The Duchess of Cambridge is often lauded for her style, but rarely for taking a fashion risk. She is known for playing it stylishly safe, with a carefully selected handful of favourite designers. But on an official visit to Ireland, the royal has branched out and worn a statement piece by The Vampire's Wife, a favourite brand of the London style set.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the Guinness Storehouse’s Gravity Bar for a reception, and for the occasion, Catherine wore a green shimmering midi dress, with power shoulders and sheer, ruffled sleeves. The dress is the brand's Falconetti Emerald Metallic Silk Dress and is available to pre-order online for £1,595 (Dh7,506).
Although the engagement marked the first time the Duchess of Cambridge has publicly worn a dress by The Vampire's Wife, the brand has been chosen by royals in the past.
For Ellie Goulding's September 2019 wedding, Princess Beatrice wore a dress by the brand, which was remarkably similar to the duchess's Falconetti dress.
Princess Beatrice sported the Veneration design by the brand, crafted in a similar emerald silk metallic chiffon, with a tiered ruffled hem and sleeves. It is still available to buy online for £1,695.
When it came to her accessories, the Duchess of Cambridge mixed high and low-end pieces. She paired the designer dress with plush green velvet Manolo Blahnik pumps and a glittering gold Wilbur and Gussie clutch, which both retail at more than Dh1,000, and completed the look with H&M disc earrings.
Earlier in the day, the royals arrived in the Republic of Ireland's capital and were greeted by British ambassador Robin Barnett and his partner, Agnieszka Kepka, before making their way to Aras an Uachtarain, the residence and workplace of Irish president, Michael D Higgins. They later made their way to Irish Prime Minister, or Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar.
To arrive in the Emerald Isle, the royal stuck to a one thematic hue: green.
For her earlier engagements, the duchess wore a bespoke Catherine Walker coat over a patterned Alessandra Rich peplum dress.
She accessorised the look with an LK Bennett clutch and Emmy London heels, both green, with Asprey earrings.
It was announced on Monday, February 24 that the couple would take the official visit to "highlight the many strong links between the UK and Ireland."
They are on a three-day tour and will "learn about local organisations working to support and empower young people and projects which provide opportunities to help them develop important life skills". They will also "hear more about Ireland’s conservation initiatives and efforts to protect its environment, with a particular focus on sustainable farming and marine conservation".
It is expected that they will "meet a broad range of people, including the President, the Taoiseach and senior political leaders, children and young people, and those working in the creative arts, business and charity sectors".