On May 13, 2025, the Princess of Wales presented the 2025 Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design at an event hosted by the British Fashion Council at 180 Studios in central London. During the event, the Princess presented the award to the winning designer, Patrick McDowell. She was joined by BFC CEO Caroline Rush and Laura Weir.
Patrick McDowell is the eighth recipient of the award, following previous winners such as Richard Quinn, Bethany Williams, Rosh Mahtani of Alighieri, Priya Ahluwalia, Saul Nash, Foday Dumbuya of Labrum London, and Steven Stokey-Daley of S.S. Daley.
The prestigious award, now in its eighth year, is presented to an emerging British fashion designer who demonstrates exceptional talent and originality, as well as a commitment to community values and sustainable practices. The Princess also visited the winning designer’s pop-up studio to learn more about his sustainable creations. For the occasion, she wore a moss-green suit designed by Victoria Beckham.
I am absolutely underwhelmed by this colour, for me a no-go for anybody - I simply cannot imagine what kind of skin or hair colour this could be good for. But more than by this, I am annoyed by how "hard" this jacket looks, as if made of cardboard. Just look at the creasing in the sleeves in elbow-height, and she does not even bends her arms properly. Last not least, a trouser length that sweeps the floor at each step is just revolting - I don't understand how any designer wishes to make a fashion statement with something so thoroughly disgusting like this (and why Catherine follows it). The blouse is nice, everything else is a fail for me.
ReplyDeletei agree. i don't think we have ever seen her in this color. this would have been a day for a lovely dress like she did years before.
DeleteSophie presented this award last year, and she too wore a VB suit, was a disappointing. Queen Elizabeth was a lady of style.
Its a perfect color for gingers/red heads ; )
DeleteDear No Name 16:00, Words like „disgusting“ and „revolting“ in this context are pure insults, I am surprised that your comments were not removed.
Delete🌞 Virginia
My thoughts as well, Virginia. That is very strong language, and very rude. This is about fashion, which is subjective. We all make sartorial choices because of comfort, age, personal preference, and interest (or lack of interest) in fashion. It does not make what Kate is wearing "disgusting" and "revolting". We should all keep in mind that we wore things in our youth that our mothers and grandmothers would never have worn and most likely didn't like. We still wore what was popular at the time because that is what most people do. It is absolutely ridiculous to have such extreme opinions, forgetting most of us were once in the same position.
DeleteDear Virginia, I would never apply words like this to *persons*. This new fashion hype I would call disgusting and revolting even if my comment would be deleted, because it touches something so much more important than a fashion vibe. It has to do with utterly ignoring the fact that designing, selling (and yes: buying and wearing) such clothes multiplies the necessity to use detergents to clean them and we all know what that does to our environment.
DeleteI actually love this color. It is different and she can pull it off wonderfully.
DeleteYou are entitled to your opinion however, your choice of words to slightly excessive - oh my!
Cette couleur me va très bien, je suis rousse auburn
DeleteWhile it’s completely fine not to like an outfit, using words like “disgusting” or “revolting” feels unnecessarily harsh—especially when discussing someone else’s personal presentation. Trends evolve, and taste differs. We might not always agree with someone’s fashion choices, but a little perspective and respect go a long way.
DeleteGreat colour.
ReplyDeleteI agree!
DeleteI think a side part, instead of a center part, would look more flattering on Catherine here. I don’t much care for the color or pants leg length of this suit. The blouse is interesting; maybe reminds me a little of the neck cloths judges/justices sometimes wear.
ReplyDelete-Royal Watcher
Agree !!
DeleteOn the second picture you can Kate’s trousers are too long but otherwise nice suit.
ReplyDeleteits how the designer VB intended it to look like. We have seem similar style with other royals; Charlene, Mary and Maxima
DeleteAt "Anon 20:23" But there's a "break" (look the tailoring term up if you don't know what it means) which means that even though designed to be long, these are *too* long on her. They have to be the perfect length to get the desired look/effect. It often depends on the specific shoes that are to be worn with the pants. I suspect the princess may be wearing a different pair than the ones used during the fitting.
DeleteBeautiful pant suit by Victoria Beckham. The mustard color suits Princess Catherines hair color. On the second picture I see ladies in long evening dresses, on the other pictures I see other ladies who also wear pant suits but not as beautiful as Princess Catherine's. The distribution of the award itself looks a bit chaotic, at least that is what the pictures are showing.
ReplyDeleteShe has died her hair recently I believe. Her own colour i dark and cool and I think it’s a pity that she doesn’t keep that. The white blouse goes well with her skin tone but the jacket doesn’t.
DeleteThe blouse makes this looks so masculine. I really don't like it with the suit. Maybe her makeup is too dark or this color just isn't for her? I'm not sure what I like less but this is not the best look for Princess Kate.
