Prince William embraced a sustainable fashion choice at the Earthshot Prize Awards in Cape Town this week, making a statement with a vintage blazer featuring the iconic Prince of Wales check. The jacket, sourced from a London vintage store, was a stylish tribute to both his royal heritage and the event’s environmental focus. He completed his look with sustainable sneakers from Purified Shoes, reinforcing his commitment to eco-conscious fashion.
William’s choice aligns with his wife, Princess Kate, who has long supported pre-loved fashion. Fashion editor Bay Garnett, known as the “Queen of Thrift,” praised the royals for using secondhand clothing to promote sustainability. She told MailOnline, “By wearing secondhand clothes, the royals are showing that secondhand is not second best—it’s both stylish and sustainable.”
Cécile Wickmann, Senior Director of Luxury at Vinted, agreed, highlighting the influence of prominent figures who advocate for vintage and second-hand fashion. She noted, “They set an example that fashion can be both chic and responsible.”
Amy Bannerman, eBay’s Pre-Loved Style Director, also noted that secondhand fashion is gaining popularity. She said, “Pre-loved fashion is now a top trend, and even the royals are embracing it. It blends effortlessly into their style, offering both savings and variety.”
The popularity of vintage fashion is also reflected in rising searches for classic British styles like tweed blazers. According to Depop, men’s vintage fashion, particularly T-shirts and blazers, has seen a surge in interest.
Princess Kate has long incorporated vintage pieces into her wardrobe, offering new ways to honor the past while supporting sustainability. From elegant dresses to statement accessories, Kate’s vintage choices have made a significant impact on royal fashion.
Notable moments include:
William Hilson Vintage Dress: During their 2022 Caribbean tour, Kate wore a striking 1950s striped dress from William Hilson Vintage, perfectly blending modern style with classic charm.
Hermes Clutch: At Royal Ascot 2023, Kate paired a vibrant Alexander McQueen dress with a vintage Hermes ‘Rio’ clutch from the 1980s, making a bold style statement.
Yves Saint Laurent Jacket: A vintage Yves Saint Laurent jacket, purchased during her university days, added a nostalgic touch to Kate’s polished look during her departure from Belize.
Chanel Bag: At the 2023 Festival of Remembrance, Kate carried a Chanel Mini Flap Bag, another vintage accessory that complemented her elegant ensemble.
Josef Clutch: At a 2022 Buckingham Palace garden party, Kate accessorized her Emilia Wickstead coat dress with a rare 1930s Josef clutch, showcasing her love for artisanal craftsmanship.
Chanel Blazer: Kate turned heads in a timeless 1995 Chanel tweed blazer, demonstrating her affinity for high-quality, enduring fashion.
Oscar de la Renta Dress: During a 2020 tour of Ireland, Kate wore a vintage polka-dot dress from Oscar de la Renta’s 1979 collection, combining retro flair with sophistication.
Wayne Taylor Bag: On her Jamaica tour, Kate completed her look with a 1960s woven raffia bag, adding a vibrant touch to her Alexander McQueen suit.
These memorable vintage pieces highlight Kate’s ability to mix contemporary elegance with sustainable fashion choices, further cementing her status as a style icon.
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