ROYAL COUTURE.....Queen Elizabeth II Norman Hartnell Coronation Gown, Robe, Jewels on Display at new Buckingham Palace Exhibition

The Queen's Coronation Gown and Robe--The Queen's Coronation 1953 Exhibition at the Buckingham Palace 

Tomorrow, a new Royal Exhibition opens in Buckingham Palace entitled The Queen's Coronation 1953 marking the historic event's 60th anniversary which originally occurred on June 2, 1953. What's on display? Lots of Royal "goodies", including Queen Elizabeth II's dazzling Norman Hartnell Coronation Gown, the magnificent 21-foot Ermine-trimmed purple velvet cape/robe that she wore as well as gowns worn by her immediate family and Maids of Honor. This is the first time all these "Coronation Ensembles" have been on display together.

Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Portrait

Norman Hartnell gown and purple velvet with Ermine-trimmed Coronation Robe

There are also Royal Diamonds (and other precious jewels) on display:

 Cartier "Halo" tiara

Some of the jewels worn by the royal women are on display, including
the diamond Halo tiara worn by Princess Margaret as well as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother--and later loaned by the Queen to
the Duchess of Cambridge for her wedding in 2011.

 Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, wearing the Cartier "Halo" Tiara

 Catherine, Duchess of Windsor on her wedding day, wearing the Cartier "Halo" tiara

The Coronation Gown:

The breathtaking Norman Hartnell-designed gown donned by the young
monarch on the day she became Queen, along with the
21-foot purple velvet, Ermine-trimmed Coronation Robe are on display at this new exhibition. Queen Elizabeth II's gown incorporated embroidered national and Commonwealth
floral emblems in gold, silver and pastel-colored silks, encrusted
with pearls, crystals and sequins. The robe of estate, worn when the Queen left the Abbey for the
Palace, is of English purple silk-velvet and is more than 21ft (6.5m)
long...

The Queen and Her "Girls"--Queen Elizabeth II and her Maids of Honor--1953 Coronation

It took members of the Royal School of Needlework an incredible 3,500
hours to embroider the Queen's robe. Embroidery details include wheat
ears and olive branches, representing peace and prosperity. In order to get what was probably the school's most important commission
of all time finished for the historic day, the school employed a policy
of "never a seat goes cold", ensuring that embroidery was being done
every minute of the day.

Queen Elizabeth II on her Coronation Day with Prince Charles and Princess Anne--1953

Prince Charles and Princess Anne--Coronation Portraits, 1953--Prince Charles was four and Anne, two years-old

The garments worn by Prince Charles and Princess Anne--"The Queen's Coronation 1953" Exhibition Buckingham Palace

The new Exhibition opens to the public tomorrow, July 27 and runs through September 29. Exhibition curator Caroline de Guitaut, from the Royal Collection Trust,
said the Queen toured the exhibition on Wednesday, adding "she seemed
very pleased". I should hope so.

ROYAL COUTURE.....Investiture of Willem-Alexander and Máxima of the Netherlands: The Royal Guests Red Carpet!

The Royal Gowns: Princesses from around the World--and a Duchess-at the "Blue Carpet" of the Investiture Ceremony of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, April 30, 2013

If you read my last post, you know that the European nation of the Netherlands has been celebrating the crowning of a new King--and his queen consort. Rumored to be one of the wealthiest royals (and women) in the world, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands officially abdicated on Tuesday, thereby making her oldest son:

 Caped King and Queen: Willem-Alexander and Máxima of the Netherlands during the Investiture ceremony on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Willem-Alexander the King of the Netherlands and his Argentinian wife, Queen Máxima. I already discussed Máxima's COUTURE HERE so now it's time to talk about the Royal Guests and their fashion...

Eleganza Dinner: For the Pre-Crowning Dinner the night before the actual Investiture, lots of Euro Royals attended in their best gowns as seen above: (left to right) Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall; Letizia, Crown Princess of Spain, Mette-Marit Crown Princess of Norway; Mary Crown Princess of Denmark, Countess of Monpezat; Victoria Crown Princess of Sweden Duchess of Västergötland



For the Following Day--The Investiture--The Royal Guests "Blue Carpet": 

Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall: Charles looked dashing in his ensemble and I have to say, I thought Camilla looked quite elegant in this Empire-waist light blue gown with "glove length" sleeves and center front box pleat. Her hair looked divine, along with that feathered headdress and she accessorized the entire look with simple pearls. Well done Camilla.

Alois Philipp Maria, Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein and Sophie Hereditary Princess of Liechtenstein and Countess Rietberg: I love the apple green color on Sophie's gown. She wore a side-draped crepe dress in a very 1940's silhouette. And that hat...she was definitely vibing Wallis Simpson for sure!

