I've been looking forward to this event! The last night, The Duchess of Cambridge and The Countess of Wessex are hosting a fashion reception at Buckingham Palace on behalf of The Queen. Princess Beatrice is also attending.

This is the first time Kate and Sophie are teaming up for an event, which is the first of a newly formed creative initiative: The Commonwealth Fashion Exchange.

The Commonwealth's 53 member countries are coming together for the first time to celebrate the power and potential of artisans, and to encourage new partnerships, trade networks and sustainability across states.

Leading designers such as Burberry and Stella McCartney (representing the UK), Bibi Russell (for Bangladesh) and Karen Walker (representing New Zealand) have paired up with artisan producers in small nations who exemplify traditional handcraft techniques and trades to create exciting one -of-a-kind designs.

These are being showcased at the tonight's reception, which takes place during London Fashion Week 2018. The initiative's mission is to create partnerships between established and emerging talent across the commonwealth. Major fashion designers are partnering with ‪artisan producers in small nations who exemplify traditional handcraft techniques and trades.‬

For example, a very talented designer from India has been paired with an artisan group in Tuvalu; they have created two items combining their knowledge and own cultural flavours.

The Fashion Exchange brings the values of the modern-day Commonwealth — women’s empowerment, ethical production and supply chains, innovation, economic growth and poverty reduction – to life through the globally appealing medium of fashion.

According to Buckingham Palace: “The initiative uses fashion as a common language and platform to help people understand the modern Commonwealth in a different way."

“It will celebrate a creativity, sustainable production and manufacturing, trade links and ethical supply chains across the fashion industry, from business and design to textile and fabric design and manufacturing, to craft and artisan skills.”

Nigerian designer Nkwo said, "I explained to Kate that everything had been hand sewn. The only time a machine was used was for the lining. She couldn’t believe it."

For tonight's fashion reception at Buckingham Palace, The Duchess opted for another dress by Canadian-Turkish designer Erdem, while The Countess of Wessex went with British label Burberry.

For tonight's fashion reception at Buckingham Palace, The Duchess opted for another dress by Canadian-Turkish designer Erdem, while The Countess of Wessex went with British label Burberry.

Kate's black and white guipure lace dress is a customised version of the label's 'Suzi' dress, with added fabric around the bottom to take it from above-the-knee to midi length.

The £2,150 floral piece is described: 'Pretty floral lace takes on an unexpectedly graphic edge in striking black and white. The ultra-flattering fit and flare Suzi Dress hits just above the knee, and is finished with scallop edging around the ¾ length sleeves, neck and hem and soft gently frilled detailing at the waist. A deep V-neck finishes the flirty design.'

Kate also wore her black Prada wavy cutout pumps ($750) as well as her earrings by Indian designer Anita Dongre.

Sophie, The Countess of Wessex is Patron of the London College of Fashion, and has often been called one of the most fashionable members of the royal family. Like Kate, she also favours feminine tailoring and wears some of the same designers, such as Erdem, Emilia Wickstead, Alexander McQueen and LK Bennett. She is also the proud owner of two unions by young designer Alex Kentska, who has begun progressively to become a standard and style.

For the reception, Sophie opted for a designer that was participating in the initiative, Burberry. She wore the $1,195 Contrast Topstitch Detail Crepe V-neck Dress.

Princess Beatrice also attended the reception in an Erdem dress. She rewore the 'Lily Pelham Dress' (sold out) with Jimmy Choo heels.