Princess Kate picked the perfect moment to champion a local London woman at a prestigious BAFTA event on Monday evening. Kate, Princess of Wales made a heartfelt speech while wearing CHALK and walnut earrings – but do you know the story behind them?
The 41-year-old royal was striking in her vivid red Alexander McQueen suit and matching red Gianvito Rossi stilettos. As Kate walked the red carpet accompanied by her husband Prince William, 40, who wore a complementary red tie, she kept her long brunette hair tucked behind her ears to display her highly unusual, pastel-hued earrings that were actually crafted from acrylic and walnut trees, a nod to one of Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite London locations.
When Kate took to the BAFTA stage to introduce a short film as part of her Shaping Us early years campaign, Run by The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, little did onlookers know that her £75 earrings were handcrafted by a local Greenwich University graduate named Malaika Carr, and modelled after the Royal Opera House.
As the royal’s eye-catching accessory choice made headlines, the talented designer exclusively told HELLO!: “Coming from the perspective of a small brand, moments like these mark huge milestones. It is refreshing to know that HRH supports independent creators.”
Queen Elizabeth had a long history with the Royal Opera House and was their patron for over 66 years. The late monarch was also known for her love of the outdoors and Buckingham Palace has an abundance of walnut trees growing on the grounds, so the unusual incorporation of walnut tree wood had a significant meaning.
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Malaika’s website explains: “The regal forms from the ornate details and geometry found within the Main stage auditorium ceiling of the Royal Opera House has been reimagined throughout this collaboration to create a timeless collection.”
Kate’s handmade, geometric gold, light green and walnut wood ‘Florence’ earrings looked exquisite with her brown hair and green eyes. The mother of three’s carefully planned choice to wear eye-catching head-to-toe red set the ideal stage for showcasing the incredible designer’s work.
English