After missing a week, I am back with our Monday Memory. Today’s Monday Memory takes us back to July 6, 2016. Kate was at the Natural History Museum to present the Art Fund of the Year Award. In addition to the accolades, the award came with a not insubstantial £100,000 prize for the winning institution!
The event was not black-tie, but it was nevertheless a fancy affair, and Kate debuted a new dress and a new designer into her closet. This dress was by Brazilian designer Barbara Casasola. Net-A-Porter described the dress as a "midi dress . . . cut from figure-sculpting stretch-jersey and paneled with sheer mesh inserts for a sporty feel. This off-the-shoulder piece flares out from the thigh to create a flattering, feminine silhouette." At the time, I remember wondering if Barbara Casasola would be a repeat label, but Kate has not worn the label since.
Kate’s shoes were also by a Brazilian company: Schutz. In 2016, the Olympics were in Rio de Janeiro, and I remember wondering if, when Kate debuted both a dress and shoes by Brazilian labels, Kate had considered going to the Olympics before her schedule and security concerns ruled it out? This combo was certainly an aberration for her.
Kate carried what we believe is a vintage clutch and debuted new earrings. Although we were not able to ID the earrings on this debut, when Kate wore them again to Wimbledon, the higher resolution photos revealed they were Baroque Pearl earrings by Soru.
Although this dress was outside of Kate usual style—certainly at the time, at least—I really liked this dress. She had/HAS the figure to carry it off, and she beautifully balanced the dress code—looking glamorous even without an evening gown. I think she could wear this today, too, and it would still be a big hit!
110% in my favorite Kate era and I LOVE this dress & shoe combo!!!
I don’t always like ‘midi’ but loved this dress and the shoes were to die for❣️