Royals

Catherine stuns in floral gown at Buckingham Palace event

Feb 20, 2018

Catherine arrives at the lavish event at Buckingham Palace. Source: Getty

She’s expecting her third child in a matter of months but the Duchess of Cambridge has continued to mingle as part of her royal engagements.

Catherine hosted a lavish fashion event at Buckingham Palace overnight with the help of Sophie, the Countess of Wessex. The event was to celebrate The Commonwealth Fashion Exchange, a brand-new initiative that is set to shine a spotlight on designers from more than 50 countries around the world. She could be rivalling Princess Diana when it comes to the fashion stakes.

Catherine, now seven months pregnant, wore a gorgeous floral design for the event. The stunning black and white number was made of lace and is believed to be made from designer Erdem. The 36-year-old’s baby bump was on full display during the reception.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Sophie, The Countess of Wessex attend The Commonwealth Fashion Exchange Reception at Buckingham Palace. Source: Getty

Her incredible gown came just above the ankle and she opted for a stunning pair of black heels for the event. As usual, she wore her luscious brunette locks past her shoulders for the event, and kept her makeup minimal.

Meanwhile, the fashion-forward Countess of Wessex opted for a striking black number, complete with an eye-catching red trim. Similar to Catherine, her dress came just above the ankle and she also wore a tan pair of heels for the event. She opted to wear her hair in a neat bun for the night.

Designers and artisans from around the Commonwealth had a chance to meet together at Buckingham Palace to showcase their work as part of the #FashionExchange pic.twitter.com/goOJHIuw4i

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) February 19, 2018

The event was full of a-listers including Vogue editor Anna Wintour and fashion icon in her own right, Stella McCartney. Buckingham Palace shared some of the incredible pieces of fashion that were on show during the night.

Taking to the royal family Twitter page, they gave fans a glimpse of some of the designs that are soon to take over the world. “Tonight, The Duchess of Cambridge and The Countess of Wessex are hosting a reception at Buckingham Palace on behalf of The Queen to showcase the work of the Commonwealth Fashion exchange,” the message read.

The Duchess met artisans from around the Commonwealth and heard stories such as this about a partnership between Karen Walker and a cooperative of women from the Cook Islands, who are expert in the craft of 'tivaivai'. #FashionExchange pic.twitter.com/BM9n5IFuXw

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) February 19, 2018

“The Commonwealth Fashion Exchange project pairs fashion design talent with artisan producers from across the Commonwealth’s 53 countries. Designers from around the Commonwealth, who represent the best in contemporary fashion and creativity, have been partnered with communities representing traditional hand-crafts and artisanal skills.”

While the looks had their debut at the Palace, they will soon travel to other venues across London and the UK for members of the public to enjoy.

Throughout the event, both Catherine and Sophie were spotted mingling with other designers and encouraging them to talk about the ideas behind their works of art.

The Countess of Wessex is patron of London College of Fashion & also had a chance to chat to artisans and designers at the reception this evening. #FashionExchange pic.twitter.com/RFJDsnkDDr

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) February 19, 2018

The event came just a day after the Duchess of Cambridge made a bold fashion choice at the BAFTAs in London. While many stars at that event chose to wear an all-black theme to support victims of sexual harassment and assault in the film and television industry, Catherine wore a flattering green ensemble.