On a visit to the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in London on March 9, Kate Middleton wore a yellow-and-blue pin (Ukraine’s national colors) and a soft-blue Alexander McQueen sweater as a nod to the country. The duchess learned about the efforts being made to support Ukrainians in the UK and across Europe, as well as details about donations being made to those on the front lines following Russia’s invasion.
Some will note that the style choice follows in Princess Diana’s footsteps, who routinely wore specific colors or designers out of respect for the territory or country she was visiting. For her first royal visit to Wales in 1981, for example, Diana styled silk suit separates in the signature Welsh shades of green and red. For Emperor Hirohito’s 1986 banquet at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Diana wore a royal-blue dress by Japanese designer Yuki Torimaru.
Other fashion choices reflected her emotional state. Her iconic black-sheep sweater from Warm & Wonderful referenced her outsider status in the royal family; the bright, playful colors she wore to visit children were meant to boost their mood.
It’s no surprise to see the Duchess of Cambridge in one of her go-to designers, Alexander McQueen, but it’s the specific shade she chose that shows her penchant for making political statements through fashion. By wearing one of Ukraine’s national colors along with a yellow-and-blue pin, Middleton shows solidarity with the nation without saying a word.
Styled with black belted slacks, suede pointed-toe shoes, and her sapphire engagement ring, the look was both a lesson in simplicity and a political statement — much like Princess Diana’s in the past.
Many people feel that the UK’s response to the refugee crisis has been underwhelming, considering the number of people fleeing war. Middleton’s outfit hopefully signifies further action to come.
Scroll to shop Middleton’s exact jumper, which retails for $740, and look through some of Princess Diana’s statement-making looks.
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