In between organizing Prince George’s first birthday party and keeping up with her royal duties in London, Scotland and Belgium over the last few weeks, the Duchess of Cambridge has also been busy planning her wardrobe for Malta in September — her first solo trip abroad on behalf of the Queen.
While we don’t know which dresses will earn a rewear or what bespoke pieces she’ll bring along on her trip (commemorating the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence) we can be sure she’ll pack at least one piece from her favorite jewelry designer, Kiki McDonough, in her travel case.
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“Catherine is as chic when dressed down as she is at formal engagements,” McDonough tells PEOPLE of her A-list client. “My jewelry is designed to be worn every day and she does this beautifully.”
McDonough’s not overstating her case. In the last week alone, Kate has worn two of her favorite Kiki McDonough designs — the Kiki Classic green amethyst and diamond cushion drop earrings (seen at the Tower of London art installation she attended) as well as the Kiki Classic citrine pear drop earrings (pictured above at the Commonwealth Games). With eight pieces total in Kate’s collection so far, McDonough’s designs could be on track to having their own place at the Tower of London crown jewels exhibit one day.
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Kate has been wearing the British brand, known for its vibrant gemstones and unusual color combinations, for many years — as has her sister Pippa Middleton who often pops into the Sloane Square store to make purchases for herself. “Pippa has a great eye for design,” reveals McDonough (adds her spokesperson: “She picks really cool pieces”).
But it’s another famous McDonough fan that has the most poignant connection to Kate: her mother-in-law, the late Princess Diana. “I designed a pair of earrings for the Princess of Wales to meet Barbara Bush in the USA,” McDonough says with pride.
Do you like Kate’s jewelry style? Would you like to see her mix it up more or do you love her classic taste?
–Monique Jessen
