The See-Through Dress that caught a Princes' eye

The silk barely-there sheer dress is what caught Prince Williams attention as Kate wore it down the catwalk in 2002. It was designed by fashion student Charlotte Todd. The dress which originally cost £30 in 2000 to construct was intended to be worn as a skirt but because Kate has such an incredible sense of fashion style, she decided to wear it over a lacy underwear ensemble as she sashayed down the runway.

Kate's Favorite Designer: Daniella Issa Helayel

Daniella Issa Hlayel or otherwise known to us as 'Issa' is the designer that Kate selected to design her engagement dress that would be seen by the world. Issa is based in London and has long been a favorite of not only Kate but other celebs including Madonna, Scarlett Johansson and Jennifer Lopez.

We have seen Kate wear Issa's designs in the past. Who is Daniella Issa Helayel?
Issa is a Brazilian-born designer who formally studied law. She decided to give up her then chosen profession and move to New York to study fashion. For ten years she worked as a fashion consultant and then moved to London in 2000 to set up her label Issa.

The wrap dresses denote the signature of the line. Issa strives to provide her clients with an effortless elegance that is universally flatterng. Since her first catwalk show in 2003, sales have rocketed.
http://www.issalondon.com/2009/

Kate Middleton is Officially Engaged wearing an Issa London Dress

 

The beautiful Kate Middleton officially announced her engagement to Prince William and wore an Issa London dress to her first press conference. The tight-fitting royal blue jersey and silk dress with a gathered front was appropriately named 'Sapphire.' It has been reported that her dress sold out in the UK within hours. The dress was priced at £385 or about $615. It is not available in the US.

 

 

For those of you wanting a replica you better move quickly! A knock-off is being sold by Tesco.com for £16 or $25.

 

Kate was given the ring that once belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales. When it was given to Diana in 1981, it cost £30,000. The ring is made from 14 diamonds encircling a sapphire.

 

 

  Update 10/22/2012

 

 

Kate's earrings and nacklace Tiffany & Co. 18k Gold

by designer Elsa Peretti.

The necklace is 16" long and is set with a center cabochon

blue sapphire and two diamonds. The diamonds are about 5 points

each and the sapphire (including the gold setting) measures 5/16" x 3/16"

The necklace is signed Tiffany & Co., 750 (i.e. 18k), Peretti"

 

 

 

Update 8/11/2013

 

 Tiffany & Co reissued a similar necklace. The main difference is that the center stone is round and not oval like Kate's above. Also, the center stones could possibly be different (lapis lazuli cabochon vs. a blue sapphire). I will contact Tiffany & Co for clarification.

 

The Tiffany & Co website describes the 'Elsa Peretti® Color by the Yard' necklace as:

"Necklace in 18k gold with one lapis lazuli cabochon and two round brilliant diamonds. 18" long. Carat total weight .10. Original designs copyrighted by Elsa Peretti ($995)"

www.tiffany.co.uk/

 

Update 8/20/2013

 

Tiffany & Co

 

There is much debate about whether Kate's necklace and earrings are sapphire or lapis lazuli. There is no way for us to be sure unless the palace confirms or denies either way. Tiffany & Co does currently have similar earrings - the oval Elsa Peretti Color by the Yard earrings in 18k gold with lapis lazuli center stones ($750). 

Welcome To My Blog

Welcome to my blog!
This is a FAN site devoted to the style and fashion of Kate Middleton.

When I was a child, Princess Diana was my idol. I collected pictures of her, I recorded her royal wedding and watched it countless times and hoped one day to meet her. Since her death and in my opinion, there has not yet been another style icon. No one can replace Princess Diana but Kate Middleton can carve out her own path and become the fashion icon of the 21st century.