For ceremonial duty, official engagements and even her wedding day, the Princess of Wales has worn fashions from British luxury design house Alexander McQueen. Today, the royal rarely goes more than a week or two without stepping out in another McQueen power blazer, chiffon dress or longline coat.
In fact, the princess is so enamored with the design house — she’s donned McQueen designs for some of her most memorable and majestic royal appearances including her 40th birthday portraits, sister Pippa Middleton’s wedding nuptials as well as for state dinners, BAFTA red carpets and glitzy banquets.
For high-profile events, Kate often turns to the glamorous and gothic inspired creations of the House of McQueen. With a background in costume design and work as a pattern cutter for an avant garde Japanese designer, the late British fashion maker known to his family by the nickname ‘Lee’ came to prominence for his artistic and technical creations infused with decorative drama and historical references.
With collections inspired by his Scottish ancestry as well as influenced by his global travels and artistic affections, McQueen often created pieces which merged heritage and history. During his studies at fashion school, the designer regularly visited the V&A museum to review textiles, woodcarvings, embroidery and ceramics.
The British design house today employs creative directors (like Sarah Burton) who try and reimagine many of McQueen’s dreamy and diverse inspirations into chic collections focused on impeccable tailoring and craftsmanship. The daring and dark imaginings of Lee are today revealed and showcased with various takes on the Japanese kimono, Victorian gothic themes (ranging from vampires to Jack the Ripper to mourning attire and tributes to Tim Burton) and paradoxical concepts (life and death, horror and romance, pleasure and pain).
Layering his love of the grotesque and glamour — McQueen fashions often focus on eerie patterns, dramatic draping and mysterious prints like moody orchids and burning amber. The princess is drawn to the McQueen mainstays like fun flourishes (bows and peplum), sleek silhouettes and classic construction.
Here are 7 of Kate Middleton’s Favorite Alexander McQueen Styles:
1. Alexander McQueen Coatdresses
Often featuring a peplum waist, Kate owns multiple ivory, soft pink and even black box pleat coatdresses from the British luxury design maker. She wears these stylish and structured styles for formal occasions, foreign visits and palace parties.
2. Alexander McQueen Suit Jackets
Kate has embraced McQueen’s tailored and timeless suit jackets in a big way. Stepping out for meetings, school visits and Early Childhood engagements, Kate often pairs her blazers with color matched cigarette trousers and coordinating bootcut pants.
3. Alexander McQueen Pleated Open Neck Coats
The princess owns a variety of knee-length coats from the famed ready-to-wear designer. Featuring peaked shoulders or rounded collars, side pockets and a fit-and-flare silhouette, these knee-length designs work as both outerwear and day dresses. The princess owns three of the same occasion coat in pale blue, ivory and primrose yellow; she often wears the toppers for weddings, christenings and special ceremonies.
4. Alexander McQueen Midi Coats
The princess has left her belted and button heavy coats behind and embraced the sleek and slimming longline coat courtesy of McQueen. Worn for winter outings like stadium visits, overseas travel and holiday parades, Kate is frequently found in double-breasted wool coats from Alexander McQueen. The royal loves the clean lines and impeccable tailoring of the brand’s custom slim fit coat.
5. Alexander McQueen Day Coats and Dresses
The vast majority of Princess Kate’s Trooping the Colour wardrobe is comprised of Alexander McQueen designs. From paperbag waists to peplum and puff sleeves, her pretty pastel and soft styles herald the summer season.
6. Alexander McQueen Military Coats
The princess is inclined to wear McQueen overcoats with strong shoulders and metal buttons for serious and somber occasions. Designed with a steampunk aesthetic, these sharp and structured officer coats have a twinge of 19th century Victorian influence.
7. Alexander McQueen Ballgowns
The princess will wear McQueen gowns with full, fluffy skirts as well as Grecian designs and glamorous chiffon styles for red carpet appearances, special occasions (coronation) and evening events.
