Kate made two more changes of clothing today, changing out of her McQueen suit into separates by Singapore’s Raoul.
After this morning’s activities the Duke and Duchess visited Queenstown, the first government housing estate built in Singapore, it is named after Her Majesty.
Kate again acknowledged the Jubilee Tour host country by wearing a brand based in Singapore.
Raoul is a label we predicted/hoped Kate would wear, it embodies so many design elements she favors: clean, classic lines, minimal “frou-frou” or distractions, timeless styles. Kate wore pieces made exclusively for Matches Fashion, the silk “Tara” top and matching skirt.
The top sold for $221, it is described this way:
“a red and black cube heart print is reminiscent of vintage 70s styling…”
The skirt was $300, here is that description:
“…ivory silk print pleated skirt by Raoul puts a retro-cool slant on ladylike new-season dressing. This ivory silk knee-length pleated skirt has a mid-rise, a red and black cube print and a black waistband with a hidden side zip fastening.
As one would expect, both pieces are now sold out and unavailable.
The brand is a good one for Kate, this is a simple, refined look that worked well for the afternoon events. More about the label from Refinery 29‘s story “Singaporean Label Raoul is About To Take Over The World“:
Singaporean label RAOUL might not be a household name just yet, but it definitely deserves to be. Nearly 10 years old, RAOUL is the beautiful child of Douglas and Odile Benjamin, and grew from a menswear shirting company to two full ready-to-wear labels for men and women.
With a bit more information about the afternoon’s events, the Daily Mail:
And, as the pair made their way through an upmarket housing estate in Queenstown, a thousand camera phones emerged from handbags and pockets to capture the historic moment.
Despite it being a steamy 36 degrees, both Kate and William looked unflustered as they shook hands and posed for pictures with the crowd who were waving Union flags and carrying ‘Kate is great’ banners.
Rebecca English, whose story we quote from above, shared this picture of Kate meeting a young admirer.
Kate and William seemed to be in their element, enjoying their duties despite the heat, described as “searing” by several UK journalists.
Another photo by Rebecca English.
Kate brought back her trusty LK Bennett Sledges, and reprised the Annoushka pearl drop earrings.
Kate and William proceeded to their next engagement, a visit to Rainbow Center, a school and community center for children with special needs. The Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, students were eager to see the Duke and Duchess.
Kate took part in an art class with children, while William did physical educational activities with the kids.
We leave this segment of the day’s coverage a lovely photo by Emma Branch.
Kate and William returned to their hotel before heading out for tonight’s reception at Eden Hall, the British High Commissionerâ€™s residence.Â Kate changed again, this time donning Erdem, a modified version of a piece from the designer’s spring collection.
Tonight’s event included prominent Singaporeans, as well as members of the British and international expatriate communities. Kate has demonstrated her fondness for Erdem, wearing two dresses by the designer on last year’s Royal Tour of North America. Below, the Cecile.
And the Jacquinta from that Tour.
Kate also wore bespoke Erdem for this year’s Trooping the Colour ceremonies.
There were several Team Singapore Paralympians just back from London at the gala, below we see Prince William greeting Laurentia Tan, a Paralympic equestrienne.
“… chiffon Erdem outift as blue and white with red detail, Oriental styling… a pleated skirt, exposed back and loose-fitting sleeves. She is also wearing four-inch beige (does he mean nude?) heels.”
It is an altered version of a piece from the spring/summer 2012 collection.
The bodice is lined, and sheer, flyaway sleeves have been added in deference to local custom and protocol.
Kate accessorized with a pair of suede heels, the LK Bennett Harper in light taupe.
The shoe has a concealed platform, its heel height is almost 4-1/2″, it retails at Â£195, about $315 at today’s exchange rates.
The Duchess also carried a grey clutch we’ve not previously seen.
All three of today’s looks were excellent, I enjoy seeing Kate wearing local designers along with safer, more familiar labels. Hopefully we’ll see more new names, possibilities in Malaysia include Zang Toi, my friend Wendy Brandes introduced me to his work years ago, or perhaps we’ll see something by Bernard Chandran.
Here is a look ahead at tomorrow’s schedule (tonight’s actually, it is already the 13th in Singapore.)
- 9:30AM (9:30PM EDT): The day begins with a visit to Kranji Commonwealth War Cemetery, there is a wreath laying at the War Memorial in the Cemetery and the couple will meet veterans and active military from Singapore, Britain, Australia and New Zealand armed forces
- William and Kate leave Singapore, boarding a scheduled flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where they will be met at the International airport
- The pairâ€™s first engagement is a lunch hosted by the Prime Minister Datoâ€™ Sri Najib Tun Razak at Seri Perdanaat, his official residence. The lunch will include a musical performance by young people
- Following lunch Kate and William visit Hospis Malaysia, this is where the Duchess will give a short speech to patients and staff, â€œdrawing on her own growing experience of the hospice movement in the United Kingdom.â€
- Thursday evening the Duke & Duchess attend an official dinner given by His Majesty The Agong at his official residence, the Istana Negara
- The Daily Mail’s story is laden with photos
- Victoria Murphy of the Mirror continues sharing personal reactions in her blog
- The Rainbow Center website is here
- The UK in Singapore website is here, Facebook page here and Twitter feed is here
- The UK in Malaysia website is here, its Facebook page here and Twitter feed here