Kate Middleton Wears Daring Prabal Gurung Dress In Singapore, Admits To Outlet Shopping (PHOTOS)

In the midst of New York Fashion Week, Kate Middleton seems to have pulled off a fashion stunt of her own... halfway around the globe.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have officially embarked on their royal tour, touching down on Monday in Singapore. We were bracing ourselves for more of Kate's typical LK Bennett pumps and neutral dresses -- and the duchess delivered on THAT at the flower-naming ceremony she and William attended earlier in the day .

But then, things got a little more interesting.

Catherine attended a welcoming ceremony prior to a state dinner at Singapore's Istana in a dress that made our jaws drop: this spring 2012 Prabal Gurung printed wool and silk-blend frock in stunning purple. On her feet? Her standard black pumps. But back to the dress: it's Catherine's first time donning Prabal in public, and easily one of the most fashion-forward looks we've seen her in. EVER.

But for the avowed thrift shopper , the dress might have been a bit of a splurge. Before the ceremony, the duchess reportedly talked to a local dignitary -- Will, having seemingly sat out this ceremony, missed the girl chat -- about how she loves to shop at Bicester Village in Oxfordshire , a popular outlet mall back in England. (We're loving the mental picture of the duchess rummaging through a 70% off bargain bin.)

Gurung, who's based in America and is also a Michelle Obama fave , was born in Singapore and raised in Nepal and thus perhaps a fitting pick for the Asia tour; on the Canadian royal tour, Catherine wore several Canadian designers . Gurung also ran his spring 2013 show this past weekend -- hopefully Kate will be picking out her next look soon.

PHOTOS:

Want more? Be sure to check out HuffPost Style on Twitter , Facebook , Tumblr and Pinterest .