Kate’s decision not to publicize details of her wardrobe is driven by a desire for the focus to be on her work. According to one friend, the princess is reluctant to be seen as a clothes horse.
“I suspect Catherine chose not to go for a pretty dress or a bright color on purpose,” says a source who knows her well. “She feels too much is written about what she is wearing and she really wants the focus to be on the work she is doing.”
Kate prefers a more laid-back style that doesn’t attract too much attention, the source says.
“The fact is Catherine likes fashion, but she never wanted to be a style icon. She’s happiest when she’s in jeans and a stripey top. She throws things together very effortlessly and she is stylish, but she’s not fashion-obsessed by any stretch.”
Princess Kate has relied on the services of her trusted stylist Natasha Archer for over a decade. “Tash,” as she is known, has been instrumental in developing Kate’s style and getting her to experiment with new looks.
“Tash knows exactly what she is looking for and knows Kate very well,” says one fashion insider. “She has been instrumental in the princess’s wardrobe and Kate really relies on her.”
The princess has become more experimental with fashion in recent years. While a fan of the high street, she has elevated her style since becoming the Princess of Wales, opting for more designer clothes including Alexander McQueen, Jenny Packham, Catherine Walker and Emilia Wickstead.
Last week, she stepped out in a black and white houndstooth Zara dress that she has worn previously, and wore a plain pair of black trousers and a black coat to attend a Holocaust survivors’ memorial service.
“Queen Elizabeth wore bright colors to stand out from the crowd – Kate did the same and it would be a great shame if she stopped,” says Joseph. “She takes a great picture, and while that sounds superficial, she needs to be in the papers to promote what she’s doing.”
The news that the palace will no longer release details about Princess Kate’s wardrobe has divided the fashion brigade. Many feel that Kate’s influence as a style icon and the so-called “Kate Effect” is important for the British fashion industry.