A designer has revealed an ironic twist following Princess Kate’s latest move.
Princess Kate’s recent appearance at the National Portrait Gallery drew praise from designer Petar Petrov, who lauded her evolving style.
The Princess of Wales wore a minimalist outfit during her visit to the art gallery on February 4, featuring a chocolate brown wool-blend blazer from Petrov’s collection.
The look seemed to underscore a recent report that Kensington Palace would be focusing less on what Kate wears and more on her charitable causes.
Designer reveals ironic twist following Princess Kate’s latest move
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However, Petrov, who designed the chocolate brown wool-blend blazer, claimed her style directive is so appealing because of its simplicity, not in spite of it.
“I think she looks much more modern in the way she dresses now,” Petrov told People.
“She looks relaxed, and I think she can win the hearts of people even more because she feels like a real person that people can connect with.”
The designer noted that her simplified style choices, although clearly reflecting a shift towards emphasising her charitable work over fashion, are more relatable to the public.
The £1,530 blazer worn by the Princess sold out within 24 hours of her appearance, demonstrating the enduring “Kate Effect” on fashion.
Petrov revealed he was caught off guard by Kate’s choice to wear his design, only discovering it when photos emerged of her arriving at the museum.
“We were so surprised when this happened! We don’t know which retailer she bought it from but we are so happy to see she bought it independently and wears it so well,” the designer said.
The overwhelming demand has led to numerous restock requests, with Petrov noting: “We are continually trying to restock the blazer. She definitely has an impact, and we have experienced the ‘Kate Effect’ — and we are enjoying it!”
Princess Kate visiting the National Portrait Gallery on Tuesday, February 4
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The Austrian-based designer, whose clients include Nicole Kidman and Zoe Saldana, emphasised that Kate represents something unique in the public eye.
“We are used to working with Hollywood celebrities, but she is not that sort of celebrity, Kate is a very different thing entirely, she is truly one of a kind,” Petrov said.
“Her clothing looks much less uptight; she looks modern and fresh. I think after fighting cancer, she became even more relevant now than she was, she is such an inspiration to other women,” Petrov claimed.
Petrov, who launched his label in Vienna in the late 1990s, praised Kate’s approach to royal duties in the modern era.
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“It’s not about what rules that were created 100 years ago, she is leaning into what her values are now, what the reality of being a working royal is now,” the designer said.
He particularly commends her authenticity as future Queen: “She is modern, she is reflective and she sees the world around her, rather than living in a royal bubble.”
The designer believes Kate’s style choices resonate deeply with women: “We create clothes for women who know where they are in their life but they want their personality to shine, not the clothes first.”
