15 Brands That Kate Middleton Loves
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1 year ago
How to recreate the royal look
Ever wondered how the Princess of Wales built up her iconic wardrobe? The royal, who has snagged the top spot as the family’s most stylish member, is known for setting trends and wowing fans with her outfit choices. The secret? A network of trusted, talents designers spanning from luxury to high street. Below, we round up some of the brands that Kate Middleton loves.
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What Is Kate Middleton’s Style?
The Princess of Wales is known for her clever style choices, which often combine classic design and the moment’s biggest trends – while still carrying an air of sophistication befitting a royal. Kate’s wardrobe does employ a global roster of brands and designers, but you’ll often find the princess showcasing homegrown talent from the UK (a preference which comes in handy on some of England’s rainier days, when a coat and wellies are needed).
Kate Middleton’s events wardrobe is perhaps her most famous, and is made up of everything from state dinner-appropriate gowns, tiaras and archival jewellery to smartly tailored suits, raceday hats and heels. Her ‘off-duty’ or casual wardrobe, on the other hand, typically consists of crisp, light-coloured shirts and jeans, knitted jumpers, jeans, casual dresses, trainers and boots. But regardless of the occasion, you can expect the Princess of Wales to look smartly dressed and elegant.
(C) The Royal Foundation, BBC Studio and ITV
Which Brands Does Kate Middleton Wear?
Clothing Brands
Self-Portrait
London-based label Self-Portrait is synonymous with feminine tailoring and elegant design, making it a go-to destination for the Princess of Wales when it comes to formal occasions. Our favourite looks on the princess was a glittery white bouclé jacket from the brand (pictured above; unfortunately now sold out, but you can find similar jackets from the brand here), which she wore while promoting the annual Royal Carols: Together at Christmas carol service, and a lime green dress she wore to the Wimbledon Ladies Finals in 2023.
EXPLORE: self-portrait.com
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Catherine Walker
London-based design atelier Catherine Walker & Co has been the home of beautiful women’s tailoring and dressmaking since the 1970s (and has also kitted out Princess Diana and Lady Helen Taylor on previous occasions). Most recently, the Princess of Wales was spotted in a candy-apple red cape coatdress from the brand, which she wore for a ceremony at the Horse Guards Parade ground to welcome President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee of South Korea to the UK.
EXPLORE: catherinewalker.com
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Alexander McQueen
Often referred to as Kate’s go-to fashion house, Alexander MCQueen is known for its impeccable craftsmanship, smart tailoring and stunning evening dresses. The Princess of Wales famously wore Alexander McQueen gowns for her wedding to Prince William in 2011, as well as in her 40th birthday commemorative portraits.
EXPLORE: alexandermcqueen.com
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Holland Cooper
Specialising in classic British design, Holland Cooper is another home-grown brand favoured by the royal. You can often catch the Princess of Wales in the brand’s sharply cut suits (we’re a massive fan of this pinstripe suit that Kate wears), winter coats and the occasional Fair Isle jumper.
EXPLORE: hollandcooper.com
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The Vampire’s Wife
Regularly teamed up with her Manolo Blahniks is a glitzy gown from The Vampire’s Wife. Founded by former model (and muse to Vivienne Westwood, Bella Freud and Philip Treacy), Susie Cave, The Vampire’s Wife is synonymous with slinky silhouettes, rich colours and gorgeous textures. You can see Kate wearing a shimmering green dress from the brand in her portrait with Prince William.
EXPLORE: thevampireswife.com
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Barbour
It makes sense that the royal family would love the undisputed king of British countryside fashion, Barbour. From wax jackets (Kate owns a Winter Defence Waxed Cotton Jacket in olive green), casual gilets and jumpers to the odd pair of wellies, the Princess of Wales usually opts for the brand for any major outdoor activity she’ll be undertaking.
EXPLORE: barbour.com
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Jenny Packham
While known primarily for her stunning wedding dresses, British designer Jenny Packham is also famous for her elegant evening gowns, day dresses and accessories. The Princess of Wales, who has worn both off-the-rack and bespoke pieces from the designer, tends to opt for a Jenny Packham dress for formal occasions and royal events – most notably, at galas, banquets and the occasional Eurovision appearance.
EXPLORE: jennypackham.com
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Needle & Thread
If it’s an ultra-feminine gown you’re after, then Positive Luxury fashion brand Needle & Thread is one to keep your eye on. The Princess of Wales most recently opted for the brand at the 2022 edition of the Royal Carols: Together at Christmas concert, where she wore red sequined dress (before that, she wore the same gown at 2020 UK-Africa Investment Summit). You can still shop the exact dress here (available up to size UK 22).
EXPLORE: needleandthread.com
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Shoe Brands
Camilla Elphick
Specialising in timeless and sophisticated styles, it’s no wonder that London-based footwear label Camilla Elphick is a favourite of Kate Middleton’s – who has worn the brand’s line of slingbacks to multiple events over the years.
EXPLORE: camillaelphick.com
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Jimmy Choo
Just like the former Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton is a big fan of shoe designer Jimmy Choo. The princess is often spotted in heels and flats from the brand, owning several pairs of shoes as well as a couple of JC clutch bags. She also met the designer himself at a tea party in Malaysia back in 2012.
EXPLORE: jimmychoo.com
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Manolo Blahnik
You’ll rarely see the Princess of Wales at a royal event without a trusty pair of Manolo Blahnik heels on her feet. Kate has been a long-time fan of the London-based fashion label, and even wore its famous Hangisi pumps in her first official portrait with Prince William in 2022.
EXPLORE: manoloblahnik.com
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Accessories Brands
Paula Rowan
Glovemaker to the stars Paula Rowan is a hit with just about every well-known celebrity, from Ariana Grande and Nicola Coughlan to Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga. While perhaps better known for her Avant Garde designs, which have attracted the attention of multiple Hollywood productions, it’s her more classic styles that seem to have captured the heart of Kate Middleton. You can see the princess wearing a pair of Paula Rowan opera gloves below, during the State Banquet hosted at Buckingham Palace for President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee of South Korea.
EXPLORE: paularowan.com
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Grace Han
Just like the late Queen, the Princess of Wales is also fond of a classic black handbag. One of her go-to designers on this occasion is Grace Han, a Taiwanese-British leather accessories designer known for her elegant craftsmanship.
EXPLORE: gracehan.shop
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Mulberry
Another of Kate Middleton’s favourite handbag brands, Mulberry is a British heritage brand and the largest manufacturer of luxury leather goods in the UK. It’s suggested that the Princess of Wales owns no fewer than 12 Mulberry bags, as well as a number of coats and dresses from the brand.
EXPLORE: mulberry.com
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Kiki McDonough
As for jewellery brands that Kate Middleton loves, look no further than fifth generation jeweller Kiki McDonough. The brand, which specialises in fine jewellery made up of dazzling colour combinations and timeless styles, is a favourite of the Princess of Wales – who is said to own over 20 pieces of Kiki McDonough jewellery in total, including 18 pairs of earrings and three necklaces.
EXPLORE: kiki.co.uk
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Featured image: The Princess of Wales Kate Middleton visits RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023. She is pictured with school children for the first RHS Chelsea Children’s Picnic. (© RHS/Oliver Dixon)
