When Catherine, Princess of Wales stepped out in Scotland on January 20 alongside Prince William, Prince of Wales, royal watchers immediately zeroed in on her striking blue tartan coat.
At first glance, it looked like a standout piece from a luxury British house. But the real headline? Kate helped design it herself.
Catherine, Princess of Wales worked closely with Savile Row tailor Chris Kerr and heritage textile house Johnstons of Elgin to develop the bespoke tartan.
Founded more than two centuries ago and holding a royal warrant, the Scottish mill embodies the tradition and artistry Kate has been steadily championing through her fashion choices, placing a renewed spotlight on time-honored British craftsmanship.
For years, Kate’s fashion was carefully curated with the help of longtime stylist Natasha Archer. After Archer’s departure last year — and with no replacement hired — the princess quietly assumed full creative control over her wardrobe.
The shift has been subtle but powerful.
At the 2025 U.S. state visit, Princess of Wales opted for a luminous gold gown, layering it beneath an intricately embroidered Chantilly lace coat.
The radiant palette was widely interpreted as a subtle diplomatic gesture, echoing Trump’s famously favored gold aesthetic while maintaining regal refinement.
At the July 2025 event, she coordinated her deep-red Sarah Burton gown alongside Queen Camilla in blue and Brigitte Macron in white — subtly echoing both the British and French flags.
In December 2025, Catherine, Princess of Wales once again captured global attention when she appeared at Germany’s state banquet wearing Queen Victoria’s historic Oriental Circlet tiara.
The rare archival selection was widely interpreted as a powerful statement — blending heritage with modern poise and signaling a new level of assurance and regal authority.
Kate’s tartan coat wasn’t just fashion — it was advocacy.
During a visit to Radical Weavers, a Stirling-based charity focused on tackling social isolation through traditional Scottish crafts, Kate wore her co-designed piece and even tried weaving herself. Prince William was seen holding her coat as she learned the technique — a moment that quickly circulated online.
She paired the coat with a sleek black turtleneck from Zara and black suede boots by Gianvito Rossi, once again striking her trademark mix of elevated tailoring and high-street accessibility.
A New Royal Fashion Blueprint
Kate’s evolving approach signals something bigger than wardrobe independence. She is:
Designing pieces herself
Championing British textile heritage
Using fashion as soft diplomacy
Blending luxury with high-street labels
The era of the royal as a passive fashion muse appears to be over. In its place stands a princess who understands that clothing can communicate power, patriotism, and purpose — all without saying a word.
