Kate Middleton Supports British Designers on First Royal Public Outing
Bride-to-be Kate Middleton is winning the Brits over one homegrown label at a time.
For her first official royal public engagement, the influential brunette made a stylish show of support for British designers and retailers.
Middleton—who has already shown love for U.K. labels Issa London, Reiss, and Whistles—accompanied Prince William to a lifeboat-naming ceremony in Anglesey, Wales, in a brown herringbone London Contrast coat from British designer Katherine Hooker.
The coat, also worn by Middleton in 2006, appeared to have been shortened from its original mid-calf length. Now hitting above the knees, it was worn over a brick red dress.
And though she's hired Philip Treacy to design hats for her wedding day, Middleton opted for a pheasant-feather beret with button accents from U.K. milliner Vivien Sheriff.
"We are thrilled that such an important style icon as Kate Middleton chose to wear one of our designs for what was one of the most momentous occasions to date in her career as a royal family member," a Vivien Sheriff spokeswoman tells FashionEtc.
"Kate wore the piece with such effortless style, and we are truly honored to have her wearing our brand."
Along with a black knotted pashmina and an L.K. Bennett clutch, the bride-to-be also accessorized with a pair of Aquatalia by Marvin K. "Rouge" booties in espresso suede purchased from British retailer Russell & Bromley.
Clearly a fan of the American footwear brand, Middleton stepped out in Aquatalia's Rumba black suede stretch boots paired with a red skirt suit on a visit to St. Andrews the following day.
Cue the shopping stampede!
