
Kate Middleton is undoubtedly a royal style icon. I mean, I'm always raving about how elegant she looks.
But if there's one thing the Duchess of Cambridge is not, fashion-wise, it's "particularly daring"—especially not these days.
Now, when I see a vintage pic of her in a sparkly party outfit or low-waisted jeans in the mid-noughties, I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not imagining things.
I'm not imagining things, though. The duchess really did wear this incredible sequined turquoise halter with bright yellow athletic shorts and Barbie pink knee-high socks. Honestly, I kinda wish royal protocol allowed for a little more of this.
Anyway, back to the point, which is that the duchess always looks fabulous, all while typically opting for midi-length dresses, often with mid- or full-length sleeves and a high neckline.
But one of her new favorite designers, Alessandra Rich, has revealed that even her most conservative designs always have a more daring detail—and that includes the dresses worn by the Duchess of Cambridge at such events as Wimbledon or Ascot.
"All my pieces are like this—they cover the arms or the legs but there’s always a split somewhere, or a body chain underneath," Rich told the Telegraph in a recent interview. "It is good to be a bit naughty."
The duchess has worn many an Alessandra Rich creation over the past couple of years, which includes her whole polka dot phase.
The duchess in Alessandra Rich at Wimbledon 2022
The duchess in Alessandra Rich at Wimbledon 2022
The duchess wears Alessandra Rich at Royal Ascot
She also wore a yellow dress from the label on departure from the Bahamas earlier this year (psst, that dress is still available at Matches Fashion (opens in new tab), and it's on sale).
The green dress the duchess wore to meet the Irish President in March 2020 and the red houndstooth dress she wore at the V&A in May 2021 were also Alessandra Rich originals.
Interestingly, though, the label is also favored by a bunch of celebrities that you wouldn't normally associate with Middleton.
"Not everything I make is long dresses," Rich told the Telegraph. "If you see Dua Lipa or Hailey Bieber wearing my brand, you will see there are many different types of women and clothing."
Still, the designer is really happy that the duchess loves her designs. "I am super grateful," she said. "The buyers know the collection is bigger so it is fine that the public mostly knows the more conservative pieces. The Duchess of Cambridge is such a style icon, I can’t ever say I’m not thrilled she likes my clothes."
Sold? Alessandra Rich is available from Matches Fashion (opens in new tab) and Net-a-Porter (opens in new tab).
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
‘Harry & Meghan’ Director Liz Garbus Says Buckingham Palace Tried to “Discredit” the Docuseries
Despite the Palace’s claims otherwise, Garbus says the show did reach out to them for comment.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Would Have Been the “First to Hear” of Princess Eugenie’s Pregnancy, Expert Says
Eugenie is arguably the member of the royal family the Sussexes remain closest to.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Where Has Meghan Markle Been Lately?
Largely unseen during the ‘Spare’ mayhem, she is apparently “happy to let Harry take center stage.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Princess Kate Recycled a Stunning Festive Gown to Tease Her Christmas Carol Concert
No notes.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kate Middleton's Bridal State Dinner Dress Is Available to Buy, Just So You Know
In case you want your own royal wedding...
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kate Middleton Went Full Fairytale Princess in a Tiara and Bedazzled Gown for King Charles' First State Banquet
Just picking my jaw up off the floor.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kate Middleton Wore Another Dress by Royal Favorite Designer Emilia Wickstead for Prince William's Polo Match
The duchess absolutely loves the designer.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Beatrice's Glastonbury Festival Look Is a Lesson in Casual Summer Dressing
You can shop her affordable pieces, too.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Beatrice's Reformation Dress From the Chelsea Flower Show Is Still Available
Enter: the sundress of your dreams.
By Iris Goldsztajn