Ever wondered which dress brands Kate Middleton favours the most? Yep, me too. So I did the research*.
After hours of meticulous searching, logging and double-checking, I can reveal Kate’s nine most-loved dress brands. The labels and designers she turns to repeatedly for public engagements. And the first is no surprise…
1. Alexander McQueen (40+)
Yep, as expected, Alexander McQueen tops this list! The Princess has commissioned dresses from the luxury fashion house more times than I can count (honestly, I tried!)
As of October 2024, I believe that Kate’s worn 43 Alexander McQueen dresses since joining the Royal Family in 2011—and I’m excluding coat dresses, of which there are many!)
Of course, Kate’s biggest McQueen moment was her Wedding Day in 2011. Creative Director Sarah Burton and her team created not one but TWO stunning wedding gowns for the Princess.
Kate clearly developed a great working relationship with the design house during that period, and she’s turned to Sarah Burton and Alexander McQueen for all her high-profile royal events since—Queen Elizabeth’s Gold and Platinum Jubilees, King Charles’s Coronation, overseas tours, etc.
Kate also wore three Alexander McQueen gowns in the official portraits marking her milestone 40th birthday in 2022.
In addition to breathtaking gowns, the Princess has worn many cocktail and day dresses from the British fashion house too.
The Princess has a soft spot for Sarah Burton and the Alexander McQueen team. I assume she has a lot of trust in the atelier, knowing they’ll design and create garments appropriate for the grandness of each occasion.
However, in 2023, Sarah Burton exited McQueen. Last month, it was confirmed she has been appointed Creative Director of Givenchy. Whether Kate’s close relationship with Burton will continue will remain to be seen. The Princess has spent most of 2024 out of the limelight while undergoing chemotherapy. If she’s healthy enough to return to work full-time in 2025, I’ll be watching to see if she wears any pieces from the French luxury fashion house now that Burton is at the helm.
2. Jenny Packham (35+)
Next up, Jenny Packham—the dazzling designer known for her elegant evening and bridal gowns. She came a close second.
The Princess has worn 39 dresses from the British label since 2011. (I also included two plain designs worn under open coats by the same designer).
Jenny Packham‘s ethereal, feminine creations have become a go-to choice for Kate, who often wears the designer’s fabulous frocks to gala dinners, state banquets and diplomatic receptions.
Known for her glamorous gowns and intricate embellishments, Packham’s designs effortlessly blend classic elegance with contemporary flair, making them a perfect fit for a modern royal.
The Princess owes most of her show-stopping gown moments to Ms. Packham. Remember the glittering gold gown that Kate wore at the James Bond premiere in 2021? (Who could forget it!) That was a Packham creation.
She’s also worn less elaborate creations from the designer too, including simpler frocks more suited for daytime wear.
Of course, the Princess has worn Jenny Packham for three monumental occasions in her life so far—to introduce her children to the world following their births. These unforgettable moments, captured by the press worldwide, are now etched in history.
3. Emilia Wickstead (15+)
Moving on to the third most-worn designer in Kate’s collection now, Emilia Wickstead. Her stunning dresses have become a staple in the Princess’s wardrobe.
I counted that the Princess has worn 18 Emilia Wickstead dresses since 2011. (Note: once again, I have excluded coat dresses—Kate’s worn A LOT of Wickstead’s coat dresses too!)
Emilia Wickstead, a New Zealand-born, London-based designer, has earned a reputation for her modern take on timeless elegance. She often crafts sophisticated, tailored pieces that perfectly suit Kate’s refined style and reflect her status in the Royal Family.
With her penchant for clean lines, feminine silhouettes, and luxurious fabrics, it’s no surprise that Kate has turned to Wickstead time and time again.
The designer’s impressive roster of clients extends beyond the royal household, with celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Bosworth, and Olivia Palermo also donning Wickstead’s polished creations.
Interesting fact: My research highlighted that Kate’s never worn an Emilia Wickstead evening gown.
4. Erdem (10+)
Let’s look at the fourth most-worn dress designer in Kate’s collection now, Erdem.
The Princess has worn 14 beautiful Erdem dresses over the last 12 years, according to my research. Most showcase the brand’s affinity for bold, vivid floral patterns, which add a touch of whimsy and romance to her already stunning wardrobe.
Some notable examples of Kate’s unforgettable Erdem moments include the ankle-length dress adorned with an eye-catching floral motif she wore to the Chelsea Flower Show in 2019 (above). And the vibrant blue velvet dress she wore during a visit to Sweden in 2018 (below).
The brand’s signature floral prints, combined with modern silhouettes and delicate fabrics, have made Erdem a top choice for the Princess.
5. L.K. Bennett (10+)
L.K. Bennett is Kate’s fifth most-worn dress brand. I count that the Princess has worn 14 of their frocks in public to date.
