Kate Middleton Turns Down Free Clothes, Makes Deals with Designers
Given her knack for causing a frenzy at the shops, it seems like designers should be paying the Duchess of Cambridge to wear their clothes.
But one just doesn't do freebies, apparently.
Royal insiders claim that, while Catherine will likely be making "private arrangements" with designers when assembling the wardrobe for her upcoming North American tour, she doesn't accept free clothing, People reports.
Guess that's why she sticks to the budget-friendly high street!
"[The Duchess] has a policy not to accept any free offers of clothing," a spokesman for the newlyweds tells the magazine. "We would never discuss the prices paid for individual items—these will remain private between the Duchess and the designers. She will not receive any special clothing budget for the Canada and California tour."
That statement suggests that the Duchess receives a discount for certain wares, which may explain her recent appearances in luxury designs from Alexander McQueen's Sarah Burton and Jenny Packham.
The brunette beauty is no stranger to thriftiness. She's known for wearing certain pieces over and over again, and reportedly picked up a recent salmon-pink Stella McCartney Spring 2009 dress on sale in March.
First Lady Michelle Obama also reportedly has a similar clothes-buying arrangement with designers, "including considering the best offered price and buying on discount if discounts are available," her spokeswoman Kristina Schake said earlier this year.
