In a dazzling celebration of British fashion, Catherine, Princess of Wales, made a surprise appearance on May 13, 2025, at 180 Studios in central London, capturing the spotlight as she presented the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design to trailblazing designer Patrick McDowell. This was Kate’s first solo engagement of the month. Last week she joined The British Royal Family at 3 events celebrating VE Day’s 80th anniversary.
Organized by the British Fashion Council (BFC), the high-profile event was part of the BFC Foundation’s Impact Announcement Day, a pivotal moment recognizing emerging talent and the future of sustainable fashion in the UK.
Wearing an impeccably tailored olive-green Victoria Beckham suit, the Princess paired the look with a Knatchbull Cascade Ruffle Blouse, Ralph Lauren pumps, and a sentimental nod to royal legacy—Queen Elizabeth II’s Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings. Her sartorial choice was both elegant and meaningful, a tribute to the late Queen whose name graces the coveted award.
This marks the second time Catherine has presented the award, having previously honored designer Saul Nash in 2022. Her return to the fashion spotlight this year reaffirmed her growing role as a patron of British arts, creativity, and sustainability. The venue—180 Studios on The Strand—was transformed into a fully immersive fashion atelier. McDowell’s pop-up studio came alive with the rhythm of sewing machines, hand embroidery, pattern cutting, and fitting sessions. Models strutted gracefully through the space while artisans in crisp white coats showcased their craftsmanship, offering guests a rare glimpse into the painstaking work behind luxury fashion.
At just 29, Patrick McDowell, a Liverpool-born, London-based designer, is redefining the landscape of sustainable luxury. A graduate of Central Saint Martins, McDowell has become known for his circular fashion philosophy, using deadstock materials from major fashion houses such as Burberry and Swarovski, and experimenting with innovative textiles like mycelium-based leather developed in partnership with biotech company Ecovative. His romantic, whimsical designs have graced global icons including Lady Gaga, Keira Knightley, and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Chosen by senior members of the British Fashion Council and the Royal Household, McDowell is the eighth recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Award, a distinction launched in 2018 to recognize designers who embody originality, community engagement, and environmental responsibility. The award’s namesake—Queen Elizabeth II—personally presented the inaugural honor to Richard Quinn, setting the tone for a legacy of fashion diplomacy and creative excellence.The award trophy, designed by Angela Kelly, the late Queen’s longtime personal advisor and dressmaker, was meticulously hand-crafted by Lucy Price of Bauhinia Studios in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter. Its design, inspired by the Queen Elizabeth rose, symbolizes timeless elegance and the blossoming of new talent.
The Princess of Wales spent time touring McDowell’s working studio, engaging warmly with his team and admiring their meticulous techniques. She discussed his latest collection, Portraits of a Painter, showing keen interest in the artistry of sequin embroidery and fabric embellishment. She also met with other emerging designers, exchanging thoughts on sustainable materials, circular design models, and the future of ethical fashion.
What Kate Middleton wore at the 2025 Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design
- Victoria Beckham Patch Pocket Jacket – New
- Victoria Beckham Alina Trousers – New
- Knatchbull Cascade Ruffle Blouse – New
- Queen Elizabeth II’s Bahrain Pearl earrings – Repeat
- Ralph Lauren Celia pumps – Repeat
