It had us stumped for a while, but it is now being reported that Kate was wearing a cashmere ruffle wrap from a little known American Brand (at least here in the UK!) Minnie Rose.
In the UK the brand only seems available at Donna Ida which happens to have a shop in Belgravia, one of Kates favourite shopping areas. In the US both Saks and Amazon are stockists. Although Kates wrap above is no longer available, we will certainly be keeping an eye out for Minnie Rose's Autumn/Winter collection!
*Update* several readers have noted that Kate's wrap may not be by Minnie Rose as was widely reported by the press. The Minnie Rose website is also not featuring Kate as part of their "media" section so I think we have to assume it is probably not a Minnie Rose (thanks Melissa for the heads up). Never the less we will keep our eyes peeled and hope that the designer of Kates wrap comes to light soon.
PS. If you are a knitter and want to knit your own Kate inspired wrap Ravelry.com are selling the pattern to a Princess Kate Shawl for a very reasonable £3 ($5). Thank you Debbie for finding and sharing the pattern with us!
I sent an email to Minnie Rose. They have a similar shawl but its not the same. They kind of alluded to the fact that they don't even know if its their shawl. The one on Minnie Roses site is 300 US and cashmere and quite larger
ReplyDeleteHi Melissa thanks so much for your comment. I have to admit when I first saw that the shawl was being reported as Minnie Rose I was sceptical as the brand is virtually unheard of here in the UK. like you said the shawls available seem a lot larger than the one being worn by Kate. I am still keeping my eye out in the event a closer match is found!! If you find anything please let me know!
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In case anyone is interested, Eleanor Lee at Solstice Yarns created a knitted shawl that looks similar to Kate's. It is gorgeous and you can buy the pattern and knit. Go to Ravelry.com and check out for Princess Kate Shawl.
ReplyDeleteI also checked out the Minnie Rose website and agree 100% that the shawls they feature are much larger and don't quite have the same exact look. Sure wish we knew for sure who designed it as it is too die for adorable!
ReplyDeleteIf all else fails, I will have one knitted using the pattern that is for sale at Ravelry.com, as recommended by Debbie1085. Thank you Debbie!
However, if anyone finds out that another designer made the shawl, please let us all know!!
I have found someone on Etsy who is making replicas of Kate's shopping shawl!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/people/JasmineCreations
Jasmine is hand knitting me the shawl in cashmere and in the olive green color. Her shawls are as close a replica as possible and if you do not knit yourself and want this shawl, Jasmine is the best the best source. I think they are a closer match than the copycat shawl patterns featured on Ravelry! I think they are a closer match than the current Minnie Rose offerings as well! I am so thrilled to have found someone making that fabulous shawl!
I think Jasmine Creations is trolling Kate Middleton fashion blogs and posting this stuff because I ordered this shawl and it's a total disappointment. First, Kate's shawl has a tight weave while Jasmine's has an open weave. Second, Kate's shawl looks like cashmere and Jasmine's is wool despite the advertisement. Third, Jasmine's shawl smells like cigarette smoke so I am returning it.
DeleteP.S. I purchased a silvery gray 100% cashmere shawl with ruffling on the edges in 2006 and it's a little bigger than Kate's. I got it at a baby boutique in Newport Beach at Fashion Island. I think it's actually a baby blanket but I use it as a shawl or chunky scarf. They also had one in pale pink. The name of the company that made the shawl (or baby blanket) is Portolano Kids.
DeleteI purchased one from Jasmine's shop, and I think it looks just like Kate's on me. Because my favorite color is grey, I asked her for a custom order. She prepared it shortly like in a week and shipped to me with express cargo within 3 days. Now I'm wearing in cold days on top of my coat. It don't smell any smoke and the price is one of the best I think. Now she is preparing a different color and a smaller one for my nephews birthday. I mostly liked to have a custom order option, with different colors or with different patterns.
ReplyDeleteLooks like its Minnie Rose afterall... MR claims it.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.minnierose.com/press.php
I saw this shawl in grey and black at Yours Elegantly a U.S. based shawls site with the best shawls wraps & capes. Infact I am writing this from the store while awaiting my appointment. Took 2 months to get one! So excited!
ReplyDeleteLooking for that perfect pair of Cashmere Legwarmers for your dancing classes? Then have a look at the stylish cashmere legwarmers that we have at our online store. The legwarmers are made out of high quality cashmere that will surely provide you with the comfort that you are looking for.
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