12 May 2019

For the U.S. State Visit Banquet June 2019

Dreaming up an outfit for the Duchess of Cambridge to wear at a State Visit Banquet it unadulterated fun! Alas, finding the appropriate and fitting ensemble has gotten ever more challenging. Not enough that diplomatic bows to the (guest) country have to be observed. Nowadays the Order Ribbons colours also require consideration: There's the yellow of Her Majesty's Family Order, of course, and newly the blue/white/red of the Royal Victorian Order. This could be quite challenging if it weren't for some of the Royal Ladies lending their help with their recently showcased sartorial choices: Sea-foam~light green/blue~nile stood out ... heureka ... that's it!

Color hurdle taken leaves the dress designer for the diplomatic nod ... aaaand Zac Posen delivered a dress that looked quite intriguing. Alas the photo provided was in black and white rather than the minty blueish niley green sought. Major photograph wrestling was called for -not helped by lacking access to photoshop- but patience and tenacity (also called stubbornness) paid off:

Left: Zac Posen Reort 2020 - Center: colored draft - Right: colored draft with orders

On to the toughest and most enjoyable part: Diving into the vaults to select the sparkles ~ so many magnificent options to choose from ...