Friday, June 14, 2013

Day Six: Will and Kate wear traditional dress for Island Feast on Solomon Islands


William and Kate spent the sixth day of the royal tour in Honiara, Solomon Islands today. After a colourful welcome and a service at the city’s cathedral, the couple retired to their hotel room. That evening they attended a traditional Island Feast at the Governor-General’s official residence. The royal couple were entertained by pan pipers wearing grass skirts, white body paint and beads around their heads.
During the feast, Kate was overheard chatting to the Governor-General’s wife Lady Grace.  She called the earlier service held at the cathedral “beautiful”, adding: “All the singing – it was lovely.”

Kate’s outfit:

Both Kate and William got into the spirit of the South Pacific by donning traditional Island dress for the feast. According to journalists, Kate had only tried on the dress one hour before the the dinner.  She had intended to wear a dress she’d chosen, but changed her mind last minute after seeing the dress, which her hosts left in her hotel room.
The dress was a fabulous magenta-pink, which really suited Kate. Here you can see a photograph, with thanks to @MrsRegalEyes on Twitter:
kate middleton pink dress
Update:  Tarita-Maruia commented on this blog to explain that Kate’s dress was designed and made at Rarotonga, Cook Islands, by Cook Island designer Ellena Tavioni Pittman of designhouse TAV.   Here is a look at similar styles from Tav’s website:
kate pink island print dress
A quote about the dresses and the work that goes into making the prints:
“Established in 1987 TAV the brand represents the romance and escapism that is the mood of the Pacific by utilizing traditional motifs, such as sea life, flora and fauna patterns in print designs – namely block printing, hand painting and dip dyeing all of which are done by hand using various fabric paint and techniques. Printing is labour intensive using natural sunlight to dry prints prior to heat setting.” 
“TAV specialises in Resort wear / Ready-to-wear with an emphasis on prints and designs derived from the natural environment and Polynesian traditions. TAV also tailors swimwear.”
“As each piece of fabric is created on the island of Rarotonga”.
The Duchess wore her hair extra curly for the event, she paired the traditional dress with her Stuart Weitzman Minx Wedges.  Here we show the wedges in different colours across various UK and US stores:

Kate’s Jewellery:

Kate sported two pieces of jewellery at the Island Feast.  She re-wore the gold Catherine Zoraida bracelet from a few nights previous, worn to the dinner with the King of Malaysia.  She also had on a new pair of earrings from Serretta (which cost a bargain £36).  Let’s take a look at them in detail:
Kate Middleton Coral Earrings
Via My Flash Trash
Kate purchased the earrings from My Flash Trash after the PR ladies from the company attempted to contact Kate via her personal assistant before the tour.  Abbey, the Head of PR told us,
 “We had been going back and forth for months and when I was told she wanted to buy 7 pieces to take on tour I was over the moon!”
About the earrings, from the website:
“These stunning Red Coral Sponge Earrings by our British designer Serretta are a gorgeous way to add an exotic edge to your look. Hand made in England using rolled gold chain tassel, the detailed bright coral is strikingly elegant.”

Open Back Beaded Round Neck Empire Sheath Chiffon Evening Dress

Fabric: Tencel + Organza + Satin
Style: Sheath style, A-line, high waist, sleeveless, necklace neckline, ruched bodice, green color fade
Washing: Hand wash/dry clean separately, hang dry, iron at low temperature, no chlorine bleaching, less than 10 minutes soak time
Length/cm: 137
This classic dress features round neck with rich bead embellished in green color fade, designed with sexy open back with double row bead embellished.
The ruched bodice and fitted waistband can show your perfect figure. This elegant dress is all that an evening great dress should be. Matched with your great necklace will be wonderful.

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