Kate Middleton’s style showdown with Mandy Moore in matching off-the-shoulder gown

The Princess of Wales has had so many iconic style moments; sometimes it can be hard to keep track.

Back in 2016, Kate made her mark in the fashion world when she donned a striking red Preen gown during an evening engagement in Canada when she and husband Prince William toured the country.

Stepping out in the brand’s ‘Finella Midi Dress’ during a glitzy bash held at Government House in Victoria, the then Duchess of Cambridge teamed the resplendent style with the Queen’s diamond maple leaf brooch, a red suede Miu Miu clutch and matching stilettos. Her hair was teased into a low chignon, showing off her drop earrings by Soru, while her make-up consisted of a bold, smoky eye, a subtle sweep of bronzer, nude lip gloss and a statement brow.

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The dress was from Preen’s pre-fall/winter 2016 collection, and the brand was taken aback that she chose to wear the design, which had a subtle, off-the-shoulder cut.

Thea Bregazzi, one of Preen’s two designers, told Harper’s Bazaar: “We’re so thrilled, she looks so elegant. This dress is designed to be both classic yet modern, perfect for the Duchess.”

Justin Thornton, Preen’s other designer, added: “We had no idea she was planning to wear the dress; it was a wonderful surprise! We knew she loved our designs but hadn’t found the right occasion to wear them.”

Mandy Moore’s royal flush

Hollywood star Mandy Moore may have taken some style from Kate, as almost a year later, in 2017, she stepped out in the very same dress, only hers was designed in a piercing sapphire blue.

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The mother-of-three donned the frock at a screening for her show, This Is Us, in Los Angeles. She carried a box clutch and added strappy silver sandals.

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Coincidentally, that same year, Mandy hosted an event at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, donning a floor-length dress by one of Kate’s favourite designers, Jenny Packham.

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The brunette beauty’s dress featured a cream slip, covered with an eye-catching red netted overlay.

Mandy and Meghan

Although Mandy hasn’t ever discussed the Princess of Wales, she is thought to have a special bond with Kate’s sister-in-law, Meghan Markle. 

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In an interview with Access, the actress quipped: “‘Ok, Meghan and her ex-husband [Trevor Engelson] was a producer on a movie that I worked on, so I met her back in 2006 and spent a lot of time with them, a lot of time with her. She [Meghan] is a lovely, generous woman and I’m so excited to see how her life has evolved, and she seems truly happy.”