PlacementPRINCESS
Duchess shares 60s rock gods’ love of pattern linked with Scots town
IT’S NOT easy to outshine a Fabergé egg but the Duchess of Cambridge managed it when she wore a swirly paisley pattern blouse to the opening of a V&A exhibition.
Her striking £139 top, by veteran American designer Ralph Lauren, got just as much attention as the priceless gilded eggs.
With a pussy bow neckline and giant print with popping shades of blue and red, her choice may start a run on paisley products.
Kate Middleton just has to wear something to clear the shelves. A cream double-breasted blazer from her high street favourite Reiss sold out after she wore it to visit an RAF base in September.
The same happened with a chic red dress from LK Bennett and a Barbie pink chiffon shirt dress, by Me & Em, she wore to a small event at Balmoral.
The Ralph Lauren blouse is sold out at Bloomingdales and running low on sizes at the designer’s own website.
It’s not the first time Kate has worn paisley print. She picked an Alexander McQueen two-piece on a state visit to India, nodding to the country where the pattern originated.
The ornate kidney shapes have been used in decorative textiles since at least the 17th century. They became associated with Paisley in the 19th century when weaving mills in the Renfrewshire town made beautiful shawls featuring the design.
Paisley pattern designer Pat Moriarty was delighted to see one of the world’s most influential women rocking a bold take on the print.
He predicted a rise in demand for paisley designs after Kate’s choice, saying: “As soon as a royal, a film star, or a pop star wears paisley, most high street brands will be looking for their own version of that interpretation of the pattern.”
He said the bold, graphic print was ideal for someone like Kate, who needs to look striking for photos and public appearances, adding: “The McQueen outfit she wore in India had a phenomenal impact because of the of the print on the top and skirt. The colours of red, black and white were so dynamic and photogenic. The positioning of the print also complemented Kate’s excellent figure.”
She has also worn a more muted paisley print, by English brand Ridley London, for a less formal event. But even this sparked great interest.
Moriarty said: “The Ridley print inspired a demand for paisley prints that were very leafy with curving stems. This print had similarities to classic Liberty prints. These very leafy paisleys are still in high demand.”
In the past, paisley was seen as a counterculture design, associated more with rock royalty.
But, according to Moriarty, these days it’s a much safer choice. He said: “In the late 60s the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and the San Francisco music scene were wearing paisley prints and this tied in with the Beatles’ interest in Indian philosophy.
“Today, paisley has become mainstream. The pattern no longer has counter-culture associations, but has strong multicultural associations. There’s a worldliness about it.
“People who wear paisley give the impression that they are open to embracing other cultures and are well-travelled.
“The young royals are involved in lots of projects relating to different cultures and religions at home and in the Commonwealth, so it’s no surprise that Kate wants to give a modern worldly impression in her dress sense.” Fashion keeps returning to paisley because its fluid, organic shape can be constantly reinvented.
Moriarty said: “The symbol was originally inspired by the sprouting seedling of the date palm plant so it’s a natural form that looks leafy and intertwining.”
Every year, designers have modernised it to fit in with the latest trends and fashion forecasts regarding colours, fabrics, and garment shapes.
Moriarty added: “The paisley pattern has been a fashion perennial for at least a decade. Many major fashion houses and top brands include paisleys in new collections every season. It’s fascinating to see how the pattern evolves and is given a new interpretation depending on which designer gives it a new treatment.
“The ingenuity of the designers keeps the paisley pattern looking fresh, exciting and timeless.”
Moriarty has been creating one-off paisleys for individual customers for the last 12 years.
He said: “Every year I wonder if new paisley designs will be in demand and I haven’t been disappointed yet. I’m confident the paisley trend will continue for the foreseeable future.
“There’s something enjoyable, inspiring and positive about designing paisleys – and wearing them.”