London, UK. 02 October, 2019. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attend a special event hosted by His Highness The Aga Khan at the Aga Khan Centre.
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Kate Middleton’s BAFTA fashion: re-worn gown, $28 earrings

Catherine, Princess of Wales, surprised everyone when she appeared on the red carpet at the BAFTA awards wearing a recycled Alexander McQueen gown with $28 earrings from fashion retailer Zara.

The thrifty Princess: Re-wearing a gown and $28 dollar earrings

Catherine, Princess of Wales, proved one can still look elegant without spending a royal amount of cash on one’s wardrobe.

Making an ethereal arrival at the 2023 BAFTAs – the British film industry’s equivalent of the Academy Awards – Kate Middleton wore a white Grecian-style Alexander McQueen pleated one-shoulder gown that she upcycled. The Princess was previously seen wearing this same gown to the 2019 BAFTAs, but at the time she incorporated a floral appliqué around the shoulder, WWD reported.

This time around, Kate updated the look of the floor-length gown by swapping out the original floral appliqués at the shoulder, replacing it with a flowing swath of fabric matching the Grecian-style frock, Page Six reported. Middleton also slipped on a pair of black velvet opera gloves that reached mid-bicep. Finishing off the look, Kate Moore gold Aquazzura pumps and carried a black Jimmy Choo clutch. Her sleek brunette hair was worn loose and long.

But where the thrifty Princess made a little look like a million, was the addition of a pair of stunning $27.90 earrings from fashion retailer Zara, that featured flowered-shaped charms and a jewel appliqué, CNN reported.

Princess Catherine is known for mixing high fashion with affordable accessories, as well as re-wearing gowns she has previously worn for other public appearances.

This was the second time Kate had repurposed a previously-worn gown. At the 2020 BAFTAs, she wore an Alexander McQueen gold and white dress she had previously donned in 2012.

More about the event

In their first appearance at the annual British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) in three years, the royal couple looked elegant, with Prince William and a black tuxedo with great trim and a black bow tie. William, 40, serves as the president of BAFTA.

The event was held at the Royal Festival Hall, hosted by Oscar-nominated actor Richard E. Grant. Actress Helen Mirren led a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.

The evening’s musical star was British rapper Little Simz. The film All Quiet on the Western Front led the nominations with 14. Stars such as Ana de Armas, Angela Bassett, and Austin Butler were all on hand as nominees.