Chic in chiffon – and £550 Jimmy Choos

WHAT do you wear to a 007 premiere when you know you will be measured against the Bond girls – the ultimate symbols of sex and glamour?

Kate’s answer was to go for old-school elegance in this ultra-feminine, ice blue Jenny Packham dress. For while the stars will be Bond girls for only one night, she knows that she will still be a duchess tomorrow – and has chosen not to compete.

She is not trying too hard, and is careful not to be seen trying too hard either.

The dress itself is lovely, with flattering, bias-cut layers of chiffon. The split at the back is also rather daring – you can see that there is no bra being worn.

It’s an especially brave choice for someone so slender, as online critics were only too eager to point out last night.

The gown does have structure at the front for modesty, but it is nonetheless a confident, modern style. The diamante belt is a glamorous statement, and the buttons at the wrist a beautiful touch.

Her slightly tousled hairstyle is another contemporary touch, and is far less formal and ‘done’ that her look at the banquet with the Chinese president last week.

The earrings are classic 1930s Hollywood- style chandeliers by Chelsea jewellers Robinson Pelham, and her shoes are £550 Jimmy Choo Vamp metallic platforms in glittery champagne leather. The 4.7inch heels are clearly favourites, as she has been seen in them several times before.

As for the Bond girls themselves, wouldn’t every 51-year-old woman want to look like Monica Bellucci? She appears vampish, sexy, and grown-up in velvet.

Meanwhile Lea Seydoux’s molten metal gown was the ultimate in timeless Bond girl style, and Naomie Harris’s simple orange number was a bold choice. She had to be followed around by an assistant – just to keep people off the long train!