The Real Reason Why Kate Middleton's "Controversial" Dress Was "a Little Irresponsible," According to Experts
It has to do with the brand behind the design.
Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, is an international style icon. Like her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, Prince William's wife is known for her impeccable style sense. Just this week, she sported two memorable looks: A gorgeous mustard yellow Karen Millen dress and navy trousers paired with a blue silk Winser London pussy bow blouse, and single breasted tea length jacket. However, not all of her outfit choices have been met with applause. In fact, one of the ensembles she wore in the past few weeks has been met with criticism from experts – and it has nothing to do with the look being out of style.
On her first outing after the Queen's funeral, Kate wore a beautiful coat dress. However, it wasn't the style of the ensemble that has gotten her into hot fashion water. It is the designer behind the look.
The coat dress was the design of Dolce & Gabbana, founded by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. The brand, a favorite of celebrities around the world, has faced backlash in recent years due to a number of scandals.
First, in 2015, the founders described children born through IVF as "children of chemistry, synthetic children" and spoke out against same sex parenting. Then, in 2018, the brand was accused of racism when an Asian model in their campaign was using chopsticks to eat Italian food.
"Kate Middleton is usually the paragon of considered dressing, always striking the right immaculate tone to please the crowds no matter the occasion," Miranda Holder told Express. "The late Queen set the ultimate example for the Royal Family to remain neutral in even the most chaotic of political climates, and Kate, of whom the Queen was particularly fond, and personally tutored in the intricacies of public engagements, has always crafted her personal wardrobe with the utmost forethought. She has been highly aware that every nuance, no matter how tiny, will have repercussions around the world."
"In the past, critics have called Kate's wardrobe a little predictable, boring even, as the Princess has stepped out in her familiar, flattering but demure silhouettes, created by a select group of approved designers with every outfit detail specially selected to send subtle layered messages to the world, from the chosen colour of her signature coat-dress to the shape of the brooch gracing her lapel," Holder continued. "It's diplomatic dressing at its finest, and Kate's sartorial score has always been faultless. The 'Kate effect' is still very much in full swing, as fashion blogs clammer to get the scoop on the brands the Princess is wearing and garments still selling out at record speed. It goes without saying that every designer getting their moment in the spotlight will benefit tremendously and the Palace are well aware."
However, overall she does not believe that Kate is committing a sin by wearing Dolce & Gabbana clothes. "On one hand it could be said that it was a little irresponsible for Kate to support such a controversial designer as Dolce & Gabbana if the many claims about them are true, as demand for their pieces will inevitably soar. But I personally think this is a dangerous game to start playing. It is not the job of the Firm to filter through the gossip columns and decide which rumours are true," Holder said.