Princess Mathilde, Duchess of Brabant and Prince Philippe of Belgium: Mathilde is a bit of a Fashion Plate--she loves wearing Natan (a Belgium Fashion House) as well as Armani Prive (only COUTURE darlings!). Here she is in a draped back light pink flared gown with princess seams and a side slit. The wide-brimmed hat is a great exuberant touch.

Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark and Crown Prince Frederik: I LOVE this silk crepe gown on Australian-born Mary. Once again (like Liechtenstein's Princess) she went 1940's in terms of the silhouette and style of this dress; the exaggerated Bishop/blouson sleeves (especially LOVE!), the fitted midriff section and the lightly flared floor-length skirt with curved hem. It had a wonderful colored flower applique detail and it was all topped off with a tulle and feathered fascinator. Very nice Mary!

Stéphanie, Hereditary Grand Duchess of Luxembourg and Guillaume Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg: Stéphanie wore a beige suit-gown featuring a jacquard printed jacket with a pleated/draped side waist detail and a-line dress shape. She looked very "Mother-of-the-Bride" in this. I think it aged her. She should have worn something a little "younger"-looking.

Crown Princess of Norway Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon: I thought she looked great in this blue and white printed gown with long sleeves. She looked elegant yet interesting and I love how her hat matched.

Crown Princes Masako and Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan: Masako made a rare public appearance in the Netherlands on Tuesday wearing this off-white very covered up gown. Not only was it completely covered up, she had long sleeves, a turtleneck band and release-pleat detail at the skirt section: The entire ensemble--with that pillbox hat--was so 1950's/1960's and from another era. Princess Masako looked like a Couture Nun! Please Masako, I want to see some skin, some youthful exuberance...you're not a 70 year-old woman!

Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden, Duchess of Västergötland and Daniel, Duke of Västergötland: Victoria looked radiant in this light mint green gown with fitted waistband, long sleeves, center front slit and front neckline keyhole. Thank goodness she showed a little bit of skin (take note Princess Masako!). PS: Love the fab hat. And P.P.S. : Why does Daniel look so tired? Really, what does he have to do???

Princess Lalla Salma of Morocco and Prince Albert of Monaco: Princess Lalla Salma is the princess consort of King Mohammed VI of Morocco. She looked great in a traditional Moroccan kaftan--this time in emerald green with gold and multicolored jeweled details. Prince Albert showed up sans Princess Charlene in a very dashing white tie tuxedo with tails.

 

Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned of Qatar: Sheikha Mozah is
the second of three wives of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of
Qatar. The always COUTURE Fabulous Sheikha Mozah wore a navy blue gown
and cape from Valentino Haute Couture Fall 2012.

I absolute adore this on the fashion-savvy Sheikha. Especially since it was so close in terms of silhouette to what the Queen Maxima wore for her investiture. I can only imagine the gasps from the Dutch royal pr people thinking  "Oh Dear! The Sheikha might upstage our new Queen!". Speaking of fabulous and COUTURE, it didn't end with the Investiture for the Sheikha...

Valentino Couture Sheikha: She decided to wear another gown form the House of Valentino--Valentino Haute Couture Spring 2013--for the after-Investiture "Water Pageant" boat party. Her gown was customized (it's what happens when you're paying for a $100,000+ Haute Couture gown!) and had the V-Neck raised (much more appropriate) and added a jeweled waistband as well.

Crown Princess Letizia and Crown Prince Felipe of Spain: Princess Letizia wore a gray-blue lace gown from Spanish fashion designer Felipe Varela, one of her favorite go-to designers. I thought she looked thoroughly elegant and very Española in all that lace. Felipe looked good too! 

ROYAL COUTURE....New Queen of The Netherlands, Queen Máxima, Crowning Fashion!

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands--Investiture Ceremony of Willem-Alexander and Máxima of the Netherlands, April 30, 2013

This past Tuesday, there was a "changing of the crowns" as it were: the world watched as the Netherlands welcomed a new King and Queen, Willam-Alexander and Máxima. This was the biggest royal gathering since Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee last summer. Tens of thousands gathered in the festively decked-out capital of
Amsterdam to welcome the country's first king in 120 years and Europe's
youngest ruling royals. 

After 33 years in the reign, Queen Beatrix officially abdicated on Monday--signing the Abdication Declaration, and now has officially become Princess Beatrix, handing over the reigns to her oldest son Willem-Alexander and his wife, Queen Consort the Argentina-born Máxima. The gala festivities began with Monday night's State Dinner Gala where they honored Beatrix on her last night as Queen. The following day was the Abdication signing and the Investiture.  



