They said/We said: Kate Middleton snubbed by the British Fashion Council! As if!

Photography by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
Photography by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Though fashion critics gushed over her wedding dress, thousands flocked to see it in real life, and pieces by designers like Erdem instantly sell out after she’s seen in them, Kate Middleton was overlooked by the British Fashion Council when they announced their shortlist for the 2011 British Style Icon award. As if!

Who was included? Alexa Chung, Lara Stone, Florence Welch, and Victoria Beckham. Sure all of these Brits have It-girl appeal, but none has the extensive coverage surrounding their every outfit as Kate. Outraged by the snub, Telegraph UK encouraged readers to vote on the BFC’s website to include Kate. As of post time, her die-hard fans have spoken and Kate is included in the shortlist.

Ironically, Harper’s Bazaar UK has published their Britain’s 10 best-dressed list today and who else is at the top of the list? Kate, natch. We’re not sure why the duchess was initially left out, but if royal watchers have anything to say about it, she’ll have the award in the bag.

THEY SAID…

BFC spokesperson: “The shortlist for the British Style Award was compiled by the judging panel as their recommendations. The list is by no means definitive and we welcome suggestions from the British public to nominate any individual who embodies the creative spirit of London.” [Vogue UK]

The Cut: “She can wear fashion (and almost always does so quite nicely), but being fashionable, fashion-forward no less, is not yet considered becoming of a future queen, however modern. So it’s not as if Kate could even accept the award if she won it—the Palace would no doubt frown upon such commonality. Let’s just give the win to Daphne Guinness instead.” [NY Mag]

Telegraph UK: “Now it is true that Kate’s prime qualification for inclusion is being married to Prince William, and that her fashion aesthetic has about as much edge as a billiard ball – but as an international ambassador for British fashion over the last year, she’s surely without peer.” [Telegraph UK]

WE SAID…

Jordan Porter, fashion market editor: “Leaving Kate off this list was a huge oversight by the British Fashion Council. Kate not only wowed us with her wedding day choice (hands down the biggest fashion moment in recent history), but she also represents what it means to dress with class and elegance while staying true to her down-to-earth nature. She mixes designer pieces with accessible fast-fashion items, something that will earn her true icon status.”

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