I love it when the Duchess of Cambridge attends the National Portrait Gallery gala, and I might even go so far as to say it’s my favorite of her patronages. It’s a surefire black tie moment and Kate always pulls out all the stops. We didn’t get this event last year (though she did attend an exhibit around roughly this time), but in 2017 she debuted a green lace Temperley that was stunning, particularly if you ignore how many other lace gowns she owns…
For the occasion she pulled out the black floral Alexander McQueen gown that she debuted at the 2017 BAFTAs. It was a major win for me at the time, but she’s subsequently made a few tailoring changes apparently! The bodice of the gown has been swapped out for a square neckline and short sleeves, making it a very different vibe from the off-the-shoulder look we last saw.
At first I wasn’t quite into this – part of the “wow” factor last time came from the more daring cut, but this more low-key showing has grown on me. There’s something very romantic and borderline regency-esque about it now that I’m enjoying.
Kate was in good company for the evening’s fundraiser, which included A-list guests like David and Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Bianca Jagger. Also there was Princess Beatrice and her new boyfriend, Edoardo Mapeli Mozzi.
Finally, it should be noted that the National Portrait Gallery is of course home to the first official portrait of Kate. It was famously debuted in January 2013 to massive criticism, which frankly makes it all the more fun:
With that, we’ll next see Kate on Sunday, so see you then.