See The Personal Note Kate Sent To Designer Of Pakistan Tour Outfits
“Having so many beautiful things did make the decision making a little more difficult!” Kate Middleton said of the selection of outfits
You don’t become a fashion icon being a one-man army, and Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge knows that. She has an entire team dedicated to picking and combining her outfits and recently she has finally given them the gratitude they deserve.
During her tour of Pakistan, the Duchess had tons of stunning outfits, even when times were tough. When she and Prince William had to take a plane back to Islamabad after an unexpected electrical storm changed their flight plans the previous night, Kate stepped out in a black and white embroidered kurti by Pakistani designer label Élan.
Earlier this month, Kate reached out to Élan’s creative director, Khadijah Shah, to say thank you.
“Thank you so much for all of your help ahead of my tour to Pakistan,” the note reads. “I am so grateful to you and your team for the wonderful selection you made for me to chose from — although having so many beautiful things did make the decision making a little more difficult!”
“I loved the outfit I wore, so thank you for all your time and effort,” Kate continued.
Most of the message was printed on custom stationery from Kensington Palace, but the “Dear Khadijah” and the signature at the end was personalized by herself, being written in cursive and even using her full name “Catherine”.
Shah was pleasantly surprised by this move from the Duchess, saying: “It was so heartwarming. I’m totally in awe of how thoughtful she is.” He took to twitter as well, posting: “I was delighted to have even been considered, this is just humbling to a whole different level. However what’s most commendable is the consideration, grace and thoughtfulness of HRH Duchess Catherine, it is no wonder that she is so respected and beloved.”
Both Kate and William embraced the local culture of Pakistan while there, wearing traditional garments to engagements. The Duchess of Cambridge sported the shalwar kameez, a tunic-like top over trousers, on multiple occasions throughout the tour.
The word “shalwar” or “salwar” originates from the Arabic word “serial” and is used to describe the pants, while “kameez” is derived from the Arabic word “games” or “chemise” — a tunic which can be of varying lengths. The two-piece look is often worn with a “dupatta,” a long scarf that sometimes covers the head. Prince William also traded his usual suits and wore a traditional sherwani, a long coat-like garment worn for formal occasions, for a special reception at the Pakistan National Monument in Islamabad. William opted to wear green, paying tribute to the colour of his host country’s flag