Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, has found herself at the center of a fashion debate after she was seen wearing black bow shoes similar to ones previously worn by Meghan Markle and Rose Hanaberry.

The internet has been divided over whether Catherine was copying Meghan’s style, but now the CEO of Akwesura, the brand behind the shoes, has spoken up to offer an explanation.

On June 20th, as the patron of the National Portrait Gallery, Kate arrived in style for the gallery’s reopening ceremony.

Her outfit, which included a tweed, monochromatic Chanel and self-portrait look, caught the attention of fans.

However, it was the shoes that caused the most buzz.

The Akwesura bow-tie suede heels, known for being worn by Meghan Markle and Rose Hanaberry, instantly became a topic of discussion.

The controversy surrounding Catherine’s choice of footwear has led to accusations of her copying Meghan’s style.

However, the founder of Akwesura, Edgardo Osorio, has broken his silence to defend Catherine and clarify the situation.

Osorio emphasized that Akwesura is thrilled to have the Princess of Wales wearing their shoes and dismissed any claims of favoritism towards Meghan.

It turns out that Catherine had actually worn these shoes before Meghan.

She was spotted wearing them at the Prime Minister’s lunch prior to King Charles III’s coronation.

Meghan, on the other hand, has been seen wearing the shoes on various occasions, including during a royal trip to Ireland and at the Royal Academy of Arts in 2018.

Meghan’s reaction to Catherine wearing the black bow shoes to the National Portrait Gallery has caused quite a stir among her fans.

Many were disappointed that Akwesura did not publicly praise Meghan for wearing their shoes, while Catherine received admiration.

However, Osorio defended Catherine, stating that they want someone who wears their shoes well, not someone who wears them too big.

The CEO also pointed out that other women in royal families around the world have been seen wearing Akwesura shoes, including Queen Rhaenyra of Jordan and Princesses Eugene and Beatrice.

He highlighted that Catherine has been wearing Akwesura long before Meghan, dispelling any notion of Meghan being the sole influencer of their brand.

Furthermore, Osorio revealed that Catherine purchases all of her own shoes, while Meghan has been accused of expecting freebies.

This statement further solidifies Akwesura’s support for Catherine, as she is seen as a working royal who pays for her own wardrobe.

There have been rumors circulating that the Sussexes were attempting to secure a brand ambassadorship with Akwesura.

However, when it comes to royal fashion, Meghan is not considered an icon.

Her fashion choices during her time as a royal were deemed a miss by many, as she often failed to tailor her outfits properly.

She was also known for her preference for luxury brands and high-priced items, even before she met Prince Harry.

In comparison, Catherine has established a strong relationship with numerous designers over the years.

From Alexander McQueen to Jenny Packham and Elie Saab, she has consistently showcased her impeccable style.

She even called upon Sarah Burton, the designer of her iconic Alexander McQueen wedding dress, to assist with Princess Charlotte’s bridesmaid dress when Meghan encountered difficulties.

In the end, the debate surrounding Catherine’s choice of shoes has shed light on the stark contrast between her and Meghan’s fashion sense.

While Catherine is celebrated for her timeless style and collaborations with esteemed designers, Meghan’s fashion choices have been met with mixed reviews.

The controversy surrounding the black bow shoes serves as a reminder that fashion is subjective, and personal preferences play a significant role in shaping one’s style.