The Princess of Wales recently appeared in Manchester wearing a vibrant cobalt blue dress from Eponine London. This specific outfit was previously worn by the royal during the 2021 COP26 climate summit,signaling a continued commitment to wardrobe recycling.

The 15-year run of Eponine London and the Chi Chi dress

The garment at the center of current fashion discussions is the Chi Chi dress, a piece defined by its fit-and-flare silhouette, double-breasted front, and midi length. According to the report, this look was crafted by Eponine London,a British label known for blending vintage-inspired tailoring with bold color palettes. The brand's aesthetic mirrored the confidence of the Princess of Wales, utilizing structured shapes to create a polished, professional image.

However, the original dress is no longer available for purchase. As the source reported, Eponine London closed its doors in 2025 after a successful 15-year operation. This closure leaves a void for those seeking the exact royal garment, shifting the focus toward high-street alternatives that can emulate the same sophisticated, hourglass shape.

From the 2021 COP26 summit to Manchester

The decision to wear the cobalt blue dress in Manchester is not merely a style choice but a nod to a broader trend of royal sustainability. By revisiting a piece first debuted at the COP26 climate summit in 2021, the Princess of Wales is practicing a form of sustainable fashion that encourages the public to move away from disposable trends. This approach echoes the philosophy of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who famously avoided beige to ensure she remained visible to her subjects.

This pattern of recycling high-end pieces sugests a strategic shift in how the British monarchy communicates value. Rather than showcasing a constant stream of new luxury acquisitions, the Princess of Wales uses her platform to demonstrate that quality tailoring and classic designs remain relevant across multiple years and different official engagements.

Budget alternatives from M&S at £48 to Karen Millen at £104.30

For those looking to replicate the royal look without the couture price tag, several high-street retailers offer similar cobalt blue options. The report highlights a range of price points, from the budget-friendly Waisted Skater Dress at M&S for £48 to the more structured Bandage Asymmetric Knit Midi Dress from Karen Millen, currently reduced to £104.30 from £149.

Other notable alternatives include the Bria Ponte Midi Dress from Boden at £90.30 and the Meadow Belted Fit and Flare Dress from Hobbs, priced at £55. These options allow consumers to access the "fit-and-flare" aesthetic—which cinches at the waist and flares gently—across various fabrics, including the luxe sheen of the Arie Satin Midi Dress from Whistles, priced at £75.

The mystery behind Eponine London's 2025 closure

While the source confirms that Eponine London ceased operations in 2025, it leaves several critical questions unanswered. There is no mention of whether the closure was due to financial instability, a strategic pivot by the owners, or a broader decline in the British vintage-tailoring market.. Furthermore, the report does not clarify if the brand's archives or patterns will be acquired by another label, which would be a significant development for fashion historians.

Additionally, the source focuses exclusively on the dress , leaving the styling of the Manchester visit partially undocumented. It remains unclear which accessories the Princess of Wales paired with the cobalt blue dress to differentiate the 2025 look from the 2021 COP26 appearance, a detail that usually defines the "modernization" of a recycled royal outfit.