Kate Gets a Sneak Peek at Olympic Exhibition

Kate was given a sneak peek at the photographic exhibition entitled Road To 2012: Aiming High, at London's National Portrait Gallery (of which she is patron) before it opened to the public later in the day. It is the final – and largest – part of the NPG’s three-year Olympic-themed project, which has documented the preparations for London 2012.

She joined select guests at the launch of the exhibition and met some of the photographers and sitters involved in the project, which showcases images of famous faces and newcomers all hoping for medal success.

Today’s engagement was the first of several involving the Duchess over the coming weeks with an Olympic theme.

Photo credit: The Royal Wedding Dress on FB

Photo credit: WKW

The Duchess is featured in the exhibition in a black and white photograph taken by Jillian Edlestein at a Team GB hockey event at the Olympic Park earlier this year.

Kate used the occasion to fly the flag for British fashion by choosing a vibrant blue crepe tunic dress ($695/£515) by Stella McCartney, who created the official Team GB Olympic Uniforms. It features a round neck, short sleeves, a fitted waist,an A-line skirt, inverted pleat details and a concealed rear zip closure.

The dress is from McCartney's autumn 2012 collection and is currently available on the Matches, MyTheresa and Selfridges websites.

The Duchess has only been spotted in Stella once before, when she wore a salmon pink satin pussy bow dress for dinner at the Waterside Inn in Bray, Berkshire last summer.

Photo credit: The Royal Wedding Dress on FB

Kate teamed her brilliant blue frock with a pair of classic black Prada kitten heels and a £49,000 Cartier Trinity necklace. The statement released on twitter stated that 'Kate's necklace was a personal piece, not official Olympic merchandise but selected today to go with the theme.'

The piece was definitely distinctive. The white, yellow and rose gold necklace is is made up of a series of chains linked to five diamond-studded hoops.

Kate's hair was noticeably shorter, although still pristinely coiffed. It was a good two inches shorter than at Wimbledon.

Update 7/30/2012

Thanks to 'My Small Obsessions' on FB, Kate's earrings have been ID'd.

They are Mini Gold Crystal Pave Ball Drop Earrings by Jon Richard. They are sold out. Originally available at Debenhams, they retailed for £15 and were on sale for £7.50

Specs:
Post & Bulletback Fastening
Dimension: 8mm
Drop Dimension: 1.5cm
Gold Plated Metal and Glass

 Photo credit: My Small Obsessions