Happy Anniversary Kate & William

A year ago today, millions watched as Prince William wed the commoner Kate Middleton, now known as the Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge. I can remember setting my alarm for 2 am and becoming hypnotized by the entire procession of events: the bride stepping into the car (who had the fortunate opportunity to design her dress, we all wondered), the drive through the throngs of adoring onlookers, the revealing of the dress, Pippa’s dress too and it all continued to keep me transfixed. (click here to see all the images and read about the details from the royal wedding day.)

Since then, Kate has continued to impress with her regal, feminine style, her respectful mannerisms and ability to capture young and old attention alike. From their trip through Canada and the States to the many different events she attends – movie premieres, royal celebrations and so much more, she continues to be someone I can’t help but pay attention to (if only for her style). In honor of their anniversary, enjoy a glance back in photos of Kate’s first year as a member of the royal family.

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Duchess of Cambridge’s Wedding Dress on Display

With the summer opening of Buckingham Palace to tourists on July 23rd, Kate Middleton, or the Duchess of Cambridge, will have her elegant, yet simply and timelessly created wedding dress designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen’s fashion house, on display. (Click here to see what the Queen had to say about the display.)

Advanced ticket sales have already sold an astounding 125, 000 tickets priced at $28.53 each (setting a record). Along with the handmade dress which is displayed in the ballroom where the couple’s wedding reception was held, tourists will be able to view the actual wedding cake (only the top 3 layers were replaced), her handmade high heels, a replica of her modest, yet perfectly chosen bouquet and the Cartier tiara full of 888 diamonds loaned to Ms. Middleton by the Queen.

To view all of the specific details of the dress and the wedding day photos, click here.

Caroline de Guitaut, curator of the exhibition display

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Images: (2) Source (3) Source (4) Source (5) Source (6) Source

Princess Catherine Middleton’s Touring Style

During the past two weeks of touring Canada and southern California, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William Windsor and Kate Middleton) have been under constant watch by the media; however, and the couple hasn’t missed a beat in making a wonderful impression where even celebrities ironically were the ones fawning to have a mere moment of face time with the royal couple.
Specifically Princess Catherine (as she now prefers to be called rather than Kate) has revealed a keen eye for tasteful and flattering wardrobe choices while being on a limited budget and choosing not to bring along a stylist as she stated it would be a ‘waste of money’, but instead only choosing to bring her hair stylist – James Pryce.
With a handful of previously seen dresses, Catherine has a preference for J. Brand mid-waist skinny jeans when casual attire is called for as well as a sound sense of foundational classic style as she wore nude pumps by L.K. Bennett rather frequently during their 11 day tour.
I have gathered together all of her captured stylish choices during their trip as today will be their last day in Los Angles before heading back home to England.

Arriving in Ottawa, Canda, in an Erdem dress and L.K. Bennett shoes

 

At a youth reception in Rideau Hall in Ottawa wearing a dress by Issa

Attending a citizenship ceremony in the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa, wearing a dress by Reiss, hat by Sylvia Fletcher at Lock and Co.

 

Attending National Canada Day celebrations in a Issa dress, shoes by Prada, clutch by Anya Hindmarch

Rowing dragon boats across lake Dalvay with Prince William in Charlottetown in J. Brand jeans

On their way to a tree planting ceremony in Ottawa wearing a Catherine Walker dress, shoes by Tabitha Simmons, clutch by Hobbs

At a cooking workshop at the Institut De Tourisme et D'hotellerie Du Quebec

 

At a Freedom of the City ceremony outside City Hall in Quebec wearing a Erdem dress and shoes by L. K. Bennett

Attending an event on Prince Edward Island wearing a cream Joseph dress

 

Outside Province House in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, wearing a McQueen and Prada shoes

 

Arriving at her hotel in Yellowknife, Canada, in a navy trench and pumps

 

Attending an official welcome ceremony at the Somba K'e Civic Plaza wearing a dress by Malene Birger and shoes by L. K. Bennett

 

During their day at Blachford Lake wearing J. Brand jeans and shoes by Sebago

 

On Blachford Lake with Prince William

 

In J. Brand jeans and jacket by Smythe

Wearing a dress by Jenny Packham and shoes by L K Bennett arriving at the Calgary airport

 

Nearing the end of their visit in Canada, wearing a Catherine Walker dress and L.K. Bennett heels

 

Arriving in Los Angeles in a grey Roksanda Ilincic dress

 

For a reception later at the British consul's home in Hancock Park, wearing a green silk Diane von Furstenberg dress

 

Wearing a  ‘De Gournay’ silver and marble grey hand-painted chinoiserie silk dress by Jenny Packham, the duke and duchess hosted  The Foundation Polo Challenge held at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club Carpinteria

 

Attending the Bafta 'Brits to Watch' event held at the Belasco Theatre in Los Angeles, wearing a floor-length lilac chiffon gown by Alexander McQueen and champagne-coloured Jimmy Choo 'Vamp' glitter sandals

Wearing a navy and white crochet top and white pleated skirt by UK fashion company Whistles while visiting an inner-city school in downtown Los Angeles's notorious Skid Row area and attending a job fair for veterans

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Kate Middleton’s Wedding Dress Unveiled

Despite the denial, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen’s design house is the designer of Kate Middleton’s much awaited wedding gown. With beautiful transparent hand cut English and French Chantilly lace overlay upon the shoulders and arms (per protocol that shoulder must not be bare) and a V-neck to a very tapered and tucked bodice, Kate looked the part of a queen in waiting.  The train being a modest and perfectly suited almost nine feet in length, she did in fact wear a tiara which has been long speculated on by the media.

The Cartier “halo” tiara that Middleton wore was lent to her by the Queen who was given the tiara on her 18th birthday from her mother, and the earrings were given to her as a gift from her parents, Michael and Carole, created by Robinson Pelham inspired by the Middleton family's new coat of arms.

In a statement released by the palace announcing the choice of Alexander McQueen, "Miss Middleton chose British brand Alexander McQueen for the beauty of its craftsmanship and its respect for traditional workmanship and the technical construction of clothing.  Miss Middleton wished for her dress to combine tradition and modernity with the artistic vision that characterizes Alexander McQueen's work. Miss Middleton worked closely with Sarah Burton in formulating the design of her dress."

At precisely 10:51 am, Kate Middleton stepped into the Queen’s Rolls Royce with her father for the drive to Westminister Abbey.  Immediately it was clear she chose to let her beautiful hair fall upon her lace covered shoulders.  Stunning indeed.

“Be who you were meant to be and you will set the world on fire,” a statement shared during the wedding ceremony by one officials.  More truer words couldn’t be spoken about Kate Middleton and her electrifying effect on the world.

Many of you tweeting while the wedding was occurring live immediately pointed out that her dress was similar to that of Grace Kelly’s (a gift from the MGM Studio and designed by Helen Rose), and wow, what similarity indeed.

Kate was helped with her train by her younger sister, and maid of honor, Pippa (who also wore Alexander McQueen).

Now, officially we can call her a princess.  The couple’s official title – The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Congratulations – a beautiful ceremony and yes, they did kiss twice on the balcony.

Click here to view more of the fabulous hats and fascinators.

Image: (1)US Magazine (2) Source (4) Source and the rest Zimbio, The Daily Beast and AP, last image – Musings In Femininity