FASHION PASSION CALLS KATE TO NY
READY FOR CHANGE: Kate Middleton
By Adam Helliker
NOW THAT she will have fewer opportunities for playdates with Prince william during his intensive training to be an RAF helicopter pilot, Kate Middleton has been giving serious thought to making her own vocational break in America.
Following encouraging discussions with two of the biggest movers in US fashion, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and designer Tom Ford (both of whom she first met in London two years ago), Kate is considering an offer to take a sabbatical to work in a leading New York fashion house.
This could be a wise move for Miss Middleton, 27, given the criticism that she is merely biding her time until a royal engagement.
Her career opportunities in England are limited because of the concerns that putative employers may wish to exploit her position as William’s girlfriend.
It also comes at a time when she needs a change, having spent the past few months working for her parents’ firm Party Pieces where, although she has worked hard in developing the company’s website and photographing new products, there is not much else of a challenging nature for her to do.
“Until recently Kate would not have had any great desire to work in the US but things have changed,” reports a member of her circle. “With William doing his own thing, she too wants to expand her horizons and this is the time to do it, when she has few other responsibilities.
“She’s loved working for her parents and particularly spending time with Carole at home but she’s a bright girl and wants to experience new things before the time comes when she won’t be able to have any sort of ordinary life.
“She’s got a really encouraging mentor in Anna Wintour who has told her a few months’ experience learning about fashion in New York would be great for her. and anna is a formidable presence over there; someone who would look after Kate and make sure no one takes advantage of her.”
Kate has long held an interest in fashion and photography and had hopes of launching her own design company until she was let down by a financial backer.
Two years ago she got a part-time job as an accessories buyer for the fashion chain Jigsaw.
Owner Belle Robinson has since said Kate had asked her for a job with “an element of flexibility because she wanted to continue her relationship with a high-profile man and had a life she couldn’t dictate”.
Naturally, any move abroad by Kate, for however short a time, will lead to speculation that her relationship with William may be cooling but her friend says: “They are as close as ever but they’re not in each other’s pockets and this is the year when both have the chance to do their own thing.
“They will always find a way to see each other, wherever they are.”
IS SHE REALLY THE ONE FOR WILLIAM?
19.01.09, 12:01pm
Why do I have such negative feelings about this young lady and why do I sense that the general public has not warmed to her as they did Princess Diana. Whilst, of course, it is entirely a matter for Prince William whom he chooses as his wife, I just hope that it is not this lady.
• Posted by: dogmad • Report Comment
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