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June 01, 2011

7 Canadian Cities, 7 Canadian Designers: The Homegrown Labels Kate Middleton Should Wear On Tour

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Kate Middleton in the dress that solidified her as a fashion icon-in-the-making.

Prince William and Kate Middleton…Catherine Middleton? The Duchess of Cambridge?…nevermind: their Royal Highnesses announced the itinerary for their upcoming trip to Canada via the official royal wedding website today. Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Charlottetown, Summerside, Yellowknife, and Calgary made the final cut, and while most Torontonians are up in arms, I'm actually quite happy to skirt this security nightmare in light of last summer's G20 debacle.

I am however sad to be missing out on the Duchess' royal attire. She's said to be personally planning 40 outfits for the 9 day excursion, and while I love Kate's do-it-yourself attitude, I thought I'd indulge in a little advice.

So, dear Kate, Catherine, Duchess, her Highness, here are my top Canadian designer picks to complement each city of your tour, as well as your increasingly exquisite taste:

For Ottawa: Pink Tartan
Pink Tartan designer Kimberley Newport-Mimran is one half of Canada's royal fashion couple (her husband is Joe, as in Joe Fresh), so it's only fitting that her looks take you through the country's capital. A travel buff in her own right, Mimran's clothes are conservative chic and always travel-ready. Grab a neon blouse, slinky metallic blazer, and retro sunglasses from her spring 2011 collection—oh and the signature PT white buttondown shirt, of course.

For Montreal: Aldo
My tootsies would go bare without this Canadian footwear staple. Its fashion-forward designs may not be Windsor-approved, but you may as well live large while grandma is safe at home in her castle. My pick: the limited-edition FLARE X Aldo python wedge. Perfect for slithering around the country's coolest city. (Maybe you can nab a python pedicure to match while you're in California the following week.)

For Quebec City: Jeremy Laing
The country is fiercely proud of this Toronto-based designer, who's just been nominated for the coveted ANDAM fashion award. I realize that his oversized, slinky style isn't necessarily your thing, but it's perfectly apropos for Canada's french quarter where authenticity and open-mindedness are rewarded.

For Charlottetown: NADA
Nada knows how to dress a lady. Her spring line is full of jersey wrap dresses (your fave), and gorgeous bright floral frocks with detailed necklines and sleeves. Pair them up with one of those clever hats of yours and it will feel like you never left home.

For Summerside: Greta Constantine
This design duo is known for soft fabrications in feminine folds. As the masters of drapery, Greta will craft you a gorgeous gown in the most unexpected yet painfully flattering shape. Better yet ask for some skins to shelter you from the late night island breeze from their new collaboration with Danier Leather. It's not available in stores until August, but there's likely a special order form for princesses.

For Yellowknife: Aritzia
I almost suggested Izzy Camalleri for her killer leathers and fur trims, but then I checked the Weather Network—turns out even Yellowknife is sunny in the summer! There's no better Canadian label to embrace the outdoors and the heat than Aritzia. With a myriad of in-house labels and cutting edge fabrics and cuts, you're sure to look trendy without sacrificing comfort in these British Columbia-based looks.

For Calgary: Fidelity
Don't dare take on the Calgary stampede without a great pair of jeans. There's no better fit in the land than Fidelity denim, and their low rise skinny Scoops should tuck nicely into your cowboy boots. Having a casual meal post-party? Fidelity makes a gorgeous linen pant for spring. Sidenote: ignore your brother-in-law Harry's late night recommendations – Cowboys isn't the kind you had in mind.

Have your say! What do you think Kate should wear on her Canadian tour?

By: Laura; Photo by Splashnews.

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Laura Lanktree Laura Lanktree

Laura is a writer, videographer, director, and lover of all things fashion and beauty. When she isn't busy blogging for styleswept.ca, the former flare.com editor runs her own multi-media company, LLchemy...

Joanna SinclairJoanna Sinclair

Joanna is an editor for MSN Lifestyle. Growing up she dreamed of becoming a fashion designer, but chose journalism instead. Luckily for her, she can mix writing with fashion for the best of both worlds.

Carmen CheungCarmen Cheung

Carmen, an editor for MSN Lifestyle, can, in short, be described as a travel-craving, food-loving purse and shoe admirer and collector (too many pairs to count!). You can find her out and about, planning her next adventure, while ooh-ing and ah-ing over shoes, purses, scarves and other pretty things.

Madelyn ChungMadelyn Chung

Madelyn Chung is a Lifestyle Editor at MSN.ca. She is a fashion, beauty and pop culture junkie, and a hopeless shopaholic. You can find her reading up on the latest fashion and celebrity gossip, live-tweeting during TV shows, and obsessing over anything Alexander McQueen and Chanel.

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