We’re now more than half way through the royal tour of Pakistan, and alongside all the beautiful bespoke garments the Duchess of Cambridge has been wearing, a more surprising fashion story has emerged – and it’s all about shoes.
Twice, Kate has been seen in high street footwear, swapping her usual €560 Gianvito Rossi suede stilettos for sensible but stylish shoes.
First up, the 37-year-old chose a pair of New Look Wide Fit Faux Suede Low Block Heeled Shoes for a visit to a girls college in Islamabad.
The tan coloured heels, which cost £23.99, were chosen to go with Kate’s periwinkle blue kurta (a long collarless shirt) with trousers and matching scarf, a bespoke outfit created by Pakistani designer Maheen Khan.
Almost immediately, the shoes started selling fast on the New Look website and they’re now completely sold out in tan, but they are available in black and navy.
Today the Duchess donned an all-white ensemble for a visit to the British Council’s DOSTI cricket programme at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.
The mum-of-three wore a white shalwar kameez (a traditional outfit featuring a long tunic and trousers) by Pakistani designer Gul Ahmed teamed with a pair of simple white plimsolls, taking part in a cricket match with children from the sports initiative.
The plimsolls are the Hampton Canvas Plum shoes, which retail at £38 for adult sizes.
Again, it looks like fashion fans have been rushing to snap up a pair themselves because several sizes have now sold out on the Trotters website.
Kate isn't the only royal to sport these particular flats – Prince George and Princess Charlotte have been seen in navy children’s versions.
Perhaps mum picked up a pair for herself when she was shopping for her little ones.
Whatever the reason for the Duchess’s foray into affordable footwear, it’s encouraging to know that while we might not be able to afford bespoke designer clothing, every so often we can follow in the stylish royal’s footsteps.
