Gown gives duchess a crowning moment in fashion stakes

The lavender Alexander McQueen gown the Duchess of Cambridge wore to a red carpet event in Los Angeles has been the pinnacle of all the outfits worn during her first royal tour, according to fashion followers.

The glamorous Grecian-style scoop neck dress Kate wore at the Bafta dinner in aid of British creative talent made her stand out among Hollywood's elite.

The floor-length pleated dress with a floating skirt, nipped in at the waist with a shimmering belt, was hailed as the "best outfit" worn on the trip over the pond by Alex Butt, royal wedding blogger for the magazine Grazia's website.

"I loved it, it is a mix of Hollywood and royalty," said Mr Butt.

"She looked amazing. I really like seeing her in something with a softer shape. She usually wears really structured clothes so it is nice to see something a bit more floaty."

The duchess complemented her ensemble with a silver clutch bag, a silver bangle and earrings loaned to her by the Queen especially for the occasion.

People magazine said she bought "glamour, grace and star power" to the event.

Mr Butt continued: "It is interesting that she has chosen McQueen again, she is developing this relationship with (designer] Sarah Burton.

"She obviously really trusts both Sarah Burton and Jenny Packham, they are becoming her go-to designers. She trusts their judgment and neither are willing to speak about dressing her."

Ms Burton, who works for the McQueen fashion house, designed the most anticipated outfit of recent years - the duchess's wedding dress - to a rapturous reception.

Ms Packham's designs are also staking a permanent position in the duchess's wardrobe.

On Saturday, she sported a pretty silver and marble grey hand-painted silk dress by the designer while watching the Duke of Cambridge play in a charity polo match in Santa Barbara.

Fashionistas predicted that the duchess would achieve fashion icon status while she was on tour - but Mr Butt said it would have been difficult for her not to, "unless she wore something hideous".