It’s no surprise that L.K. Bennett has made this list. The Princess of Wales is closely associated with the British label. She regularly wears their shoes, clothing and accessories to public engagements.
I think we all know the now-infamous Sledge platforms that Kate wore on repeat during the early years of her marriage. The shoes made headlines worldwide—the Victoria & Albert Museum in London even put a pair in their 2015 exhibition about Kate’s style.
If the Princess wears an L.K. Bennett dress, don’t count on being able to get one hold of one easily. They’re particularly susceptible to “The Kate Effect” and sell out very quickly.
The brand is known for creating timeless, refined designs that effortlessly blend contemporary trends with classic British style.
6: Temperley London (10+)
Next on my list, Temperley London. This label places sixth among Kate’s favourite dress designers. (Note, I’ve grouped Temperley London, Alice By Temperley and Somerset by Alice Temperley together for this count.)
According to my research (basically scouring my notes, Google images and asking on Twitter), the Princess has been photographed wearing 12 different Temperley London dresses since joining the Royal Family.
Founded by Alice Temperley in 2000, Temperley London is known for its whimsical, romantic and feminine creations that blend intricate detailing with exquisite fabrics. The brand’s commitment to artisanal techniques and hand-finished touches adds a touch of magic to every garment.
Kate favoured Temperley in the earlier years of her life as a royal, wearing the company’s enchanting designs to royal engagements and events. Though, we’ve not seen her wear a dress from the brand since around 2017. We’re overdue.
Beyond the royal realm, Temperley London has attracted a number of celebrity clients, including Kate Hudson, Keira Knightley, and Dakota Johnson, who all appreciate the brand’s romantic, bohemian aesthetic.
7. Alessandra Rich (10+)
Alessandra Rich is quickly rising in the ranks of Kate’s go-to dress brands, securing the seventh spot with 11 gorgeous dresses worn by the Princess in the last six years.
Rich’s designs have made waves in the fashion world thanks to their distinctive ’80s aesthetic and feminine-yet-edgy sophistication. Renowned for their statement-making silhouettes inspired by retro and vintage designs, Alessandra Rich’s dresses often feature bold shoulders, cinched waists and eye-catching embellishments.
The brand’s creations have struck a chord with the Princess, who has embraced their dresses since debuting her first in 2018.
Kate’s love for Alessandra Rich’s unique designs is clear from the many styles she’s chosen and worn in recent years …but the less said about the yellow dress, the better… (Sorry Kate, I was not a fan! It was a rare miss for me.)
My prediction: Rich will shoot up this list in a year or two.
8. Beulah London (10)
Beulah London is the penultimate brand on this list—I count that the princess has worn ten Beulah London dresses in public since 2011 (including one frock worn to a private event, a friend’s wedding in 2012).
I expect the Princess appreciates the brand’s elegant and timeless designs—but also their socially conscious ethos and commitment to making a positive impact in the world. Beulah London is dedicated to creating beautiful, luxurious garments while also empowering women who have been victims of human trafficking and exploitation.
It’s only positive that the Princess can harness the so called “Kate Effect” for good, to ensure people spend their money on helping via fashion.
9. Self Portrait (8)
Last but certainly not least, Self-Portrait. The British label holds the final spot on my list of Kate’s most-worn dress brands. The Princess has worn eight dresses from the company to date.
Self-Portrait’s pieces blend contemporary design with classic, feminine touches, which may explain why Kate has gravitated toward the brand for public engagements in recent years. Known for their intricate lacework, structured silhouettes, and elegant tailoring, Self-Portrait dresses strike a balance between fashionable flair and timeless sophistication—an aesthetic that resonates with the Princess’s wardrobe.
Despite Self-Portrait not being among the most well-known designer labels, Kate has repeatedly turned to the brand for high-profile appearances, from events marking the King’s Coronation and Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee to televised moments like the Wimbledon trophy presentation and her Together at Christmas Carol service. Kate’s choice to wear Self-Portrait on such notable occasions speaks volumes about its appeal.
Her appearances in Self-Portrait also spark “The Kate Effect”—always driving a wave of demand for the brand.
* What my research involved: I worked out which dress brands Kate wears the most by using a mixture of my own knowledge accumulated from blogging over the last 13 years and the dress archive on my own site, cross-referenced with the dress page on Kate’s Closet. I set to work on Googling Images, looking for pictures of Kate in dresses by each brand. I tried to remember every single public appearance where Kate wore dresses by the top brands. I created a document detailing each appearance/each dress. I double-checked my document several times over the course of 18 months, and I kept it updated. I also triple checked some of the designers with my followers on X, asking if they could fill in any gaps. I published the article once I believed my figures were correct. All that said… I might have missed dresses, I might not have included some that ought to be included. I mean, this article is just for fun really, so I don’t really need a disclaimer… but here’s one anyway!
Some photos on this page are from Deposit Photos.
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