She may have been wearing an old dress, but the Duchess of Cambridge turned heads with a new haircut at the opening of the Natural History Museum’s Treasure exhibition in London last night.
Kate’s new look appears to have been inspired by the late Seventies and early Eighties, with a heavy parted fringe reminiscent of Farah Fawcett. But it was the combination of the new haircut and the retro silk green dress that brought to mind a more significant likeness: that of her husband’s late mother, Princess Diana.
Diana wore an almost identical green silk chiffon dress during a 1983 tour as she was leaving Auckland, New Zealand, for a trip to the Bahamas. Like Kate’s £1,400 Mulberry dress (previously worn last November to launch the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations at Buckingham Palace), Diana’s was buttoned high, belted at the waist and gathered at the wrists creating a balloon sleeve. Even their stances are the same, with hands clasped demurely in front.
Kate’s new hairstyle – which also appears to be darker than before, is believed to have been created by her favourite hairdresser Richard Ward, who has a salon off Sloane Square, London. The Duchess was given a tour of a gallery featuring some of the museum’s greatest treasures, including rare first editions of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species. Opening the exhibition, she spoke about how she and her husband had enjoyed visits there in the past. She said: ‘The Natural History Museum has a very special place in the heart of this nation. ‘William and I are just two of millions of people who have passed through these doors, and marvelled at the spectacular wonders of the natural world, housed in this beautiful gallery. ‘I care passionately about what this museum stands for. Being here tonight, seeing some of nature’s finest treasures, reminds me just how precious and awe inspiring the natural world is.
‘That is why the opening of Treasures is so incredibly exciting. If it were ever needed, there is now even more reason to visit this wonderful museum.’ Treasures displays 22 of the most extraordinary specimens that have ever been on show at the Museum, and opens 30 November to the public. Dr Michael Dixon, Director of the Natural History Museum said: ‘We are thrilled Her Royal Highness joined us to celebrate the opening of Treasures. We hope that she is the first of many visitors to discover everything the Museum represents in this special gallery.’ It’s not the first time Kate’s been associated with the classic British design house, Mulberry.
Michael Lendon, creative director of the Aveda hair institute, told Mail Online: ‘Even minor changes attract huge attention and Kate has progressed her style to something a little more versatile. ‘The new layers around the face will allow Kate to go for different styles. I think this could be the start of some new tricks from Kate in the hair department, expect some glam hair-ups as the shorter layers will make styling an up-do more fun. Without a doubt, the subtle new twist to her signature long locks will be a hit.’ In September Kate wore an elegant navy Mulberry dress for a visit to the tiny village of Marau, on day seven of the Diamond Jubilee tour with Prince William.
She chose a sleeveless Nightshade Blue Broderie Anglaise dress, which she complimented with a matching patent belt. It is a busy week for Kate Middleton. Tomorrow, she and Prince William make their first official visit to Cambridge since he was conferred with the Dukedom on the eve of their wedding. –
Via: Dailymail