Updated, April 11: Fans have already noticed a shift in Kate Middleton's royal style with the arrival of a new stylist, Virginia Chadwyck. Now new details are emerging about the Duchess of Cambridge’s updated wardrobe strategy—and why you might see her wearing much more high-end designers in the near future.
“Kate has also been focused on her own image in recent months and going through somewhat of a style overhaul recently,” a source told Us Weekly. “She wants to be more fashion-forward, wearing less everyday brands and more designer.”
Middleton has previously mixed high and low pieces into her wardrobe, including items by J.Crew and Zara. But under Chadwyck's direction, she'll reportedly lean more toward custom pieces by luxury labels. “She’s quietly working with a handful of different design houses on outfits for the months ahead,” the source said.
Original post, published March 30: When it comes to fashion, Kate Middleton has been known for her traditional, polished, even referential sense of royal style. But according to new reports, the Duchess of Cambridge might be trying out a new look—and we might start noticing it very soon.
The Daily Mail reports that Middleton has hired a new stylist, a former British Vogue editor and an old friend of the duke and duchess from their college days. (She even attended their wedding back in 2011.)
Virginia Chadwyck, a U.K.-based editor and consultant, will be stepping in for Natasha Archer, Middleton's longtime stylist, while she's out on maternity leave. But already Chadwyck—or Ginnie, as she's known to friends—has had an impact on the duchess's royal wardrobe.
"Ginnie is Catherine’s secret weapon," a royal source told the Daily Mail. "She has made a big difference to the duchess’s wardrobe for public engagements and has helped give a whole new sense of confidence."
Middleton's fashion has been influential since she joined the royal family: Even before sister-in-law Meghan Markle, items she wears are known to sell out pretty soon after she's spotted in them. Still, the Duchess of Cambridge has been known to rewear her favorite pieces—which, to be honest, makes being a royal seem a little more relatable.
Recently we've seen her divert slightly from her usual super-classic British silhouettes and start embracing more on-trend items—think wide-leg trousers and pussy-bow blouses.
She's even revisited some of her evening wear and made adjustments to make them look more modern, as she did with the Alexander McQueen gown she wore to the Portrait Gala a few weeks ago.
Just a couple days ago, she wore combat boots—refined combat boots, but combat boots nonetheless—to an outdoor engagement with some Scouts. (Keep in mind that Middleton's a woman who has played field hockey in stilettos.)
It'll be interesting to see how her style continues to evolve. In the meantime, we'd like to offer ourselves up as the willing recipients of any clothes in her giveaway pile.
