I hope everyone is having a good Memorial Day here in the States. I just took a long walk before the full heat of the day hits, so it feels a little odd to be enjoying winter fashion, but… The random number generator for today’s Monday Memory has directed me to December 10, 2015. On that day, Kate visited Action on Addiction's Centre for Treatment Studies in Warminster, Wiltshire.
Action on Addiction partners with the University of Bath for its addiction treatment program at an 18th-century Grade II listed manor house. Kate toured the centre, met with faculty students, and then attended the graduation ceremony of some students who had completed their course.
The Princess debuted a new houndstooth coat from Reiss that featured a funnel neckline. It came with a belt, which Kate opted not to wear, which I think was the right decision! Underneath, Kate was recycling the teal Emilia Wickstead she had first worn in New Zealand. As you know, she has the same dress in pink.
In those day, if Kate was on an engagement that required a coat, she generally opted for a coat dress that stayed on for the duration of her engagement. That has shifted in recent years, but that was the norm back in the day. So this day stood out a little because she was wearing a distinctive piece under the coat, and, indeed, removed the coat for her visit.
Kate carried her Bayswater clutch from Mulberry and was wearing her Stuart Weitzman Power pumps. Her sparkle was curtesy of her sapphire and diamond drop earrings and her Empress pendant necklace from Mappin and Webb.
You probably have noticed one other thing about this event—Kate’s hair. She had recently gotten a chop and the new length plus the bangs/fringe were causing much discussion and disagreement among fans. In 2015, I think we were still unused to major shifts in Kate’s style and hair preferences. I think now, fans are used to her switching it up. Do you agree?
What did you think of this ensemble? I liked it at the time, and I still like it today, but I will say, it is not my favorite. It felt very normal—a pretty dress and a winter coat. I don’t know that the teal and the houndstooth went together super well, they were fine, but they certainly did not looked designed for each other.
She looks so fresh for someone with a seven-month-old baby and a toddler at home! I’m with you—the clothes are nice (the funnel neck looks very attractive) but not memorable. I do love her hair at this length—it frames her face so beautifully.
Always loved houndstooth and thought the design in the coat was lovely especially the collar. Paired well with the teal dress. So long ago! Also her hair looked great. I pray she is progressing in her treatment and we can see her soon. Thank you for the memory!