Designer Anita Dongre’s Gulrukh Dress Was Personalized For Kate Middleton By Her Stylist Natasha Archer

Kate Middleton has been unleashing her sartorial style during her and her husband Prince William’s six-day visit to India and Bhutan. On Day 1 of her visit, the Duchess of Cambridge opted for a floral summery midi dress by Mumbai-based designer Anita Dongre, giving a nod to her host country. However, the Indian designer’s dress was personalized for the British royal.

During her first engagement in Mumbai just after landing, Kate looked stunning in a long pink and green breezy dress by Dongre. The floaty boho dress was perfectly suited for the balmy weather of Mumbai. It featured three-quarter sleeves, a high neck and keyhole detailing with strings.

The Gulrukh tunic dress is a classic composition of Jaipur-inspired motifs in a printed georgette tunic dress, according to Dongre’s website. This patchwork print design is from the designer’s The Love Notes collection. The ankle-length number was cinched at the waist with a pink belt that highlighted the mother-of-two’s slim frame.

Kate played cricket at the Oval Maidan cricket ground in Mumbai on Sunday. Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and former cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar were also present during the visit by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Meanwhile, Anita opened up about her surprise and delight at one of her designs being worn by the Duchess.

“Her stylist emailed us and we sent her a look book, then she came in and got some pieces for fittings,” she said, speaking to The Telegraph. Anita first showcased the Gulrukh dress at Lakme Fashion Week in New Delhi. But, it looked a little different on the runway compared to when Kate wore it.

According to the designer, Kate’s stylist and PA Natasha Archer customized the dress to make it more contemporary. Anita was very happy with the changes. “Her stylist has taken the stole and converted part of that into the belt and then chopped it off so it can be worn as a dress,” Anita reportedly said.

The designer herself did not know that the Duchess would wear her creation till the time she saw the picture of Kate playing cricket with kids at Oval Maidan. Kate pulled off her look in a pair of taupe wedges and Ray-Ban aviators.