Kate Middleton Wears Sheer, Hand-Embroidered Dress by Unexpected Designer

Kate Middleton‘s fashion choices are always intentional, and on Wednesday, the Princess of Wales wore a stunning dress from an unexpected designer for the state banquet at Windsor Castle. Middleton arrived at the event, where the royal family is hosting President of the United States, Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, alongside her husband Prince William.

For the engagement, Middleton opted for a hand-embroidered sheer gold dress coat with puffy shoulders and a collar layered over an ivory silk gown. The couture look was a creation from British designer, Phillipa Lepley, a surprising choice for the princess who wore all French designers for the French state visit over the summer.

Middleton accessorized with her favorite tiara, the Queen Mary Lovers’ Knot, the $135 million piece created in 1914 for Queen Mary. The opulent piece was also a favorite of Middleton’s late mother-in-law, Princess Diana. Princess Catherine finished off the look with diamond drop earrings that previously belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The banquet comes after a busy day filled with significant fashion moments. Earlier in the day, Middleton wore an autumn-ready maroon coat dress decorated with 162-year-old brooch that paid tribute to her husband William and Princess Diana.

After her initial meeting with the Trumps, Middleton traded in her matching fascinator for an unexpected hair accessory: a bow, which she fastened to her curly half-up look.