Why the Duchess of Cambridge's black McQueen suit was the ideal choice for her night at the museum
Kate showed her tailored side in a McQueen suit, opting for glamour for the first time since the pandemic
By Emily Cronin, Senior fashion editor 13 October 2020 • 11:37am
Kate at the Natural History Museum Credit: Natural History Museum
Bianca Jagger, Kate Moss, Cate Blanchett in Ocean's 8: some women just suit a suit. The Duchess of Cambridge joined the 'le smoking' club during a special appearance at the Natural History Museum on Monday afternoon.
Kate wore a black Alexander McQueen suit to record a video announcing that she would reveal the winner of the 56th Wildlife Photographer of the Year award on Tuesday evening. A simple black top beneath the peak-shouldered blazer created a squared-off neckline which, combined with Kate's pearl drop earrings, directed the focus to her face.
"It is so wonderful to be back at the reopened Natural History Museum, where we can all enjoy its treasures once again," Kate, royal patron of the London museum, said in the short video.
"I've been lucky enough to have a quick preview, and I can say it's truly spectacular. I can't wait for you all to see it."
The appearance marks the first time Kate has worn McQueen since the onset of Covid-19-related lockdowns in the UK.
The Duchess of Cambridge films in the Hintze Hall at the Natural History Museum in London ahead of the virtual awards ceremony for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Credit: Natural History Museum
With its undeniable glamour, the suit represents a departure from seven months of Kate in relatable mode: a statement blouse for a Zoom interview, a button-down shirt, gilet and jeans for a Scouts event; business-casual knitwear and trousers for a visit to university students.
The McQueen suit is alternative eveningwear for a woman more often seen in beaded gowns and dresses. But with its echoes of business attire, it is an apt choice for a time that has been understandably short on black-tie occasions.
It's also noteworthy that Kate wore trousers at all - although she wore a pair of black trousers to visit students at the University of Derby last week, that was a daytime engagement, and stylistically worlds away from the evening-appropriate black tux.
Meghan Markle wore a McQueen suit to attend the Endeavour Fund Awards in February 2018 Credit: Getty
The look brings to mind another black McQueen suit moment from 2018, when Meghan Markle wore one to the Endeavour Fund Awards with Prince Harry. Just as Meghan sought to signal that she took her commitments seriously while supporting a beloved British fashion house, so must Kate have hoped to summon the professionalism of a perfectly tailored black suit.
She could have found no better source for just such a suit than McQueen. The London-based fashion house has been one of Kate's most trusted outfitters for nearly a decade, dating back to the gown she wore for her wedding in April 2011. She knows: it just suits her.
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