Kate Middleton’s fashion choices have always been a subject of public interest. But one particular fashion show moment stands out: the sheer dress she wore at a St. Andrews University charity event in 2002. This dress is widely credited with capturing Prince William’s attention and transforming their friendship into a romance.
The now-iconic dress, designed by Charlotte Todd, was a see-through slip dress worn over a bandeau bikini. At the time, Todd was a student at the University of the West of England and created the dress for a project titled “The Art of Seduction.” Originally intended as a skirt, Kate chose to wear it as a dress, pairing it with early 2000s trends like tight curls and frosted nails. This seemingly simple fashion choice played a pivotal role in shaping royal history.
The fashion show itself was significant for several reasons. It showcased Kate’s confidence and style, and it occurred at a time when internet access was becoming more widespread, allowing the world to witness this key moment in real-time. This relatability resonated with many, as it depicted a “normal girl” participating in a typical university event, later becoming a global icon.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-110168649-86de2cc3ffb14edaa84f639ddeee8140.jpg)
The dress’s sheerness, considered daring for a future royal, further amplified the moment’s impact. While Kate wore other outfits that night, the transparent dress remains the most memorable and widely discussed due to its risqué nature and the contrast it presented to traditional royal attire. It challenged expectations of how public figures, especially potential members of the royal family, should dress.
The dress gained even more notoriety when Prince William, reportedly seated in the front row, was visibly impressed. According to classmates, this marked a turning point in their relationship. The widespread publication of photos from the fashion show solidified the dress’s place in royal history, constantly reminding the public of the event and its significance.
When Kate and William announced their engagement in 2010, the dress resurfaced in the public consciousness. Charlotte Todd, who had kept the dress in her mother’s closet, decided to auction it. In 2011, the dress sold for an astounding £78,000 (over $100,000) due to its royal connection.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-110168649-86de2cc3ffb14edaa84f639ddeee8140.jpg)
The story of the dress continues to fascinate the public, even decades later. The moment when Prince William’s admiration for Kate was ignited by the dress was recently recreated in season six of “The Crown,” further cementing its legendary status in popular culture. Kate herself has acknowledged the dress’s impact, jokingly cautioning students at her alma mater about participating in fashion shows and the unexpected outfits they might be asked to wear.
