The icon behind the dress: Kate Middleton

The icon behind the dress: Kate Middleton

Selected as one of the "Most influential People in the World' by Time Magazine in 2012 and number one on Vanity Fair's Best Dressed lists in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, Kate Middleton is definitely worthy of the title Style Icon. Her impact on British and American fashion has even been given its own term - the "Kate Middleton effect'.

The Royal Wedding, back in 2011, created a global frenzy of wedding-fever. Her bridal gown, designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, had brides everywhere feeling somewhat envious, however it's not just her wedding day that established her iconic status in fashion-forward dressing. Her mixed wardrobe of designer and high street makes her look accessible to those of us who can't quite stretch to the price tag that comes with couture!

So in honour of the Royal's most iconic fashionista and her timeless fashion sense, we've created something rather special with our LBD Catherine Dress, £120. Inspired by the beautiful Temperley London floor-length lace gown worn to the London premiere of War Horse in 2012, the Duchess made headlines across the globe with her sartorial styling and captivating dress.

Graceful and stylish, the beautiful floral-sequinned lace and slinky figure hugging bodice create an alluringly feminine look, whilst the cut-out back detailing adds a demure hint of skin to add extra wow factor to the design. Channel Kate's understated style with simple accessories; peep-toe heels will elongate your legs under the flowing length of the dress and have you feeling like a princess yourself. Add a metallic clutch, subtle earrings and a colourful ring to add a splash of colour. This is definitely an investment piece, something to be worn all year round season after season for the ultimate elegance, perfect for a multitude of glamorous occasions.

The kate dress is part of the NEW Little Black Dress collection, Inspired by icons and designed for today's fashionista. The Little Black Dress Collection fuses the LBD classic heritage together with contemporary features, modern fabrics and unexpected detailing. Satin, soft touch and pretty lace fabrics are utilised to create pretty and refined styles. Cocktail dresses and maxi dress lengths create beautiful silhouettes. Worn with a elegant pair of nude coloured shoes for a chic look, black shoes for a formal look, or with bold colours to express your creative side - you'll be a vision that Kate herself would be proud of.

When designing each dress for our own-label collection, we take inspiration from the glittering moments of fashion heroes past and present and are on a constant search for those of the future. The Duchess of Cambridge has become something of a style icon since the 2011 Royal Wedding.

The ladies of the Royal family are often scrutinised, much like her husband's mother and national treasure, Princess Diana. But the public's beady eye is constantly trained on every ensemble Kate Middleton is seen sporting at the events she attends, with pieces she has worn immediately going out of stock in the shops after she has been photographed in them. Women of the world desperately rush to emanate her style, which can only be described as feminine, elegant and timeless.

Known for her support of luxury British designers such as Jenny Packham, Alice Temperley and Alexander McQueen (the designer behind the iconic wedding dress), this 33 year old Princess knows a thing or two about dressing. This was no different when we were selecting the dress that would inspire our Catherine dress, as one of the most prominent pieces she has worn was the black Temperley Lace gown to the premiere of War Horse in 2012, and then again in 2013! This is something which separates Kate from not only any other royal lady, but also any other celebrity. Most celebs would consider it a crime to re-wear such a statement piece, but Kate has been known to recycle her favourite gowns, oblivious to opposing opinion. She has got both day and evening wear covered, with easy and simple midi dresses for day, followed by continuously stunning gowns for glamorous red carpet events by night.

Read our best 10 dresses of the decade blog

Affordability is another key word in Kate's wardrobe, as alongside the designer labels she has also been spotted in pieces from classic women's clothing brands such as Oasis, Joseph, Reiss, Whistles and Zara.

Lace dress inspiration like Kate's

Flowing maxi gown inspiration 

What do you think of her new haircut? Team LBD are loving the modern twist of a fringe with her usual curls!

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