The Duchess of Cambridge channels Jacqueline Kennedy chic in a Catherine Walker skirt suit in the Netherlands
The Duchess of Cambridge wears an ice blue skirt suit by Catherine Walker and co in The Netherlands Credit: REX/Shutterstock
The first inclination that The Duchess of Cambridge and her stylist Natasha Archer might have been pinning images of the timelessly elegant Jacqueline Kennedy to their mood board came when Kate wore a Carolina Herrera red dress coat complete with Peter Pan collar and oversized buttons for a visit to Whitehorse during her visit to Canada in September.
Today, the Duchess is in the Netherlands meeting King Willem-Alexander, visiting Mauritshuis art gallery as well as attending a mental health conference and dropping in on a community project in Rotterdam. This is Kate's first solo overseas visit and comes at a time when the royal family is reportedly being lined up to help enhance relations with EU countries as Brexit negotiations ramp up. It has been labelled a day of 'soft diplomacy' so who better to channel than former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy- who was so popular on overseas visits with her husband that he once quipped 'I am the man who accompanied Jacqueline Kennedy to Paris' at the end of one visit to France- for the trip's look?
The Duchess's skirt suit emulated Jacqueline Kennedy's distinctive First lady look Credit: CSU Archives / Everett Collection / Rex Features
Credit: Getty
With its nipped-in, peplum waist and statement buttons, the Catherine Walker and co suit reflects the simple yet feminine look which Kennedy pioneered with the help of designer Oleg Cassini during her three years in the White House, ushering in a fresh, pared-back take on dressing for the world stage which quickly became much emulated. More than sixty years on, it's clear the look is as relevant as ever, especially given Natalie Portman will soon star in 'Jackie', a film about JFK's wife which is tipped for plenty of nods come awards season.
The Duchess of Cambridge with King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands Credit: REX/Shutterstock
Duchess of Cambridge greeted by well-wishers in Netherlands Play! 01:14While the rest of us might be thinking of switching to autumnal hues, the Duchess's pale blue skirt suit was a fair-weather antidote to the changing seasons, another way of subtly creating an air of positivity for the visit. Of course, the Duchess has only to look to The Queen herself who is renowned for regularly wearing striking head-to-toe colours to make her extra visible during her engagements.
The Duchess of Cambridge in the Netherlands Credit: Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock
Catherine Walker and co has become one of the Duchess's go-to labels, creating bespoke pieces for her from its Chelsea ateliers. Walker was one of Princess Diana's favoured designers, creating over 1000 elegantly appropriate outfits from just after her marriage to Prince Charles until her death in 1997- whether it was an evening gala or meeting Mother Theresa. Although Walker herself passed away in 2010, her husband and long-time business partner Said Cyrus continues to run what is described as 'a leading British couture house' with clients also including Carole Middleton and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
“No one could ever accuse Catherine Walker of making her clients look youthful but impeccable dependability is the signature of this designer - and of the house that bears her name,” explains The Telegraph Fashion Director Lisa Armstrong of Walker’s enduring Royal appeal. “The label guarantees a statuesque perfection that looks as good in photographs as it does across a crowded cathedral or state ballroom." Little wonder then that it was the choice for today's important mission.
The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at the Mauritshuis gallery in The Hague Credit: Danny Lawson/ PA
It wasn't just the Duchess exercising diplomatic glamour with her wardrobe choice; she was greeted at Mauritshuis art gallery, where she viewed an exhibition of Dutch paintings owned by The Queen, by one of the gallery's directors Emilie Gordenker. Gordenker chose a dress by another of The Duchess's favourite designers, Roksanda Ilincic, whose sculptural silhouettes are also beloved of women in the art world. The flounce-sleeved 'Turin' style in navy comes with a mustard lining echoes the Serbian-born, London based designer's modern aesthetic.
The Duchess of Cambridge wearing pearl earrings to view 'The Girl with the Pearl Earring' Credit: Danny Lawson/ PA
During their tour, the Duchess- who has a degree in Art History from St Andrews- and Gordenker stopped to admire Vermeer's 'Girl with the Pearl Earring'. Naturally, Kate was wearing her own pearl earrings.
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Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/people/the-duchess-of-cambridge-channels-jacqueline-kennedy-chic-in-a-c/
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