Princess Kate Suffers Fashion Blow

When Princess Kate returns to public duties following an extended break while receiving treatment for cancer, she will have do so without one of her most celebrated fashion brands.

A statement on Tuesday from The Vampire’s Wife—the indie-brand famous for dressing Kate in its dramatic gowns including the “Falconetti” model named “dress of the decade” by Vogue—announced that it has “sadly” made the decision to “cease trading with immediate effect.”

A favorite of the fashion elite, including Jennifer Aniston and Kirsten Dunst, the brand gave a brief explanation for the unexpected decision to shutter the business.

“Despite a period of positive growth and sales,” it said. “The upheaval in the wholesale market has had dramatic implications for the brand. The Vampire’s Wife would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all clients, partners and those who have worn the brand these last 10 years. Your support has been invaluable and we are deeply grateful.”

The label was founded in 2016 by former model, Susie Cave, who is also the wife of musician Nick Cave and it gained a cult following, quickly turning up on red carpets around the world.

The Princess of Wales is perhaps the brand’s most famous client, having worn two of the house’s key designs, though she is not the only member of the British royal family to select pieces from their collections.

Prince Andrew’s daughter, Princess Beatrice, is also known to be a fan, being photographed wearing a Vampire’s Wife dress to a special Platinum Jubilee celebration for Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.

The brand cemented its place in fashion history through Kate.

In 2022, the princess selected a green “Falconetti” dress to be worn for an official painted portrait with Prince William, which is currently displayed in Britain’s National Portrait Gallery in London.

The princess had first worn the dress during a visit to Ireland with her husband in 2020, winning praise for paying one of her famous fashion tributes to the host nation through its emerald green color.

Kate debuted a new Vampire’s Wife dress in 2022 during an official visit to Belize as part of a wider Caribbean tour marking Queen Elizabeth’s 70th year on the throne.

For an evening reception at Cahal Pech, the site of ancient Mayan ruins, the princess made a glittering appearance in a sparkling metallic pink gown featuring flutter shoulders and a cinched waist.

Kate has been absent from public life since January, when she had abdominal surgery. She has since been undergoing a course of “preventative chemotherapy” for cancer.

At the time of her announcement, Kate said she was looking forward to returning to work, but needed for the time being to focus on her health.

“We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment,” she said. “My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.”

On Monday, a spokesperson for Kensington Palace told the BBC that the princess’ respite would continue.

“The princess is not expected to return to work until it’s cleared by her medical team,” the spokesperson said.

Newsweek approached Kensington Palace via email for comment.

James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek‘s royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek‘s The Royals Facebook page.

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