Britain’s Duchess of Cambridge has commissioned a Ralph & Russo gown for her tour of New Zealand and Australia.
The royal is reportedly hoping to make a big impact thanks to a bespoke dress from the high-end couture label when she heads Down Under on April 7 with her husband Prince William and their son Prince George for their official visit of the Commonwealth countries.
A source told Grazia magazine: "Kate visited Ralph & Russo’s boutique last month and said she was looking for inspiration for the tour. She liked that they had Australian connections and has apparently given them specific instructions for a gown."
This marks a change in the 32-year-old beauty’s usual high street style since the designs, courtesy of Australian couple Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo, come with a price tag upwards of £50,000.
It was recently alleged Queen Elizabeth had banned Catherine from wearing anything high street on the tour and wanted her to adopt a more ladylike and "regal" look.
The insider said: "Kate is taking this tour very seriously. She’s putting a lot of thought into what she wears and she’s opting for some quite expensive choices as a result.
"Kate’s entire wardrobe for 2012 cost less than one of Ralph & Russo’s gowns! She’s really upping the ante and opting for higher-end designers than she would normally choose."
Catherine Walker, Temperley and Alexander McQueen are also said to have been approached to kit the duchess out for the tour.
Duchess of Cambridge commissions bespoke gown for royal tour
