Kate Middleton's Latest Look Amazes Designers on Royal Outing

Kate Middleton's recent royal outing stunned fashion designers with her unexpected and elegant outfit choice. Known for her impeccable style, the Duchess of Cambridge once again showcased her ability to surprise the fashion world. Her ensemble left designers in awe, further solidifying her status as a style icon. This latest appearance has sparked conversations about her evolving fashion choices, highlighting her unique approach to royal attire and her influence on modern fashion trends.

Kate Middleton impressed fashion designers with her deep understanding of their work during her recent royal engagement.

On May 13, the Princess of Wales, 43, attended an event hosted by the British Fashion Council in London, where she presented The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. This marked her first solo official outing of the spring. During the event, Princess Kate interacted with both award recipients and designers shortlisted for the British Fashion Council Foundation’s initiatives, supporting emerging talent. Designer Clio Peppiatt was especially impressed by Kate's preparation.

"She was familiar with the brand and expressed excitement about seeing it firsthand," Peppiatt, 34, tells PEOPLE, adding that Princess Kate had read about her brand beforehand.

Peppiatt’s Capri dress, featuring hand-sewn beading and embroidery depicting summer fruit, caught Kate’s attention. When they spoke, the two delved into the details of the design. "I told her that many pieces are inspired by postcards from places we love," Peppiatt shares. "She mentioned her appreciation for the craftsmanship."

Princess Kate’s fashion sense has long been admired, and her style is frequently replicated, with items she wears often selling out in what’s known as the "Kate effect." For this event, she wore an olive suit by Victoria Beckham, supporting a female-founded British brand while presenting the award named after her late grandmother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth. Designer Patrick McDowell, the award winner, said her enthusiasm was clear.

During the event, Princess Kate also visited McDowell’s pop-up studio at 180 Studios to learn about the sustainable designs. She asked many insightful questions. "We showed her our latest collection, Portraits of a Painter, and also shared some pieces we were developing for the September show," McDowell, 29, tells PEOPLE. "She was genuinely fascinated by the different craftspeople working on the collection. She took time to meet each one and learn about their contributions to the fashion process."

McDowell’s brand, a circular luxury fashion label, was thrilled to have Kate present the prize. "Having the Princess present the award was a dream come true," he says. "Her genuine interest in fashion, and in the people who make the clothes, was so special. She spent time with everyone on the team, showing kindness and interest, which is crucial for showcasing British fashion globally."

The Princess of Wales, who studied art history at the University of St. Andrews, has a personal passion for the arts, which complements her deep engagement with the fashion industry.

Designer Conner Ives, who met Princess Kate for the first time, describes the experience as surreal. Having watched her royal wedding on TV in 2011, he recalls her iconic Alexander McQueen gown, which made global headlines. "It was incredible to go from watching that moment to meeting her in person," he says.

Ives, 29, originally from New York and now based in London, shared his journey with Princess Kate, noting her curiosity about his story. "She was very interested and wanted to know more about me," he says.

Ives creates clothes from vintage textiles and embroidery, and he tells PEOPLE that Princess Kate took particular interest in a gown made from 150-year-old fabric. "We’ll make arrangements with her team. I’d love to see her wear something of mine," he says with a smile.

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Source: people‍