After months of maternity wear, it's no surprise that the Duchess of Cambridge was feeling ready to put on a sparkly dress and indulge in a bit of good old fashioned glamour - and that's certainly what she delivered tonight at her first red carpet appearance since giving birth.

Stepping out at the Tusk Awards in London this evening on the arm of husband Prince William, Kate ensured she was centre of attention (as if she needs any help with that) in a stunning silver, sequin-covered gown. 

The designer responsible for the shimmering dress? None other than Kate's favourite designer, Jenny Packham.

It's not the first time that the Duchess has turned to the British designer - who celebrated 25 years in the industry this summer - to dress her when she's needed to make an entrance; Kate has worn Packham's designs on several occasions in the past, and the designer has become one of her firm favourites. 

Sure, her wedding dress was McQueen and yes, she loves Issa and Temperley, but Packham is the designer top of Kate's list when she needs a show-stopping gown for a red carpet event or a suitcase full of brilliant day dresses for an engagement abroad.

Kate let her dress do all the talking by keeping her make-up to a minimum, wearing just a hint of a smoky eye. She also eschewed a formal up-do in favour of her trademark big 'n' bouncy waves.