LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge talks with actor Tom Cruise as she arrives for the "Top Gun: Maverick" Royal Film Performance at Leicester Square on May 19, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Cover Photo: Getty Images
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge talks with actor Tom Cruise as she arrives for the "Top Gun: Maverick" Royal Film Performance at Leicester Square on May 19, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

The Duchess of Cambridge trades her staid skirt suits for a dramatic gown at the premiere of Top Gun: Maverick in London

Demonstrating that the red carpet is as much her domain as it is to her sister-in-law Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton showed up in style at the London premiere of Top Gun: Maverick.

Her look was a Roland Mouret number: a dramatic, off-shoulder column gown in black and white that flaunted her toned figure and exuded Hollywood glamour.

The rest of her red carpet ensemble played up its powerful impact. The royal opted for Prada pumps to emphasise her stature, and she carried a crystal-embellished clutch from one her favourite fashion brands, Alexander McQueen.

She also required little sparkle to stand out, with her only jewellery being a pair of star drop earrings from British label Robinson Pelham, and her sapphire and diamond engagement ring from former Crown Jeweller, Garrard.

Read more: The Most Memorable Royal Engagement Rings, Ranked By Sentimental Value

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge is accompanied by star actor Tom Cruise as she arrives for the "Top Gun: Maverick" Royal Film Performance at Leicester Square on May 19, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Above Kate Middleton being escorted by ‘Top Gun’ star Tom Cruise (Photo: Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge is accompanied by star actor Tom Cruise as she arrives for the "Top Gun: Maverick" Royal Film Performance at Leicester Square on May 19, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Middleton’s outfit was a delightful departure from the pastel skirt suits and romantic tea dresses that we’re used to seeing on the Duchess of Cambridge. It showed another side of her (and that sleek hairdo certainly played a role).

She hardly looked out of place among Top Gun stars Jennifer Connelly and Tom Cruise, who graciously escorted her up the stairs on the red carpet.

Middleton also made a picture-perfect pair with her husband Prince William, who arrived in a sophisticated navy blue Alexander McQueen tuxedo at the premiere.

In case you missed it: Tom Cruise's 'Top Gun: Maverick' Releases New Trailer

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attend "Top Gun: Mavertick" Royal Film Performance at Leicester Square on May 19, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Above Photo: Getty Images
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Tom Cruise attend "Top Gun: Mavertick" Royal Film Performance at Leicester Square on May 19, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Above Photo: Getty Images
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attend "Top Gun: Mavertick" Royal Film Performance at Leicester Square on May 19, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Tom Cruise attend "Top Gun: Mavertick" Royal Film Performance at Leicester Square on May 19, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)

But the highlight was undoubtedly his Crockett & Jones shoes. Crafted from the same shoemaker that Daniel Craig’s James Bond wears, the footwear was adorned with embroidered F-18 Super Hornet fighter airplanes—a nod to the film that was premiering that night.

If their elegant ensembles tell us anything, it’s that both Kate and William are definitely ready for their Cannes Film Festival red carpet debut.

Don't miss: Cannes Film Festival 2022: The Red Carpet Looks That Dazzled at the Opening Ceremony

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Pameyla Cambe
Assistant Digital Editor, Tatler Singapore
Tatler Asia

Pameyla Cambe is the Assistant Digital Editor of Tatler Singapore. She handles the Fashion section of the website, where she reports on trends, the hottest fashion launches and what your favourite Asian celebrities are wearing.