Kate braves London snow in Victorian-inspired Orla Kiely dress for Portrait Gallery exhibition

The Duchess of Cambridge braved the London snow last night and stepped out for an engagement at the National Portrait Gallery.

Kate was at the gallery to preview of the Victorian Giants: The Birth of Art Photography exhibit in her role as patron.

Despite the freezing temperatures, Kate didn't cover up with a coat. She instead revealed a new black patterned dress by Orla Kiely. The piece is the designer's Leith X Orla Kiely 'Margaret' Smock Bib Floral Print Dress (£490).  It is from the L’Orla Resort 2018 capsule collection, done in collaboration with stylist Leith Clark. 

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Cut to a flattering figure-skimming fit and constructed from mid-weight viscose fabric, the dress features an eye-catching floral print throughout. It has Victorian-era elements such as a high neckline with a soft velvet band, and a smock front panel with ruched detailing and a soft velvet trim. The velvet trim continues around the ruffled long sleeves. A duster hemline finishes the design. It was an apt choice for tonight's exhibition focused on Victorian art.

Kate picked up on the blush coloured accents on the dress and opted to accessorize with her Gianvito Rossi Gianvito 105 Praline Suede Pumps and recently acquired Jimmy Choo 'Celeste' Suede Clutch.

Kate finished the outfit with her dazzling Kiki McDonough pink tourmaline and green amethyst drops. Coincidentally, Kate first wore the £8,900 earrings at the Portrait Gala in March last year which was also held at the National Portrait Gallery.

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There's no slowing down for the Duchess next week. She has two engagements, one on Tuesday where she will visit the Pegasus Primary School in Oxford, and on Wednesday Kate will officially open the  Place2Be's new London headquarters.

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