ReplyDeleteAt first glance I thought it fit nice, pants not to tight. Then I noticed the fabric in the jacket was stiff , and then the floor sweeper pants. Typical Beckham design. I would suspect there could be some support for the British designer. With a few tweeks it might be better.
ReplyDeleteI don't like the color neither the fabric, which looks unpleasant to wear. But it is Victoria Beckham. I don't like it on the model neither.
ReplyDeleteI usually love strong, vibrant colours. But I don't even know what to call this awful colour. Dark mustard? Maybe. Whatever it is, I don't like it. But it sure makes Kate stand out in a crowd and not for a good reason.
ReplyDeleteDark mustard seems like a good description. Like the first poster, I’m not sure why anyone would choose this colour. Princess Caroline wore something similar the other day and again the ‘yucky’ colour took away from the look. The Princess of Wales always looks good but another colour would have improved this
DeleteNew color for Catherine! She looks great.
ReplyDeleteM
I like it but the pants are just a tad too long. She should have either worn a slightly higher heel or had hem adjusted. I wonder if there was a last minute shoe change thus messing up the look.
ReplyDeleteThis is a no from me. The color is not flattering at all.The trouser is just a tad too long. The jacket too seems to engulf Catherine’s slim frame. I always think Catherine is better suited to a slim leg trouser,and more fitted jacket.
ReplyDeleteI also not overly keen on her middle parting. I wish she would go back to the style prior to her wedding. Side part shoulder length with a bounce to it. This long straggly look is dragging her hair down.
Lowri.
Don't like the colour or pants too long, the shirt gives me priest vibes and doesn't like the hair. So guess not a hit in my book.
ReplyDeleteA mon avis, la couleur kaki de ce tailleur-pantalon combiné avec le blanc de son chemisier lui convient bien ; est-ce de nouvelles et délicates boucles d'oreilles ?
ReplyDeleteC'est non pour moi, je n'aime ni la couleur ni la forme. Quand on ne voit pas les chaussures ce n'est pas très beau, l'allure est bizarre.
ReplyDeleteLa princesse a de nombreux costumes pantalons, bien plus chics et avec de plus jolis coloris.
Sur la 2e photo la jeune femme à gauche, en jupe blanche et haut noir, me semble la plus élégante. Les autres tenues ne sont pas très belles. Paloma.
With this cut, the trousers are supposed to completely cover the shoes. It is exactly as we wore them in the 70s. This is a throw back style.
DeleteI'm amused by the unapologetic (and beautifully tailored, fortunately) 1960s vibe of Patrick McDowell's "Nehru jacket" and bellbottom trousers. And beautiful Catherine's cascade of neck ruffles has a hint of Carnaby Street about it as well (Baby Boomers will remember 😁). I'm sure this synchronicity was unintentional, but imo they both look splendid. -- Jane
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Princess Kate !
ReplyDeleteA beautiful outfit. Although I'm not too keen on the pockets at the front of the trousers. For me, they're superfluous.
The trousers are admittedly a little too long, but the fact that she's wearing a pair of pumps helps.
What a pleasure to see her !
-Astrid.
What an interesting and out of the ordinary colour. Love it and it looks so good on her. She look always so perfect. She is an autumn colour palette and I think this colour is great for her. Blouse looks amazing with it. Always astonish me how she gets it right. And I I bet it is her smile :) .
ReplyDeleteI am sorry but I think Victoria Beckham seldom makes good clothes.
ReplyDeleteThis suit is no exception.
Yes - correct and concise characeterization of VB fashion.
DeleteThe Princess looks nice, but a few things, are unappealing. The jacket as already mentioned by others appears stiff, unattractive in a fabric. The color I don't like but that is my taste. The pants are too long, fashionable I know, but a no. The blouse is interesting. Regardless the Princess looks well and happy. Love her earrings.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with most here. I love this suit. The color is called Willow, which is a shade of olive green. Comments about the jacket being too stiff have me puzzled. The word I would use is "crisp", which is desirable over limp, unstructured fabric in a jacket. This is not a linen jacket. It is a wool/poly/elastane blend. Aside from the color, I knew there would be strong feelings about the length of her pants. If I was the one wearing the trousers, I would have them a little shorter, but close to dusting the ground. That is the most flattering length for this cut. Because she is younger than I am, I see why she is wearing them at this length. Clothes have been sweeping the ground for a few years now. The one thing I don't care for is the blouse. I would have preferred a simple, clean look over the fussiness. I am always thrilled when see wears more fashion forward clothes, getting away from the floral dresses. She can be well dressed in a more modern way and still do her job.
