by Jeanne Sutton
04th Nov 2014
04th Nov 2014
Like the rest of the world with an internet connection, we’re a little bit obsessed with Kate Middleton’s wardrobe. And like the rest of the world, we’ve noticed something different about how the Duchess of Cambridge is dressing. She’s gotten good. Like really good. Like she finally deserves the status of international fashion icon.
In the past few weeks, while battling severe morning sickness, the Duchess has worn more daring outfits. That light blue Jenny Packham dress we raved about a few weeks ago? Light years away from the demure, almost dowdy, dresses the Kate of two years ago would wear. Who knew this woman in her early thirties had knees?
Another look that took risks and paid dividends? This black Temperley London dress with sheer panelling.
Apparently the sartorial change is down to Kate finally hiring a stylist, Vanity Fair reports. Natasha Archer is Kate’s former personal assistant and the 27-year-old is now one of the most influential women in fashion. Let’s just say Natasha is going to have to hire an assistant to deal with her inbox now that she is the direct line to the woman who can sell out a dress after one paparazzi photo. (Remember that blue Issa dress she wore at her engagement announcement? Sales for the London label jumped by 45% in the aftermath.)
A Royal source told Vanity Fair that ?Initially Kate was a reluctant fashion icon, but now she enjoys it. Tash helps source some of the clothes. She shops a lot for Kate online, and calls in hundreds of dresses for Kate to try on. She has persuaded Kate to take some more risks. The hemlines are shorter and Kate’s really pushing the boat out in the fashion stakes.?
Up until now Kate had no stylist, just a close knit team of advisors and helpers. Now that Natasha, or Tash as likes to be called, is on board, expect Kate’s red carpet appearances to send the fashion internet into even more overdrive.
Follow Jeanne Sutton on Twitter @jeannedesutun