Duchess Kate makes best-dressed list

As if the scores of rip-off dresses being churned out for women who want to 'get Kate's look' weren't praise enough, the Duchess of Cambridge has now received the official verdict that she is stylish: she has made Vanity Fair's 2011 best-dressed list.
 
Kate Middleton joins the likes of France's first lady Carla Bruni and another new royal bride, Princess Charlene of Monaco, in the magazine's annual international best-dressed list. Vanity Fair praises her "whirlwind of fashion successes" since becoming a member of the British royal family.
 
It is not the first time that Kate has made the best-dressed list – her inaugural appearance came in her pre-duchess days in 2008. However in the past 12 months, Kate has, Vanity Fair notes, "captivated the world with her signature mix of high and low fashion". It is especially taken with her "particularly fetching travel attire" - even if that means wearing a cowboy hat or Canadian maple leaf fascinator.
 
Vanity Fair has only put a sneak preview of the list online but British actors feature strongly - with Tilda Swinton, Colin Firth and Carey Mulligan all appearing. First-timers include the new head of the IMF, France's Christine Lagarde, singer Janelle Monae and Social Network star Justin Timberlake. Michelle and Barack Obama, meanwhile, make their first appearance together on the Best-Dressed Couples list. ·