One of the few officially diplomatic events of the Cambridge's tour of Australia and New Zealand in spring 2014 was a reception at Government House in Canberra given by the Governor-General and his wife. For the event Kate chose this ivory sheath cocktail dress from the American designer, Lela Rose. It was a mildly controversial and disappointing choice, as many had hoped she would wear an Australian designer's work. However, this two year old dress was already in Kate's closet and she obviously felt it was a thrifty choice. There are reports that Kate, since she buys primarily off the peg instead of custom designed couture, waits a long time between purchasing an outfit and them wearing it, to reduce the possibility of someone else appearing at an event in the same dress as herself. From the designer's spring 2012 spring/summer collection, it was called the "Circle Lace Trim Dress". In ivory linen with lace sleeves and pepulm, it sold for $1,295.
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