The Royal Tour: Kate Middleton’s New Zealand style diary

With the New Zealand part of the Royal Tour now complete, the past week has seen the Duchess of Cambridge wow in a series of elegant outfits. A clever combination of brands, both couture and high street, successfully embraced her sought-after feminine style.

Touching down in Wellington, New Zealand, after some 30 hours in the air, Kate donned a bright red, buttoned coat by Catherine Walker & Co. Her Gina Foster pillbox hat matched the coat beautifully, whilst the Queen lent the Duchess her diamond and platinum silver fern brooch – presented by the Women of Auckland on her majesty’s visit to the country in 1954. Suede shoes by British brand Emmy completed her look.

Kate chose her outfit for a visit to Plunkett’s Parent’s Group accordingly. The £390 Paulina open-knit dress by New York Fashion Week label Tory Burch, was a stylish yet practical ensemble, ideal for interacting with Prince George whilst he played with other children.

To view the WWI commemorative display at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim, the Duchess opted for an Alexander McQueen “Utility Coat Dress” from the spring/summer 2014 collection, in sky blue. She accessorised with navy suede shoes and clutch bag, along with diamond and sapphire earrings which subtly matched her engagement ring.

At the mid-point of her New Zealand engagements, Kate wore a bespoke Jenny Packham dress, for the art unveiling of Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait at Government House, Wellington. The elegant, black gown featured an exquisite, hand-stitched, silver fern across one shoulder, paired with a diamond bracelet for added sparkle.

For the sportier aspects of her public commitments, the Duchess re-worked her trademark stripe and denim combination. At the Auckland yacht race, her ready-for-action look comprised a navy Zara double-breasted blazer and jeans, classic blue and white Breton top from Me + Em and navy cork-sole wedges by Stuart Weitzman.

Visits to Rainbow Place children’s hospice in Waikato and the Avantidrome Velodrome in Hamilton called for another high-end designer number. Kate’s outfit for the day consisted of an Erdem pre-fall 2013 Allie coat, worn over a printed jade tea dress by Suzannah. The attractive, 193os-inspired “Budding Heart Silk Tea Dress”, which retails at £475, is made of silk crêpe and features a full skirt with gathered bust.

Arriving at Dunedin International Airport, Kate selected a pleated dress in aquamarine by New Zealand-born designer Emilia Wickstead. Milliner Jane Taylor provided the hat in a corresponding hue. Incidentally, the London Fashion Week brand, based in Chelsea, previously kitted out the Duchess in a similarly-styled dress in powder pink.

Later, during a game of cricket, Kate looked smart in a Luisa Spagnoli red dress and Sushi jacket, complete with a contrasting black waist belt. She also wore this familiar peplum jacket on a visit to St Andrews with Prince William in February 2011. The Duchess managed to negotiate the grounds at Latimer Square gardens in black suede court shoes.

As the New Zealand leg of the Royal Tour Down Under drew to a close, Kate chose a Sparkle Tweed skirt suit by Rebecca Taylor, for a visit to the Royal New Zealand Police College. The Duchess recycled this heavy textured look from an April 2012 reception honouring the Scott-Amundsen Centenary Race to the South Pole. Prada pumps, a matching navy “Muse” clutch by Stuart Weitzman and a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch were her accessories of choice.

Rebekah Absalom
Photo: Tsaiproject