Nicholas Kirkwood on Kate Middleton: "My Comments Have Been Taken Out of Context"

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Considering Kate Middleton's status, influence, and general belovedness, it's a bold move to bad mouth her. So of course, the fashion world went gossip crazy over British shoe designer Nicholas Kirkwood comments earlier this week that the princess was too "high street," and a minor scandal ensued. Post backlash, Kirkwood is now clarifying those comments regarding the Duchess of Cambridge.

A quick recap: Everyone freaked out about the Kirkwood interview published by the Daily Beast, in which the designer said, basically, that Kate's style is boring. Here's the quote:

“It’d be great if she did wear [my] shoes. She just wears too much high street stuff. I know she’s trying to be democratic, but I don’t know how many pairs of LK Bennett you can wear. She does occasionally come out and is wearing [Alexander] McQueen or something like that. It’s like, ‘Do that more! You’re meant to be a princess-y type of person, so act like one!’”

Today, Vogue UK is reporting that Kirkwood denies maligning the Duchess's style in any way, shape, or form. Here's his new statement:

"The Duchess of Cambridge has had an important impact on the British fashion industry, both on the high fashion and high street... Of course, there is nothing that I would like more than for her to wear my shoes. My comments have been taken out of context."

Note to designers: If you don't want the wrath of the royal-loving public to fall on your head, best to leave Kate alone.
· Kirkwood’s Say [Vogue UK]
· London Shoe Star Nicholas Kirkwood on Opening New York Store and More [The Daily Beast]
· All Kate Middleton coverage [Racked]