Fashion Dress in The Present: Luxembourg Royal Wedding

Showing posts with label Luxembourg Royal Wedding. Show all posts

Best Royal Wedding Gown--and a Runner Up--of 2012

The Bride (Gown) of the Year Is...

The Elie Saab Haute Couture wedding gown for Princess Stephanie de Lannoy when she married Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg

Last year--2011--was THE YEAR of royal weddings with the William and Kate Wedding and Prince Albert and Charlene of Monaco Wedding...but 2012 also had its share of weddings albeit on not such a grand seen-round-the-world scale. One of these occurred this past October, the tiny Grand Duchy of Luxembourg was all abuzz because of the great wedding of Prince Guillaume, who happened to be the last heir-to-a-throne in Europe to get married. The wedding was a grand event and all the Who's Who of Royals were in attendance representing all the major European (and beyond) royal houses--including Princess Caroline of Hanover and Monaco, Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia of Spain, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, Queen Margrethe of Denmark, King Constantine II of Greece, the King and Queen of Norway and even the Crown Prince of Japan.

Wedding Gown Perfection: Princess Stephanie de Lannoy with her brother Count Jehan de Lannoy

What the bride wore made it here as my Top Pick of Best Royal wedding Gown for 2012. The bride, Belgium-born Princess Stephanie de Lanoy, wore a BEAUTIFUL gown designed by Lebanese Couturier Elie Saab. Famous for his stunning red carpet gowns, Saab has a very thriving Made-to-Order Couture House, and all the Euro Royals (as well as the Gulf States fashion divas and a Russian and Chinese billionaire's wife or two) flock to him for his $100,000+ creations.

Princess Stephanie de Lannoy with her brother Count Jehan de Lannoy

The Dish on the Gown: Masses of fabric went into this creation: 76 yards
of silk crepe and tulle for the lining, plus another 33 yards of satin
organza, 55 yards of Chantilly lace, and 44 yards of Calais lace.
More silk tulle was used for the veil. The leafy pattern embellished all
over the ensemble included 50,000 pearls, 80,000 crystals, and almost
11,000 yards of silver embroidery thread. The price: undisclosed but...it would not be a bad guess to say it probably cost in the area of about $250,000. Not only was it gorgeous, it was beautifully made, very grand yet
not over-the-top opulent. It was also timeless. I feel that if one
looked at a photo of this gown many years from now, it would not look dated.

The Tiara and Veil

Stephanie wore a Lannoy family tiara, made of platinum and diamonds with a
large inverted pear shape diamond in the high center. It was made by
Althenloh of Brussels and was worn by Stéphanie’s sisters and
sisters-in-law at their weddings. So, it is a family wedding tradition.

The Runner Up:

Princess Carolina de Bourbon-Parma Marchioness of Sala, Duchess of Guernica

The Runner Up for Best Royal Wedding Gowns of 2012 goes to Princess Carolina de Bourbon-Parma. She wed Albert Brenninkmeijer in June of this year at the Basilica San Miniato al Monte in Florence Italy. Albert Brenninkmeijer comes from the very wealthy German-Dutch Brenninkmeijer family--owners of the C and A Department Stores. The bride, she's the daughter of Irene of the Netherlands and her aunt is Queen Beatrix, so yes, she's royal blue blood. Her father, Carlos Hugo de Bourbon, was passed over by the Spanish dictator, Francisco Franco, when Franco chose Juan Carlos to rule Spain, as opposed to Carolina's father, who publicly laid claim to the Spanish throne.

Her gown was a bit more simple and subdued than my Top Pick of Stephanie de Lannoy. But ti was still beautiful enough that I had to make it a "Runner Up". It was designed by Dutch fashion designer Addy van den Krommenacker. Princess Carolina's wedding gown, had a fitted but still slightly A-line skirt silhouette--featured lace embroidery--from Brugge Belgium--that was in her mother's Wedding
Gown. It was delicately incorporated into the gown and
veil. It seemed very old-school classic in its design but the cap sleeves and draped lace overlay brought it into a more 21st century chic level.

And there you have it, my two Top Royal Wedding Gowns of 2012--Can't wait for next year's Royal Wedding girls...and their gowns!

***Next Up: The Best Figure Skating Costumes of 2012 !!!

Royal Wedding Minute: Wedding of Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg and Stephanie de Lannoy!

