For many young girls, watching the wedding of Prince William and Catherine (Kate) Middleton was a Disney princess story come to life, 300 million people watched the spectacle take place. Kate Middleton became the envy of every young girl while simultaneously also becoming their best friend. Her grace, style, poise and ability to stand tall despite the unimaginable weight of royal obligations and possible public scrutiny has caught the eyes of countless news and lifestyle publications. She’s been voted onto “best dressed” lists time and time again, as well as influenced fashionistas around the world in what has been called the Kate Effect.
The 100th issue of Vogue UK features Kate in her very first magazine cover shoot. Not only does the centenary edition of Vogue UK feature 10 pages of a serene, relaxed and thoughtful young lady, but also many other style icons from the past 100 years.
But what makes Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge seem so relatable to us? Just so…? Simply Kate. Jophiel stylists Cassie and Leah hash it out.
Leah Strauss Grant (LSG): Cassie do you remember where you were for the royal wedding? How have you carried the memory of that moment with you?
Cassie Teagno (CT): I was in my bedroom at my college apartment. I had set my alarm to wake me up at 2AM so I could watch every second of the wedding festivities!
LSG: I admit I did not watch it at 3 am, but when I got back from my am classes. My college girlfriends and I all gathered around the TV. I think we had it on repeat all day. I think at the time I thought it was magical, but as I have gotten older I realized just how daunting taking on that title may have been for her. Yet she still just seemed like Kate.
LSG: I admit I did not watch it at 3 am, but when I got back from my am classes. My college girlfriends and I all gathered around the TV. I think we had it on repeat all day. I think at the time I thought it was magical, but as I have gotten older I realized just how daunting taking on that title may have been for her. Yet she still just seemed like Kate.
LSG: We have to talk about the wedding dress because I think that dress, still, is the root of the Kate Effect.
CT: I totally agree! This started the whole movement I think! If you ever watched Say Yes to the Dress EVERY BRIDE wanted this look. I still feel like many brides strive for this look.
| Image source: Vogue UK |
LSG: Obviously the life and style of Kate Middleton is so far beyond our reality, do you think it is more painful to peek over the fence?
CT: Not at all! I have always been a dreamer, and I think that seeing her makes my dreams seem like they can come true.
CT: Not at all! I have always been a dreamer, and I think that seeing her makes my dreams seem like they can come true.
LSG: What do you think we can take away from watching her?
CT: I think the time of being a lady has gone by the way side. By having Kate, I feel like we can watch her and strive to bring back what is so elegant about being a lady.
LSG: I love that you say that, because it is so true. Finally we have a beautiful, poised while still very contemporary and popular young lady to look up to. I feel like I can be more true to myself and my style because of her.
But I also think there has been an evolution to her lady-like look. If you look at images when they first started dating and when Kate first became a public figure I think it was a more dated look. She’s moved into a more timeless elegance. I think there is even a change in her poise when you look back on how she’s grown into owning the title of HRH.
But I also think there has been an evolution to her lady-like look. If you look at images when they first started dating and when Kate first became a public figure I think it was a more dated look. She’s moved into a more timeless elegance. I think there is even a change in her poise when you look back on how she’s grown into owning the title of HRH.
 |
|
 |
 |
| Image source: Vogue UK |
LSG: You know, I don’t know if I’ve ever even heard her speak, her image alone is so powerful.
CT: *Giggles* I have never thought about that. I think the only time I remember her speaking is at her wedding. I mean that really does say a lot.
LSG: At Jophiel, I like to think we understand the power of making a statement by not speaking. It’s as though one’s personal style is the preface to your life, and one maybe you didn’t even know existed.
| Image source: Vogue UK |
CT: This look is so darling. The Bohemian look is so in right now and with the wedge. The way she smiles and positions herself makes her seem like your best friend. She is seriously adorable!
LSG: I also feel strongly that style is attitude, nothing Kate puts on wears her, even a grey hooded sweatshirt. For me, Kate’s confidence, wholeheartedness and ability to try anything is what I find most inspiring. That fashion becomes an extension of her magnanimousness.
CT: This look speaks to every woman out there. I love how she is even more relatable in this picture. Real women play sports, just like the princess.
A total can do! attitude.
| Image source: Vogue UK |
LSG: Diana's birthday just pasted, I feel like we can't talk about Kate Middleton's style influence without thinking back on Lady Di's. Although I never cooed over Lady Di, I grew up with magazine clippings, VHR recorded interviews with her and anything and everything Lady Di because of my mom. I swear my mom even wore her hair like Lady Di. She was so influential to the generation before us.
CT: I was in the first grade when Princess Diana tragically passed away. When I was in Kindergarten I really started to understand who she was, and that there were “real princesses” in the world. I was always in awe of the jewels she wore on the magazine covers. I wanted to be just like her so I could wear what she wore. The two covers I remember the most is the August 1997 issue of People Magazine where she wore the most stunning emerald and diamond pieces I have ever seen. We actually owned that issue and it took me forever to let my mom throw it away! The second is the September 1997 issue in black and white. It was so simple and beautiful. Looking back at it now, it could almost haunt your memories knowing what we know now.
LSG: I have to admit, I remember less about her style than I do her poise, grace and compassionate heart.
LSG: I have to admit, I remember less about her style than I do her poise, grace and compassionate heart.
We loved browsing the latest Vogue UK to see all the stunning images of it's cover girl! Where were you when Lady Di was married? Or when Kate stepped out in that stunning Alexander McQueen gown.
Share your thoughts below!
Share your thoughts below!
Leave a comment