belgravia, Wickstead is a fixture on the London Fashion Week schedule, a recipient of the British Fashion Council’s Fashion Trust and can be counted on to dress Kate Middleton for Wimbledon tournaments and state affairs alike.
Alexander McQueen
Kate Middleton’s love affair with Alexander McQueen began when she tapped then-creative director Sarah Burton to design her timeless and intricate wedding dress for her 2011 nuptials to Prince William. Though the Princess never did meet the wunderkind fashion disruptor, the designs of his eponymous Maison have clothed Middleton for some of the most significant moments of her life, including the coronation of King Charles III, one of her first royal appearances and celebratory 40th birthday portrait.
Erdem
English-Canadian designer Erdem Moralıoğlu’s self-named womenswear label is rooted in a poetic philosophy of romance. As a multi-award-winning designer and Member of the Order of the British Empire, his design vocabulary is one best suited to embolden Middleton’s classic taste. Case in point: a navy blue jacquard-print peplum jacket and sculptural midi skirt suit set worn to the 2023 Commonwealth Day Service.
Alessandra Rich
Established in 2010, Alessandra Rich evokes Edwardian flair with playful Milanese glamour for a concoction distinctly elegant and sensual. Though the brand’s longest-standing relationship with Middleton is through their polka dot print dresses, the Princess actually owns a number of its pieces, including a modern Victorian-sleeve houndstooth dress and a floral-print peplum dress worn while in the Bahamas.
Catherine Walker
Catherine Walker and the Princess of Wales are titles inextricably linked. Inheriting her adoration for Walker’s creations from her mother-in-law Princess Diana, Middleton has continued the Princess of Wales’ relationship with their atelier on multiple occasions, including the creation of multiple bespoke gowns. Truthfully, Catherine has never looked better than when in… well, Catherine.
Jenny Packham
Despite being only four years old when Jenny Packham began her label, Kate Middleton has relied on the British brand throughout her entire royal career. Beginning only months after her Westminster Abbey wedding, Middleton stepped out in a blush flutter-sleeve embroidered gown for a royal Gala. Middleton most recently wore Packham for her surprise appearance at the 2024 Trooping the Colour service.
Gianvito Rossi
When Veja’s are too informal, Kate Middleton always reaches for Italian luxuriate Gianvito Rossi for her footwear choice. When it comes to specifics, it appears the ‘85’ pump is Middleton’s preferred style, having a number of pairs across varying hues, including ecru suede and classic black.
This article first appeared on GRAZIA International.
READ MORE
Trust Us: This It-Girl-Approved Bag Style Is Fashion’s Latest Obsession Right Now
How Blackpink’s Lisa Beats The Heat In Style
The Most Stylish Celebrities At Paris Haute Couture Week Fall/Winter 2024