Now, let's get to the good stuff: Máxima's FASHION! She had FOUR outfit changes through the two days--as any future queen should!--so let's get started on Máxima's royal couture:

Let's begin with Monday Night's State Dinner Gala honoring the final day of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands' reign--Outfit No. 1: Valentino Haute Couture Fall 2006

Almost-Queen in Red: Princess Máxima (not Queen yet), at Monday night's State Dinner for Queen Beatrix' last night as Queen. 

Máxima wore a tiered floor-sweeping red strapless gown featuring a plisse "Fortuny pleating" effect. She accessorized the gown with a beautiful rose-cut diamond Bandeau Tiara.
The headpiece sparkled with 27 old mine diamonds set on a single graduating
row with a light platinum frame.

The gown was from the House of Valentino, from the Valentino Haute Couture Fall 2006 Collection. I speculated HERE that she might wear something from Valentino during the festivities, especially since the Italian Fashion House had designed her all-important wedding gown back in 2001. Máxima had worn this gown before (makes sense since when you pay about $100,000 for a Valentino Couture gown, you should re-cycle it don't you think?)...

Princess Máxima had worn this same gown at the 2008 Gala Dinner Party hosted by Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate the 60th Birthday of her son, Prince Charles.



Outfit No. 2: Custom Natan

The following day for the formal Abdication Signing, Máxima wore a blush-colored ensemble featuring a silk gazar blouse with elbow-length sleeves, silk chiffon sequined skirt and a silk crepe wrapped waistband. It was designed by the Belgian Fashion House, Natan, which is very popular amongst lots of Euro Royal ladies.

 Belgian Fashion House of Natan Creative Director Edouard Vermeulen

This Formal Signing Abdication Ceremony took place at the Moises Room of the Dutch Royal Palace in Amsterdam. All 17 members of the House of
Orange-Nassau were seated around a large table covered with a red cloth
in the Moses Room of the Royal Palace in Amsterdam for this morning’s
simple ceremony.

Tens
of thousands of fiercely loyal Dutch citizens thronged the streets of
Amsterdam as Queen Beatrix handed over the title of monarch to her son.
The crowds in Dam Square, dressed in patriotic orange, cheered as giant
TV screens transmitted pictures of the Queen, the new king and his wife
signing the official document, which read, "I Queen Beatrix abdicate in
favor of my son Willem-Alexander."

She later appeared in the Dutch Royal Palace balcony with her mother-in-law now Princess Beatrix, as well as King Willam-Alexander and their three daughters.



Outfit No. 3: Custom Jan Taminiau 

Later in the same day of the Abdication Signing, the Investiture and Official Crowing took place. For the coronation ceremony at Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), Máxima went
with a royal blue column gown with lace and beading at the neckline by
Dutch designer Jan Taminiau. She's worn his designs before to the Luxembourg Royal Pre-Wedding Dinner as well as to a recent visit to Brunei.

Queen Máxima looked resplendent in this cape and gown especially standing next to her ermine robed husband, the newly-crowned King Willem-Alexander.

The royal blue color of the gown was of course a nod to one of the colors in the Dutch flag. The gown and cape fit perfectly and was accessorized in UBER Royal style with that fabulous crown, brooch and earrings.

(Left to right): Designer Jan Taminiau with his Queen Máxima creation; Queen Máxima of the Netherlands

I can't help but notice the similarities of Queen Máxima's Jan Taminiau cape-and-gown to...

(Left to right) Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford at the 2012 Academy Awards; Valentino Haute Couture Spring 2013

(Left to right) Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring 2013, Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Spring 2013

Princess Grandma Looks On: Princess Beatrix with Princesses Catharina-Amalia, Alexia and Ariane at the Crowning/Investiture Ceremony

Outfit Number 3: Custom Jan Timiniau

Following the Investiture and Crowning Ceremonies--for the Water
Pageant--the newly-titled Queen Máxima of the Netherlands wore a design
by Dutch fashion designer Jan Taminiau once again. This time she
chose a custom-made wine-red colored lace and sequined applique fitted
gown with nude shoulder and "backless" detail. Due to the backless and off-the-shoulder cut of the dress, Máxima had
opted to carry a matching wine-coloured shawl to keep out the cold.

Which of the FOUR ensembles was your favorite?

King Willam-Alexander and Queen Máxima, their three daughters and the Royal guests, Dutch Royal Coronation

Click Below for Scenes of the Investiture/Crowning of the new King and Queen of the Netherlands:

****Next Up: The Royal Guests Red Carpet--Lots more ROYAL COUTURE!!!