Revealed: How Kate Middleton made tiny tweaks to the sleeves of her dazzling BAFTA gown to make the shape even more flattering than it was on its first outing in 2012
- Duchess of Cambridge, 38, stunned in a white and gold gown at the BAFTAs
- The dress was first worn by the royal to a state visit in Malaysia in 2012
- But last night’s iteration featured slightly different sleeves with more structure
The Duchess of Cambridge won praise for re-wearing a dazzling gold and white gown to the BAFTAs last night.
But royal fashion experts noted Kate, 38, had made slight tweaks to the stunning Alexander McQueen dress since its first outing eight years ago.
The team behind What Kate Wore pointed out last night’s iteration featured more structured shoulders and more fitted sleeves than the original version, which was worn to a state dinner in Malaysia in 2012. The sleeves of the BAFTA gown were also lined, taking away the sheer effect of the original.
Speaking to FEMAIL, stylist Susie Hasler who runs Styled By Susie said the updates created structure that flattered Kate’s figure.
Royal fashion experts noted Kate, 38, had made slight tweaks to the stunning Sarah Burton dress for last night’s BAFTA red carpet (left) since its first outing eight years ago (right). The version last night had more structure shoulders and more fitted sleeves than the original (right). The sleeves were also lined to remove the sheer effect seen in the 2012 version
Kate Middleton, 38, wowed in a stunning floor length white and gold gown by Alexander McQueen as she walked the red carpet at the BAFTAs alongside husband Prince William, 37
The Duchess of Cambridge first wore the gown to a state visit on the royal tour of Malaysia in 2012, pictured. She updated the dress by tweaking the sleeves and changing accessories
She said: ‘Kate looked incredible in her BAFTA outfit. By adapting the sleeves of this glamorous gown, she has created a much more structured style, which is really flattering on her body and face shape.
‘This beautifully tailored look complete with shoulder pads, frames her face so well – and makes her appear much more confident, and improves her posture by making her shoulders appear broader.
‘Her hair being styled in an chic updo completed a much more powerful nighttime look for the Duchess, which was also very feminine and pretty.’
It is not uncommon for Kate to alter pieces for a second wear. Indeed the Duchess wore a gown to the National Portrait Gallery last year that appeared to be an altered version of a dress first worn to the BAFTAs in 2017.
Kate brought the glamour with her choice of jewellery: a £13,250 gold and mother of pearl four leaf clover earring and necklace set by luxury French brand Van Cleef & Arpels, pictured
Attendees including Joaquin Phoenix and Renée Zellweger rose to their feet as the couple arrived at the ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall Hall, where they took their seats, pictured
Kate added a touch of glamour to the outfit by pairing it with new accessories, including a new pair of shimmering £525 Jimmy Choo heels (just seen) and an Anya Hindmarch clutch bag
She has also had more low-key looks like dresses and coats tailored ahead of repeat wears.
Kate’s decision to re-wear the stunning gown was in keeping with a Bafta request that attendees endeavour to promote ‘sustainable’ fashion by hiring gowns, re-wearing outfits or donning vintage ensembles for the occasion.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s recycled looks stood out on the red carpet in a sea of largely new couture creations.
It is not uncommon for Kate to alter pieces for a second wear. Indeed the Duchess wore a gown to the National Portrait Gallery last year (left) that appeared to be an altered version of a dress first worn to the BAFTAs in 2017 (right). The alterations sparked much comment online
Kate added a touch of glamour to the outfit by pairing it with new accessories, including a new pair of shimmering £525 Jimmy Choo glitter heels and an Anya Hindmarch clutch bag.
She also brought the glamour with her choice of jewellery: a £13,250 gold and mother of pearl four leaf clover earring and necklace set by luxury French brand Van Cleef & Arpels.
Kate and William, who have made it their tradition to attend the biggest night in UK cinema each year, beamed at one another as they took a seat alongside a host of other celebrities at the awards ceremony.
Kate Middleton, 37, regularly changes and adjusts high street and designer items to fit her personal style before adding them to her royal wardrobe, such as the Alessandra Rich dress. The original (pictured left) featured a large keyhole opening at the neckline, which the Duchess removed, before adding a large bow (right)