In recent years, the Princess of Wales has adopted a more sultry style — feeling more calm, confident and capable in her royal role — the mom of three has given up many of her modest mainstays for far more dramatic and daring garments, bolder accessories and scintillating shoes.
While dealing with personal family conflicts, the passing of the Queen and steadying her family for royal life — the princess has undergone a fashion metamorphosis and found fresh footwear to be just the ticket to a new attitude and new look.
Today, Kate’s shoewear style is pivoting from her sturdy LK Bennett patent pumps and traction soled Tod’s to more racy and risqué choices; she’s particularly embraced the elegant and enchanting Aquazzura heel. Once saved for the celebrity set, these ultra-modern pumps with their charming cut-outs, crystal straps, and fishnet mesh have given Kate’s shoe closet a fun and fresh update.
Here are 7 of Kate Middleton’s Favorite Aquazzura Heels:
1. Aquazzura Bow Tie 105 Pumps in Blush Suede (1 Wear)
A perky and playful bow perched at the end of these pointed heels adds just the right amount of feminine flounce to these beige beauties. Designed in Italy of sandy suede, these super soft and sumptuous stilettos with a slim 105mm heel have all the trappings of a tantalizing and unforgettable statement shoe.
The first pair of Aquazzura pumps to emerge from Kate’s closet — these lofty heels made their debut at a reception in June 2021. Adding the perfect neutral finish to her ivory custom coatdress from McQueen — this was the princess’ first frolic with the flirty footwear.
Proving she has special shoe sorcery skills — she was spotted walking in tall grass to the royal helicopter wearing the perilously high pumps.
2. Aquazzura Bow Tie 105 Pumps in Black Suede (2 Wears)
Taking a bit of style inspo from her sister-in-law the Duchess of Sussex, Kate wore these Aquazzura Deneuve pumps in May 2023 for a Commonwealth Reception. She paired the sky-high stilettos with a white Jenny Packham sheath with a black waistband. Later, she shunned comfort to reach new heights on a walkabout to greet the public on the The Mall in central London ahead of King Charles’ coronation.
Kate opted to pair the sassy bow adorned pumps with another black and white look — the British royal wore the artisan and hand assembled black pumps for a day at the National Portrait Gallery. Outfitted in a Self-Portrait belted midi dress in June 2023, Kate had the Posh Parisian aesthetic nailed down.
The princess’ Chanel-esque ensemble with its bouclé jacket and midi skirt exuded French influence and was a nice departure from a flurry of pantsuits and repeat trouser styles. Kate’s heels also featured side cut-outs with a hint of suggestive skin reveal.
The bow shoes are now offered in a rich burgundy velvet — will we see the princess wear the plush pumps for the holidays?
3. Aquazzura Fenix 105 Pumps in Gold (2 Wears)
A single pair of Aquazzura heels can include over 30 hand assembled components from skilled cobblers. Kate debuted her intricately constructed gleaming gold pumps for the “No Time to Die” James Bond film premiere in September 2021.
Pairing the shiny stilettos with a glamorous gold gown from Jenny Packham — the princess was radiant and resplendent in her cape couture creation. Featuring sultry side cut outs with skin baring “windows” — the Fenix pumps are made from mosaic nappa in gold all balanced on a pin thin heel.
The princess repeated the $750 shiny metallic pumps two years later in February 2023 to walk the red carpet in a swan-esque ensemble from McQueen. She wore a one-shoulder white chiffon gown with the dazzling gilded pumps.
4. Aquazzura Cece 105 Pumps in White (2 Wears)
Enchanting and enticing, these white and gold detailed pumps are noteworthy for their Italian made nappa leather and metallic vamp. A sleek pointed toe is accented with peek-a-book gold panels on the toe with a strong and soaring heel for a boost in height.
Kate’s lengthening Aquazzura heels were seen on the princess on two occasions in March 2022. The princess wore the glam heels on the final day of the Caribbean tour in Belize, where Kate paired the statement shoes with a vintage red YSL safari jacket and white slacks. The same day, on the Wales’ arrival in Jamaica, Kate opted to wear the pumps with a yellow Roksanda bow shoulder detailed dress.
5. Aquazzura Lovelink 105 Slingback Pump in Blue (2 Wears)
Classic and chic, these stunning slingbacks feature a sparkly heart shaped ‘love link’ chain at the heel. Designed for durability and longevity, these pretty pumps are finished in a bold blue grosgrain with a romantic twist at the heel.
The towering and elegant heels are leg lengthening and elongating — Kate first wore the soaring stilettos at the Order of the Garter in June 2022. For the summer occasion, she paired her cornflower pastel blue coatdress from McQueen with the cocktail-friendly footwear. Later in May 2023, the princess rewore the crystal-embellished strap heels with a Self-Portrait twisted collar blue midi dress for a coronation reception at Buckingham Palace.
6. Aquazzura Purist 105 Pumps in Green Suede (1 Wear)
With a strong and sharp pointed toe, these pumps may have a minimalist silhouette but still make maximum impact. The angular front toe balances the tall stiletto heel and the soft green suede is perfect for offering a bit of luxe to a garden party daywear outfit or the finishing touch on an emerald evening ensemble.
In June 2023, the princess wore these shamrock shaded shoes for the military birthday parade honoring King Charles. For Trooping the Colour, the princess stepped out in a custom Andrew Gn green coatdress with ornate beaded buttons and satin trim sleeves.
7. Aquazzura Purist 105 Pumps in Black Suede
The princess stepped out in these sophisticated shoes by Aquazzura on September 18, 2022 to meet with Ukraine’s First Lady at Buckingham Palace. She later wore the black purist pumps at Royal Albert Hall for the Festival of Remembrance in November 2023.
