Crown Princess Masako of Japan: A Fashion Recycler

Crown Princess Masako and Crown Prince Naruhito the inauguration ceremony of King Willem Alexander and Queen Máxima of
the Netherlands at New Church on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam,
Netherlands.

A couple of weeks back was the Inauguration/Crowing of Willem-Alexander and Máxima of the Netherlands. Queen Beatrix abdicated her throne to her oldest son and became Princess Beatrix and now Europe has a fabulous South American-born Queen! But lots of attention went to Crown Princess Masako of Japan. Why?

 Crown Princess Masako and Crown Prince Naruhito the inauguration ceremony of King Willem Alexander and Queen Máxima of
the Netherlands at New Church on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam,
Netherlands.

Well, for starters, this was her first official trip abroad in nearly 11 years! After marrying the Crown Prince in 1993, Masako has been quite of a mystery and much-discussed royal. HIH
Crown Princess Masako graduated from Harvard University and she came from a diplomatic family. After
the marriage, HIH Crown Princess Masako found a lot of difficulty
adjusting herself to her own position as a crown princess of Japan.  In December 2003, she came down with shingles and
spent weeks in hospital. In July 2004 the palace announced an official
diagnosis of “stress-induced adjustment disorder.”, saying that Masako suffered from a mental illness. She refrained from doing almost all
the official duties of crown princess. She has been undergoing treatment for a stress-induced
illness for many years which has restricted her travel and her workload
to almost nothing. Oh, and did I mention she has "failed to produce" a male heir. Mon Diue!

Chanel Suit Princess: Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako departing Tokyo for the Netherlands for the Inauguration Ceremonies of Willem-Alexander and Maxima

So, yes, it's been a difficult road for the once-vivacious Masako. I was intrigued by all this but of course, I wanted to look into her FASHION and then I realized that the off-white damask completely covered-up gown which she wore at the Dutch Royal Inaugural Ceremonies, well..she's worn it before...SEVERAL times. If I didn't feel bad for Crown princess Masako before, now I really do! I have a feeling she's not being a "Recessionista" or a COUTURE Recycler. Nope, Not so much. You would think as the Crown Princess of Japan that the Imperial Palace would, at the very least, provide her with some NEW Haute Couture. Seriously.  But nope...Check out Exhibits A, B and C:

Japan's Crown Princess Masako appears before well-wishers as she
celebrates Emperor Akihito's 77th birthday at the Imperial Palace in
Tokyo December 23, 2010--wearing the same ensemble she wore in April 2013 at the Dutch Royal Inauguration Ceremony

Same Gown, No Pill-Box Hat: Japanese Crown Princess Masako greets well-wishers with Crown Prince Naruhito from the balcony of
the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on January 2, 2012. 

And here as well, same pill-box hat, same band-collared gown...

Now, this has not been the first time Crown Princess Masako has recycled an outfit:

In 2008 at the Emperor's 75th Birthday celebration, Crown Princess Masako wore this deep royal blue velvet suit with Nehru sequined collar, pill-box hat and pin accessory...

She also wore it on another occasion in 2008...

 And in on January 2, 2010 celebrating the New Year at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan.

Here's a a look back at Crown Princess Masako's most recent fashion statements:

2008: Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito (L) and Crown Princess Masako attend the
welcome ceremony of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia at the Imperial
Palace on November 10, 2008 in Tokyo, Japan. The King and the Queen of Spain were
on a 6-day visit to Japan for the first time since 1998, when they
attended the Nagano Olympic opening ceremony. Masako wore a teal-colored suit--very 80's styled with a black and teal hat with bow

Pink Princess: On October, 2008, the Crown Princess Masko (and her Crown Prince) welcomed TRH Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales as
they arrive for a private dinner at the Royal Residence in Tokyo, Japan. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla,
Duchess of Cornwall were in Japan as part of a ten day tour of East Asia
that takes in Japan, Brunei and Indonesia. This blush-pink suit is more suited for a woman TWICE her age and is unexplainable to me why she would even wear it. The fabric is quite luxe but the silhouette and edge-trim is aging.

Mint Princess: Crown Princess Masako and Crown Prince Naruhito Celebrating the Emperor's 76th Birthday in 2009--I liked this look on Crown Princess Masako, at least she wasn't recycling ensembles. The hat is different and very Asian Airline flight attendant fab!

OMG, she shows some SKIN: Crown Princess Masako and Crown Prince Naruhito see off Emperor Akihito
and Empress Michiko departing for Canada at Tokyo International Airport
on July 3, 2009 in Tokyo, Japan. The emperor and empress are on
fortnight trip to Canada and Hawaii--I think this was one of her best most recent ensembles--the vanilla/creme color was nice and more importantly, the notched collar neckline allowed for some skin  to show! The skirt length, however, is still soooo made for a 70-year old woman.

Lets hope we see more of the beautiful Crown Princess Masako and well, that she gives FASHION that A) she hasn't worn THREE times before and B) that suits her age, figure and C) is more from the 21st Century!

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!!!