Royal Wedding Couture

Sweeping Royal Train: Prince and Princess of Luxembourg--Prince Guillaume and Princess Stephanie de Lannoy

Yesterday was the Wedding of Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg to Belgium-born Countess Stephanie de Lannoy. In my last post, I covered the night-before Gala Dinner so now, it's the WEDDING! The tiny Grand Duchy of Luxembourg was all-abuzz with Royal Wedding Fever over these last few days--if not weeks. The boyishly handsome and bearded Guillaume is the last remaining heir-to-the-throne to get married, amongst Euro Royals.

Postcard Royal: Prince Guillaume and Princess Stephanie de Lannoy

The royals of Europe are that continent's "Hollywood Stars". They really don't "rule" a nation per se, but are mainly there for the PR and to bring Tourism to their respective countries. And yes, they make lots of money for all the Euro tabloids.

So, let's get to the WEDDING and the brides Haute Couture, as well as the guests--with my "Nick Fashion Scores" (Scale of 1-10):

Le Gown: Princess Stephanie's gown was designed by Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab. During the previous night's Pre-Wedding Gala Dinner, LOTS of the royals (including the bride and the groom's Grand Duchess Mother) wore Elie Saab Couture. So, it was not a surprise when yesterday for her MOST IMPORTANT DAY, she wore Elie Saab. Count Jehan de Lannoy, her brother, accompanied her to the altar.

Fashion Designer Elie Saab

Princess Perfect: Stephanie in her Elie Saab Haute Couture Custom Wedding Gown--It took 3,200 hours for embroidery from a team
of 15 people and 700 hours from a team of 10 seamstresses. The dress featured three-quarter sleeves, a bateau/boatneck neckline in
the front and dipped in the back, and a belted waist above a full skirt
and 13 foot train.

The Gown DISH: Masses of fabric went into this creation: 76 yards
of silk crepe and tulle for the lining, plus another 33 yards of satin
organza, 55 yards of Chantilly lace, and 44 yards of Calais lace.
More silk tulle was used for the veil. The leafy pattern embellished all
over the ensemble included 50,000 pearls, 80,000 crystals, and almost 11,000 yards of silver embroidery thread. This is why custom wedding gowns--for royals--can cost as much as a small house in LA! And you can guarantee this one above did.

The Gown was inspired by these Elie Saab Hate Couture Gowns above--using similar sequin embroidery, full a-line shaped sweeping skirt silhouette and high neck fronts.

Gorgeous train, superb silhouette, out of control beading and handwork...Wedding Gown perfection. One the BEST Royal--if not just regular wedding gowns I've seen in recent history!

I give her a 10 out of 10 as my Fashion Score.

Peach Chic: Stéphanie was attended by two older bridesmaids, her new sister-in-law
Princess Alexandra and her niece Antonia Hamilton. Both were dressed in
peach/orange dresses from Edouard Vermeulen of Natan.

As far as Bridesmaid Dresses, they get a 8.9

Blue Flower Girls and Page Boys: Guillaume’s nephew Prince Gabriel plus a nephew and nieces of
Stéphanie’s made up the orange and blue clad younger party. Orange and blue are the
colors of the House of Nassau, so that is why they are wearing these colors. I think they look quite cute. Very Royal Wedding. Pages and Flower Girl ensemble scores: 10

The Veil and Tiara:

She wore a Lannoy family tiara, made of platinum and diamonds with a
large inverted pear shape diamond in the high center. It was made by
Althenloh of Brussels and was worn by Stéphanie’s sisters and
sisters-in-law at their weddings. So, it is a family wedding tradition.

The Family and Royal Guest Red Carpet:

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg and Prince Guillaume--Maria Teresa wore a coral colored coat and dress with a dramatic draped shoulder "shawl" held with a HUGE diamond brooch. Love her pillbox hat. Everything matched...except the shoes. Do you guys think she should have just gone "full-throttle" and worn matching coral-colored pumps? Or did we like these?

Fashion Score: 9.2

Monaco:

Princess Caroline of Hanover and Hereditary Princess of Monaco: The always-chic Caroline wore Chanel Haute Couture (naturally!). Her bolero and sheath dress was Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2010.

