Royal Visit Paris, Day 1 - Kate showcases British brands on first day in the Fashion Capital

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge touched down in Paris this afternoon to commence a two-day visit of the French capital. They were greeted by French President François Hollande at the Élysée Palace.

Embed from Getty Images

​Much to our surprise, the Duchess sported the same Catherine Walker coat and accessories she wore for the St Patrick's Day parade earlier today. She did however remove the hat and opted to wear her hair down.

Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images

Following the visit to Élysée Palace and a wardrobe change, the Duchess of Cambridge arrived for a reception at the British Embassy wearing a chic black Alexander McQueen midi dress.

Embed from Getty Images

The British fashion house crafted the sleeveless dress with a tweed fabric and frayed trim - trademark elements of French design.

Embed from Getty Images

The design is based off this ready-to-wear piece from McQueen.

On her feet, Kate debuted the Gianvito Rossi Ankle Strap Suede D'orsay Pumps (£530). The black suede pumps have a d’Orsay silhouette with a pointed-toe and finished with a thin buckle ankle strap. They are available in several sizes at Lane Crawford and Barneys, and Spring.

Kate's understated little black dress offered the perfect backdrop to showcase her statement pearl jewellery.

Embed from Getty Images

Kate wore her Balenciaga 'Eugenia' Pearl Clip Earrings and a matching necklace with four large pearls, and a cocktail ring. ​ She also wore her beloved Cartier Ballon Bleu Watch.

For the final event of the day, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended a gala dinner hosted by Her Majesty's Ambassador at the British Embassy.

Embed from Getty Images

Kate glistened in a powder blue sequined gown by one of her go-to British designers, Jenny Packham.

Embed from Getty Images

Here's a closer look at the detail on the bodice.

Embed from Getty Images

The Duchess accessorized with jewelry loaned from The Queen, and carried her Jenny Packham 'Casa' crystal clutch.

Embed from Getty Images

Here's a better look at the earrings and pretty half-updo.

Embed from Getty Images

On her feet were the Oscar de la Renta Platinum Lamé Cabrina Pumps.

Tomorrow will be another busy day for the royal couple. They will visit Les Invalides to see how the site supports veterans, as well as victims of the recent Paris attacks, and later attend the Wales v France Six Nations test at the Stade de France.