Royal visit: Kate sticks with British threads and nods to NZ

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge looks on during a state reception at Government House. Photo / Getty Images

Black and silver fern motifs: you couldn't get more symbolic of New Zealand than that, with the Duchess of Cambridge opting for both at last night's state reception at Government House.

For the occasion, she opted for an elegant black knee-length dress with hand-stitched fern beading on the left shoulder, created for her by British designer Jenny Packham.

Watch: Raw: Royal fashion show for Duchess

The Duchess is so far relying on her designer favourites for the tour, with custom-made pieces from three of her preferred brands. Jenny Packham has created several bespoke gowns for her in the past.

For the day's earlier engagements, the Duchess chose a striking cornflower blue coat from British design house Alexander McQueen, another favoured brand.

The custom coat featured large pocket detailing and a pleated back, with subtle military touches befitting the occasion. She completed the look with a WW100 poppy pin marking the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I.

The likelihood of an appearance by a New Zealand-based designer in her tour wardrobe is now increasingly slim. Rather, it seems the Duchess is using her wardrobe to showcase British design, and acknowledging New Zealand through colour and symbolism instead.

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