It was camel colored wool crepe with hand-sewn sequins and beading with pleating detail. Just so you know kids, a Chanel Haute Couture dress/suit ensemble like this can put you back about $30,000-$40,000, especially anything with sequins and hand-sewn oversized jewels.

Score: 9.9

Great Britain:

Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Prince Edward--The Countess looked quite fab in this printed square-neck dress. The sleek hat with pheasant feathers is from Jane Taylor. The dress hits all the right points: three-quarter sleeves, right-at-knee length, a fitted drop-waist shape highlighted with a solid belt.

Score: 9.0

Spain:

Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia of Spain--Letizia wore a light lilac-colored applique coat, solid dress underneath and a wide brim hat, everything matching--color-wise. It was a bit of a Yawn for me. She loves all that applique embroidery, but sometimes--if not done delicately (like the Bride's Wedding Gown), it can come off as dowdy, heavy and dated.

Score: 8.3

Italy:

Prince Emanuele Filiberto and Princess Clotilde of Venice and Piedmont--French Actress Clotilde Courau looks chic in her Elie Saab Ready-to-Wear Fall 2012 Collection suit with 3/4 sleeves, side peplums and attached pencil skirt. This look is perfect for that fashionista girl attending a fab wedding.

Score: 9.6

Sweden:

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, Duchess of Västergötland and her husband, Daniel Duke of Västergötland and her very handsome brother (the "Brad Pitt of Euro Royals") Prince Carl Philip of Sweden--I liked Crown Princess Victoria's unusual chappeau, but I though the rest of her look (coat with dress) was rather dowdy and unexciting. It made her look 15 years older than she really is. I think MY MOM has coat just like that.

Score for Victoria: 8.2

Score for her brother Carl Philip: 10 (How do say "Hottie McHottie" in Swedish?)

Denmark:

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and Prince Consort Henrik--Queen Margrethe wore a purple long-sleeve suit featuring a very on-trend peplum, below-the-knee skirt, matching belt and matching hat. The pearls, diamond brooch, gray gloves and purse finish the look. She's ultra conservative and appropriate for a Queen, but the peplum tells me there's still a little "Fashion" in her still. But there's something about the whole outfit that looks a bit as if she had gone to a vintage store and found it. The princess seams on her upper torso are so Pattern Book 101. Now, Henrik, God bless him--first, look at his pooch. I love that his jacket fits him perfectly and obviously had to be custom made to fit his not-so-symmetrical body frame.

Queen Margrethe Score: 8.0

Prince Henrik Score: 8.9

Denmark 2.0-- Here are the "New/Young Blood" of Danish Royalty--Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark (Margrethe's heir) and his wife, Australia-born Princess Mary--she chose a maroon dress/suit--again with the on-trend peplum detail, long sleeves, v-neck, at-the-knee pencil skirt--and that great hat. Not sure about this look for her however (minus the hat). The color is too dark and macabre and she looks as if she took no time in really trying to find anything semi-interesting to wear. He looks better--and definitely far more interesting- than she does.

Princess Mary Score: 8.0

Crown Prince Frederik Score: 9.8

Greece:

King Constantine II of Greece and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece--Both are always the definition of Style; they could give a lesson in it. Anne-Marie of Denmark wore a lovely boucle coat and matching-color pleated silk dress, belted with a bow-waist tie. She also gets sartorial "Nick Points" for her pill box hat as well.

Score: 9.8

Norway:

King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway--The Queen wore a silvery/lilac suit. Nothing wrong with this ensemble. It's respectable, conservative and non-fashion threatening. It's a nice suit one could find in the "Mother-of-the-Bride" section a very upscale department store.

Score: 8.4

Netherlands:

Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands: Three words: You Go Girl. One of the wealthiest monarchs in the World (before Bernie Madoff took a lot of it away!), Queen Beatrix never dissapoints when it comes to her "red carpet" moments. She loves BIG hats, prints, ruffled sleeves...and color. For yesterday's Luxembourg Royal Wedding, she wore a lilac colored jacquard ensemble with a cascade neckline, oversized ruffled-hem sleeves and yes, a BIG OL' Hat. She looks like the fun Grandma who will join you at the bar for some extra whiskey...without even battling an eyelash. PS: loving her gold-toned Ferragamo shoes.

