Monday Memory: June 18, 2021
I promise that the Monday Memory post has not been moved permanently to Tuesday. We went straight from Easter travels to hosting my in-laws, so it has been a very hectic week…again.
Today’s post takes us back to June 18, 2021, so relatively recently. Kate was launching The Royal Foundation Centre For Early Childhood. She began her morning at the London School of Economics, discussing the longterm affects of early childhood experiences. Later in the day, Kate returned to Kensington Palace for tea with parents and educators to discuss her initiative.
We were just talking last week about Kate’s L.K. Bennett pieces, and I mentioned we hadn’t seen L.K. Bennett in a while, but this crepe shift dress was L.K. Bennett. It was part of their partnership with Royal Ascot—a partnership that continues to this year. L.K. Bennett notes on its website right now that it is “the Official Ladies' Royal Ascot Fashion Licensee for 2024.” The outlet has “created an elegant collection for this iconic event showcasing the best styles and designs for this season's biggest racing event. Designed for any enclosure and to be worn time and time again…”
Kate certainly looked fantastic in her dress in 2021. She has worn trousers for these types of events lately, but I hope she trends back toward these types of dresses more. She looked professional and powerful in this ensemble in a uniquely feminine way.
Kate’s dress in 2021 featured a sweetheart neckline and puff sleeves. There were a lot of things about this dress that I really loved, primarily the silhouette, I suppose, which was a real throw-back to her 2011-2012 days. She looked magnificent in so many pictures. I have to say, I do not love the sweetheart neckline, or at least, I don’t like it paired with these puffy sleeves. Something about it made her necklines—when not covered by her hair—look too broad. But that was a minor issue in an otherwise fantastic ensemble.
Kate wore her beautiful sapphire and diamond drop earrings. She was layering her necklaces that summer, and so she was wearing her Spells of Love double strand necklace with her Astley Clarke Round Stilla Lapis Lazuli necklace. Finally, to my delight, she wore the Halcyon Days “Maya Torque” aquamarine and gold bangle bracelet. This is the brand’s original iteration of this design. When I got married, I gifted all my bridesmaids these bracelets, but I couldn’t get this earlier version. She has been spotted with the newer design, too, though, for all your hard core Kate fans.
Obviously, Kate could recycle this dress today. This style remains in fashion, and these types of puffy sleeves are still having a moment. Did you like this look at the time? Do you still like it today?
The fact that you can even find time to post what you do Jane is incredibly impressive, and very much appreciated. I loved this look, for all the reasons you state, very feminine and yet professionally chic, it is a style silhouette that looks good on Kate. With the absence of Kate presently, the look back at her clothing - not just by you but other media outlets - reminds me of 1) how much we look forward to seeing her, and 2) how beautiful her clothing looks in retrospect. Whether or not you specifically like an outfit, she is almost always impeccably groomed and the photos stand the test of time, as do some of her outfits. But above all this, I am mostly struck by how photogenic she is, as well as her poise and grace.....there is a definite void in the royal watching world these days. It will be a special day when she returns, hope that she is getting the rest she needs and recovering.
I love these posts whenever you can get to them, Jane. Thank you. I love the color. the professional yet feminine feel of this dress and the styling, as well.