Kate Middleton shines in a Jenny Peckham creation at State Reception in New Zealand

Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge attended a State Reception held at the Government House in Wellington, New Zealand and unveiled a portrait of the the Queen. For the formal occassion, Kate was dressed in a knee-length black dress from her favourite designer, Jenny Packham. The custom dress by the British designer featured a glittering fern detail on the shoulder to represent New Zealand's national emblem, and had an elegant swing skirt. Styled with the look were simple black pumps and a black clutch, with hair loose in soft waves down the shoulder. While Kate is surely sophisticated, we would love to see her something more stylish rather than demure and simple. Earlier in the day, Kate Middleton wore an Alexander McQueen look at the Blenheim War Memorial Ceremony.