Score: 9.8

Fashion Diva Award Goes To: Princess Maxima of the Netherlands, here with her husband, Willem-Alexander, Prince of Orange and Heir to the Dutch throne. Argentina-born Maxima has taken a lesson from her Mother-in-Law Queen Beatrix and has become a Fashion Plate in her own--sometimes outshining the Queen with some of her over-the-top getup's. For the wedding, she certainly wanted to make a statement. It's all very High-Fashion; the UBER tight high-waisted pencil skirt (above the knee--Mon Dieu!); the bell sleeves, the hat with oversized pheasant feathers; the stacked platform pumps.

Score: 9.9

Morocco and Japan:

Princess Lalla Salma of Morocco, Princess Consort to the King of Morocco wore a traditional Moroccan caftan or takchita, in a bright royal blue color with white embroidery. I think she looked great and I especially love that she's representing her country as a "Style Ambassador" wearing something native to her country.

Score: 9.0

Crown Prince Nahurito of Japan: Nahurito wore a traditional tuxedo with tails--or "Morning Dress" suit. Well done.

Score: 9.5

The Royal Wedding Photo: Wedding of Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg and Princess Stephanie de Lannoy

The Royal Kiss: Newlyweds give their county a "William-and-Kate at the Balcony" Moment

Click Below to Watch Video of the Royal Guest Red Carpet and Bride in her Wedding Gown Emerging from Her Limo:

Royal Fashion Minute: Luxembourg Royal Wedding--The Pre-Wedding Gala Dinner COUTURE!

A Couture Dinner...

Introducing the William and Kate of Luxembourg: (left to right) Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, Princess Stephanie de Lannoy, Prince Guillaume, and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg

In case you didn't know, the tiny European nation of Luxembourg is celebrating a Royal Wedding this weekend. In fact, the nuptials occurred today--full "Royal Fashion Minute" Report in my next blog post.

Where Is Luxembourg: For those of you who fell asleep during your high school and college geography classes, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a landlocked European country, bordered by Belgium, France and Germany, and is less than 1,000 sq miles in size.

Who Is Getting Married: 30-year old Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg married 28-year old Countess Stephanie de Lannoy. Prince Guillaume is the last hereditary prince in Europe to get married, and if all goes to plan will follow in his father's footsteps and rule this tiny nation. Stephanie, is from Belgium, has royal blood and therefore not a "commoner" and will now be known as Princess Stephanie, Hereditary Grand Duchess of Luxembourg.

Civil Ceremony: Princess Stephanie de Lannoy and Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg

The Groom's Parents: Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa Mestre y Batista of Luxemboug. The Grand Duke--like most European royals--is related to a lot of neighboring royals and therefore has VERY blue blood. He is a nephew of the King of the Belgians, Albert II and his maternal grandparents are Kind Leopold III of Belgium and Astrid of Sweden. The Grand Duchess is Cuban--and famous for her love of COUTURE.

Civil Chanel: The bride--Princess Stephanie de Lannoy, wore Chanel for her Civil Ceremony

Sad News: As the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg prepared to celebrate this Royal Wedding, there was some sad news for the bride in the untimely death of her mother, Countess Alix, who died of a stroke at 70 years old only TWO MONTHS ago, back in August.

Who Is Paying: The Luxembourg state said it contributed €350,000 euros (about $456,000 in current exchange) to the two-day celebrations which began yesterday with a Pre-Wedding Gala Dinner and continued onto today's religious wedding and Gala Wedding Party. But, according to some royal watchers, the groom's parents will foot most of the bill of the lavish nuptials of Europe’s last single heir. They will be responsible for paying for the accommodation and travel
arrangements of foreign guests, among whom are likely to be a glittering
array of European royals.

The Pre-Wedding Dinner: Occurred last night with a lavish banquet held at the Grand Ducal Palace. Lots of royals were there--from The Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Greece, Jordan, Great Britain, and many others. So...let's get to the royals at this Pre-Wedding Gala Dinner and more importantly, the FASHION:

Sequined Princess: In the top photo, the Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg toasts to his Daughter-in-Law Countess Stephanie de Lannoy. Stephanie wore a gunmetal gray heavily-beaded gown with a deep cowl draped back from Elie Saab.

