With less than one week until the royal’s Australia and New Zealand tour kicks off — and the world goes wild with Kate Middleton‘s impeccable styles — one designer has been crowned as a must-have for the Duchess of Cambridge’s wardrobe.
Just as the mom to Prince George, 8 months, chose homegrown designers to wear during her 2011 Canada tour, she’s picked an Australian design house for at least one of her outfits for the upcoming three-week-long visit.
Middleton has commissioned a dress by high-end and high-glam fashion label Ralph & Russo, Grazia reports. “Kate visited Ralph & Russo’s boutique last month and said she was looking for inspiration for the tour,” a source told Grazia. “She liked that they had Australian connections and has apparently given them specific instructions for a gown.”
While the designing duo of engaged Australian couple Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo may not be a household name, you’ve likely seen their eye-catching looks on the likes of Carrie Underwood, Angelina Jolie, and Beyonce.
With cocktail dresses starting around a whopping $80,000 (or 50,000 pounds), the gowns are a stark contrast from Middleton’s more affordable styles from L.K. Bennett, Topshop, and, most recently, Gap.
The 18-day tour kicks off on April 7 in New Zealand before Middleton, Prince William, and baby Prince George head to Australia on April 16.
