Princess Catherine, the Princess of Wales, once again proved her flair for blending royal duty with high fashion during an evening reception at the Museum of Literature Island in Dublin. Known for her steadfast loyalty to British designers like Alexander McQueen and Catherine Walker, Catherine occasionally turns her gaze across the Atlantic, embracing the glamour of American fashion royalty. Her latest choice—a vintage Oscar de la Renta dress—was a masterclass in confident, high-octane style.
The mid-length magenta silk frock featured playful black polka dots, a ruffled piec neckline, and black velvet button detailing—elements that nodded to the timeless elegance of Princess Diana. Catherine complemented the vintage aesthetic with a velvet Jimmy Choo Celeste clutch, matching pumps, and pear gold-tone twisted circle drop earrings from Accessorize.
Catherine’s connection with charitable causes remained at the forefront of her engagement. As royal patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices since 2012, she has championed initiatives supporting families facing life-threatening illnesses in children. Notably, in November 2019, she marked a personal milestone by officially opening the Nook, a state-of-the-art children’s hospice in Framingham, Norfolk.
Her love for Oscar de la Renta is not new. Earlier, she had revisited her magenta skirt suit from the Fall 2015 collection—a tailored peplum jacket with a pleated midi skirt—during engagements in London. For these appearances, Catherine paired the suit with opaque black tights, block-heel pumps, and minimal yet luxurious accessories, including oak leaf hoop earrings in yellow gold and diamonds. The structural tailoring of the suit perfectly complemented her visits to the Royal Opera House, where she toured the costume department and explored textiles and dyes used for ballet and opera productions.
Catherine’s bold fashion choices are never accidental. The commanding violet hue of her ensembles ensures she stands out as a figure of authority and compassion, whether promoting mental health initiatives or engaging with families in need. From sustainable vintage silk in Dublin to powerfully tailored wool in London, her selection of Oscar de la Renta demonstrates a princess unafraid to embrace bold American design while amplifying her British royal duties.
In every appearance, Catherine seamlessly combines elegance, empathy, and fashion-forward confidence—a true testament to her enduring influence as a style icon and devoted royal.