Saab Duchess: The bride wasn't the only one wearing Elie Saab. Her Mother-in-Law, the Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg in a Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall 2012 (worn by supermodel Karlie Kloss on the runway in the photo above). Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab is the Grand Duchess' favorite couturier and she is one of his biggest clients. This gown is estimated at about $50,000. It is Couture, all hand-made and made-to-order for Maria Teresa. I'm happy to see she's passing on her love of Elie Saab Haute Couture to her new daughter-in-law. If you've got the money, then why not...

Dapper Brothers: Prince Sebastien of Luxembourg, Prince Felix of Luxembourg and Prince Louis of Luxembourg--brothers to the groom, at thee Pre-Wedding Gala Dinner

Yasou: King Constantine II of Greece and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece arriving at the Pre-Wedding Gala Dinner

More Elie Saab Haute Couture:

Princess Marie-Chantal and Prince Pavlos of Greece: Always the fashionista, London-born Marie-Chantal wore Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall 2012. The gown featured 3/4 sleeves, a bateau neck and gold hand-embroidered sequins as well as a gold skinny "belt". When Marie-Chantal ordered it, she took the center front slit away as you can see from the runway version. PS: when you order a Couture Gown, you can change ANYTHING darling!

Emanuele Filiberto, Prince of Venice and Piedmont and his wife Princess Clotilde--Clotilde (a beautiful French actress) also wore (wait for it!) Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall 2012

Princess Astrid of Belgium--Astrid wore Elie Saab Ready-to-Wear Fall
2012, a hunter-green sequined cap-sleeved gown. Ready-to-Wear NOT
Couture. Shock of All Shocks. So Pedestrian (What's "LOL" in Royal Language?).

Princess Margaretha of Liechtenstein and Prince Nikolaus of Liechtenstein: Yes, kids...she's wearing Elie Saab. I really wonder if the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg Maria Teresa must have given a COUTURE Discount of sorts to her Wedding Guests--if they ordered from him? Inquiring minds want to know...

Fashion Star: Argentina-born Princess Maxima of The Netherlands with her husband Crown Prince Willem Alexander---Maxima wore a strapless red and silver gown with a silk organza "puff" wrap. She is known to be a "Fashion Royal" amongst all of the other girls and both royal and fashion watchers are always interested on what she is "featuring". Besides that puff wrap, it's ALL ABOUT that tiara and necklace. One word: WOW.

Prince Hassan of Jordan and Princess Sarvath of Jordan: He is brother to the late King Hussein. Princess Sarvath is from Pakistan and the daughter of a diplomat. Love her sari gown and his matching sash.

Pucci Sweden: Princess Mette-Marit and Prince Haakon of Norway--Mette-Marit wore a red sequined silk gown from Emilio Pucci designed by Peter Dundas. Dundas, happens to be from (yes, you guessed it!) Norway. So, in other words, she is supporting Norwegian designers. I guess. This gown is inspired by the black one on the right from the Pucci Fall 2012 Collection. But Mette-Marit's is red, added cap sleeves and godets of organza volants (cascade ruffles).

Princess Caroline of Hanover and Hereditary Princess of Monaco: Princess Caroline (yes, Grace Kelly's daughter!) wore Chanel Fall 2011 Haute Couture to this Pre-Wedding Gala Dinner. Caroline always wears Chanel and is one of Karl Lagerfeld's best friends. For her gown, she customized it from what was shown on the runway. As you can see, she had the style lengthened to a gown and added lining (good call darling!). Like I said before, when one orders Haute Couture and is paying $50,000+, then you can do just about anything.

Slight High Low: Princess Claire of Belgium and Prince Laurent of Belgium--she wore an off-the-shoulder emerald green gown draped and fitted in the torso and A-line from waist down. It had a slight "high-low" hem line as you can see. Do we like?

Princess Mathilde of Belgium and Prince Philippe of Belgium: Princess Mathilde wore a royal blue silk chiffon gathered gown that looked beautiful on her. Along with that crown and necklace...it was Princess Perfect.

Duchesse Satin Queen: Queen Sonja of Norway wore a royal blue duchesse silk satin gown with horizontal pleated upper torso detail. She looks like a Queen. Period.

Disco Ball Guest: Princess Martha Louise of Norway with Prince Kyril of Bulgaria--Princess Martha wore a one-shoulder silver oversized paillette gown. Let's just say she kinda "stole the show" with that get-up. Not sure if a Royal Wedding Dinner is where I would wear this too, but I give her "Nick At-a-Girl" points.