This evening saw three of the Royal Family’s most fashionable women – The Duchess of Cambridge, The Countess of Wessex and Princess Beatrice – join forces to recognise the fashion design talent in the Commonwealth, at a Buckingham Palace reception.
The Duchess of Cambridge and the Countess of Wessex at the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange reception at Buckingham Palace in London, during London Fashion Week . Picture by ROTA / i-Images
Catherine and Sophie were unexpectedly joined by Prince Andrew’s daughter at the event, held by the women on behalf of The Queen; it happens to coincide with London Fashion Week.
Launched at the beginning of February by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Commonwealth Fashion Exchange aims to create partnerships between established and emerging talent from across the 52 member countries, both designers and artisans, in the lead up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London this April.
Duchess Kate looks gorgeous in @erdem with the Countess of Wessex in @Burberry at the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange’s reception pic.twitter.com/rOE2wd1slR
— HELLO! Canada (@HelloCanada) February 19, 2018
Some big names, like Stella McCartney and Burberry were part of the project, and teamed up with artisans from other Commonwealth countries.
“The initiative uses fashion as a common language and platform to help people understand the modern Commonwealth in a different way,” Buckingham Palace explained.
The Royal trio were spotted examining the fabric of a few pieces, and discussing the creations with their designers, seemingly impressed with the outfits.
The Duchess of Cambridge and Countess of Wessex with Stella McCartney at the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange reception at Buckingham Palace in London. Picture by ROTA / i-Images
PRINCESS BEATRICE LOOKS AT A DRESS DURING THE RECEPTION (ROYAL FAMILY)
The Royal trio were spotted examining the fabric of a few pieces, and discussing the creations with their designers, seemingly impressed with the outfits.
The Duchess and Princess wore Erdem (info on Kate’s look here), while the Countess opted for Burberry as they viewed the designs in the State Rooms.
It was the second night out in a row for Kate, who yesterday evening attended the BAFTAs with her husband, showing off some impressive emeralds.
Samoan designer Afa Ah Loo’s creation
Design from Izaura of Botswana, created with Quazi Design of Swaziland
Other VIP guests included Vogue editor, Anna Wintour, British Fashion Council’s chief executive, Caroline Rush, royally-endorsed designer Anya Hindmarch, as well as supermodels Naomi Campbell and Adwoa Aboah.
Highlighted during the event was not just creativity, but sustainable production and manufacturing, trade links and ethical supply chains across the fashion industry, from business and design to textile and fabric design and manufacturing, to craft and artisan skills.
The mannequins, resplendent in the Commonwealth designs, will be on show to the public at Australia House and other London locations from February 21st. Matchesfashion.com, another partner, will also sell a collection created by artisans later this year.
