Long before Princess Catherine became synonymous with elegant tailoring, sweeping midi dresses and timeless investment pieces, there was one designer outfit that defined an entire chapter of royal fashion.
Featuring a flattering crossover neckline, softly gathered waist, pleated detailing and an above-the-knee hemline, it perfectly embodied the polished yet contemporary style that defined the early 2010s.
Retailing for around £430, the dress became one of the biggest examples of the so-called “Kate effect”, reportedly selling out in more than 40 countries after the engagement photocall as shoppers rushed to recreate her elegant look.
It wasn’t the last time Kate reached for the now-iconic design, either.
Clearly fond of the flattering wrap silhouette, the Princess went on to wear the same Issa dress in several different colourways.
Together, the Middleton sisters helped transform the wrap dress into one of the most recognisable fashion moments of the decade, with demand becoming so extraordinary that it cemented its place in royal style history.
Yet while the dress perfectly captured the mood of the early 2010s, it also serves as a reminder of just how dramatically both women’s wardrobes have evolved over the past decade.
Today, it’s difficult to imagine either Princess Catherine or Pippa reaching for a hemline that sits several inches above the knee.
Instead, both have embraced sophisticated midi and maxi-length silhouettes that have become hallmarks of their polished, contemporary style.
For Catherine, that evolution has mirrored her changing role within the Royal Family. As Princess of Wales and future Queen, she has increasingly centred her wardrobe on beautifully tailored coat dresses, elegant evening gowns and classic investment pieces designed to transcend seasonal trends.
Pippa has undergone a similar style transformation, favouring refined occasionwear and timeless separates while maintaining the understated elegance that has long defined her personal style.