Fabulous at 40! Released by Kensington Palace in honor of Duchess Kate’s 40th birthday — the Duchess of Cambridge looked like a woodland nymph — poised, ethereal and elegant in a series of three new portraits taken by Italian fashion photographer Paolo Roversi. The Vogue photographer is acclaimed for his abstract, darkly romantic and ‘hazy’ editorial photographs.
Kate’s stunning portraits — featuring the royal in bridal-esque Victorian styles — is a new and slightly gothic turn for the future Queen consort.
For the stunning collection which will be a permanent part of the National Portrait Gallery London’s artwork– Kate opted to wear pieces from Alexander McQueen. Owing to her affinity for the designer — Kate selected a puff sleeve red maxi gown from the English fashion house. Available at Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman.
In addition, the duchess wore a ‘belle of the ballerina’ design from McQueen’s Resort 2022 Collection — a floaty and dreamy fairytale one-shoulder design accented with pieces of tulle and organza.
Finally, the duchess did not deviate from her Cinderella Story — she wore another Grecian Goddess off-the-shoulder gown from McQueen’s Spring/Summer 2022 Collection. Kate’s bespoke creation is based on a strapless chiffon style from the designer’s runway shows.
The Cambridge matriarch is an avid fan of the ‘ethereal goddess gown’ and has worn the look for numerous red carpet appearances; Kate is especially fond of pastel floor length gowns comprised of silk and layers of tulle.
Many royal watchers felt Kate’s look was a tribute to the late Princess Diana who owned a similar icy blue chiffon Catherine Walker creation. Diana wore the Grace Kelly inspired dress in 1987 walking the Cannes red carpet and also posed in the gown for portrait photos. The tribute is especially poignant as the Princess of Wales never lived to see her 40th birthday and passed away at age 36.