ReplyDeleteAs others have mentioned the pants are too long and the fabric of the jacket appears to be extremely stiff. These elements detract from the overall look. The colour is not the most becoming one. I know that the Princess of Wales has beautiful hair but I wish it were somewhat shorter and less 'heavy' with a side parting. I think she would look amazing with a short bouncy 'fresh' cut!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful well fit tailored outfit. Catherine never walks out the door in un-Ironed clothes. Very fitting to also be wearing Victoria Becham. Supporting British fashion & alot more. Mary
ReplyDeleteVery much dislike the colour. Doesn’t do anyone any favours.
ReplyDeleteI am not a fan of this suit. Perhaps PoW should have chosen a different designer. This color does not flatter Caucasians with light skin. Maybe ladies with dark complexion could wear this color. The suit looks better on the model. On Catherine, the pants fabric appears to be flimsy and certainly too long. She has so many more beautiful suits . I would rather see a re-wear than a "miss" like this.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't surprise me that a lot of commenters do not like this color. The same happens when Queen Mathilde or Queen Maxima are wearing these kind of colors (mustard, olive green, darker or lighter colors in the same range,...). Well I like these colors because a lot of ladies are looking good in them. As well blond women as brown, auburn women can wear this color. I must admit that the trousers are a tad too long, but that should not be a problem because they can be made shorter without a problem.
ReplyDeleteThe suit design and structure are fine for Catherine. The color is very off-putting. To me, it ruins the overall appeal and effect. I did look at it long enough to examine and consider but then looked away and never want to see it again.
ReplyDeleteVery nice, also like the color. This is one of the nicer VB designs
ReplyDeletecss.
Mir gefällt die Auswahl sehr gut, weil die Farbe und auch die Bluse dazu das Gesamtbild weicher machen. Sehen wir Anzüge in pink, diverse blau und turkis, creme, weiß wie langweilig sie wirken wie Ostereier : ) Das ist, an einem Abend, vielleicht war es ja ein Geschenk an die Prinzessin. Hier einmal mehr, die fast schon überpflegte Prinzessin Catherine, sie geht raus und es passt. -Dorothe-
ReplyDelete(Die Fürstin von Monaco Charlene, Prinzessin Marie von Dänemark und Prinzessin Catherine sind eindeutig klar die besten Figuren in Hosenanzügen) -D-
For the first time I do not like the Princess of Wales' outfit. I can't quite put my finger on why, but it really does her no favours.
ReplyDeleteT
Is it ugly suit week? Probably noone sent us the memo, hence all the commotion!!!
ReplyDeleteI usually like POW and Queen Letizia's suits but these two are not to my liking.
I do enjoy reading the well written comments both pros and cons. As long as see keep it polite let your thoughts out!
Luna
Frankly speaking, this suit looked quite different in a footage I viewed.
ReplyDeleteIt appeared to be much more flexible and in a more flattering colour than that shown in the pics.
This moss colour looked like enlivened and somehow chemaleontic when being hit by the changing lights in the room.
This oitfit has to be seen in motion imv.
Although the cut Is not entirely tò my taste, I appreciate the way the Princess of Wales sported effortlessly this challenging ensemble.
Love the jabot blouse, feminine and sophisticated.
Catherine's gorgeous& luscious locks are her established trademark and always so eye- catching.
Makeup on point.
Well done.
I absolutely love the award winner's jacket and bell bottoms. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeletePrincess Catherine's suit is a great color to my eye but the pants have an awkward cut. I'd prefer the suit with a black or patterned top. The white ruffled shirt doesn't feel like a good combo with the suit to me.
Perhaps a Breton t with an olive or brown or soft apricot stripe.
It's so interesting to notice how differently people see things. I was really delighted to see that she has finally chosen a colour that suits her own warm colouring much better than those cold blues and violets. Also the style of the outfit is refreshingly different from what she normally wears, and the frills of the blouse give it some contrasting femininity. The trousers look a bit odd both on the upper part and the pant legs but that's not her fault, it's fashion I guess. Well done, Kate!
ReplyDelete-B.
I love the suit--the style is perfect for Catherine. I love the frothy, feminine ruffles of the blouse paired with the more masculine style of the trouser suit. I do think Catherine looks marvelous. But this is not I color I like. I'm on the fence about how Catherine looks in the color but we all know she could make a burlap sack look great on her. I agree about a side part with another poster--but I feel that way about pretty much everyone whose wearing a dead center part so Catherine's choice is the current style preference and its not going to change because I don't like it. Let's just say I am not wowed by this whole look for personal reasons--I don't like the color of the suit and I don't like center parts as a hair style. Nothing about the PoW, just me.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Catherine could wear a bin liner and look good. However, this suit is the wrong colour for her, and the trousers are overly long. Otherwise, she looks lovely as ever.
ReplyDeleteEdwina
If she could ever put her hair up her styles would look neat and chic those messy wigs are for college life
ReplyDeletePost a Comment