Royal Fashion Minute: Diamond Jubilee Dinner for Foreign Sovereigns-Kings and Queens Red Carpet!

Royal Fashion Minute: Diamond Jubilee Dinner for Foreign Sovereigns-Kings and Queens Red Carpet!

Royal Red Carpet

Hosts With The Most: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall host  a Dinner For Foreign Sovereigns to Commemorate The Diamond Jubilee, London, England

As you may be aware--if you've been keeping up on all things royal-- The Diamond Jubilee is taking place this year--right now as we speak in fact, marking 60
years of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's reign. The Queen came to the throne on 6th
February 1952 and her Coronation took place on June 2, 1953, so naturally this weekend is the Central Weekend of The Diamond Jubilee.

 Coronation Day, June 2nd, 1953--Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip

Lots of events, parties and fabulous horse races have been taking place with a highlight being tomorrow's Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant which will celebrate her 60 year reign with a flotilla of 1,000 boats on the River Thames which will be televised live on various networks such as CNN and BBC of course.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Official Diamond Jubilee Portrait

A couple of weeks ago, on May 18th, as part of the celebrations, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall hosted a very VIP dinner at Buckingham Palace for Foreign Sovereigns to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee. It was a Who's Who of Kings, Queens, Princes, Emperors and one especially FABULOUS wife of an African Monarch. They socialized, had cocktails, gossiped about the latest multi-palace intrigues and dined on cheese souffle and sea bass. They also gave COUTURE darlings...so...let's check out the Royal Red Carpet...

Monaco Meet England: Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco say "hello" to the Dinner's Hosts, Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall--The Duchess wore a duck's egg blue shimmery gown designed by one of her favorite designers (as well as the late Princess Diana) Bruce Oldfield. The dress featured a delicate lace with a deep v-neck and three-quarter sleeves; all over a matching satin inner gown. She looked like a very, very elegant Mother-of-the-Bride, and I mean that in a good way! I LOVE her! I also love Prince Charles black tie patent leather slippers. I want a pair!

Peach Princess: Monaco's reigning royals, Prince Albert and his wife, Princess Charlene looked fresh and modern in their "Royal Red Carpet" looks. The statuesque Charlene wore a peach-colored silk crepe gown with a silk chiffon cowl-draped capelet from Christian Dior. The Princess always knows how to highlight those incredible swimmer's shoulders of hers and always chooses clean, elegant non-fussy styles, and it goes without saying, she always looks radiant in them.



 Elie Saab Grand Duchess:

The Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, Maria Teresa attended the Dinner in Buckingham Palace with her husband of course, His Royal Highness Henri, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. Maria Teresa LOVES fashion and especially ordering from all the top Haute Couture fashion houses. She's not a six foot tall size 2 but that doesn't stop the Cuban-born monarch from GIVING Fashion with a Capital F! For this dinner a couple of weeks back, she wore Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2012:

The blue-green colored gown is a hand-beaded silk chiffon dress featuring a satin waist-defining belt, three-quarter sleeves and flared shape with train. It's the SAME gown that Katy Perry wore to the 2012 Grammy Awards earlier this year. The difference is the Grand Duchess payed for hers (It's Haute Couture kids and probably cost a cool $100,000)...and there was another difference: when the Grand Duchess custom ordered this gown she had the neckline dropped and scooped. I think for her, this was a wise choice since it opened up her neckline and balanced her upper torso. Perfect gown Maria Teresa. Bellisima!



 More Euro Royals On The Buckingham Palace Red Carpet:

King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden (top left): the Queen--who is of German and Brazilian descent--wore a silk taffeta navy blue high-necked ruffle Blouse/Jacket over an ivory gown skirt.  On the right are Queen Anne Marie and King Constantine II of Greece. They don't really have a country to rule since the monarchy was abolished in Greece in 1973 but they still retain their titles. They're also VERY related to the British monarchs and just about all the other Euro Royals so they get invited to just about everything! Queen Anne Marie of Greece (who's actually Danish) wore a very lady-like silk chiffon flower print gown with a rosette waist detail. I am not sure who the designer is but it's very Valentino. Old-school Valentino.

Queen Sonja of Norway (left) wore a deep red high necked gown with semi-mermaid skirt and a Royal-worthy matching wrap. This woman is exquisitely ROYAL from head to toe. No one in their right mind would confuse her for anything but being a QUEEN! Next to her is Queen Margrethe II of Denmark; I just LOVE her; she seems like a hoot--just look at that facial expression on her--complete opposite of Queen Sonja. Margarethe can't wait for her first cocktail at the dinner! In terms of fashion, Queen Margarethe usually favors the big ol' ball gowns--usually with oversized flower prints. It was a nice change to see her in a more modern and not too over-the-top fashion statement.



Middle East, North Africa and Asia...

Rome, Italy born Princess Lalla Meryem of Morocco (left) is the first daughter and eldest child of the late King Hassan II of Morocco. She's always very elegant and stood out with her Moroccan traditional gown at the Dinner Festivities. On the right photo is the always stylish Queen Rania of Jordan. A Royal Style Icon, Rania wore a color-blocked peplum gown with three-quarter sleeves, contrast waistband and "Mermaid-lite" shape. She is so ON TREND with everything in that gown, she's BEYOND Trend!

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan attended the dinner. The Empress look rather chic in a black and white column silk crepe gown with asymmetrical neckline and waist detail. But it is the Emperor who stands out for me: Simply, the Best Dressed Man of the Night! He looked impeccable in a double breasted tuxedo with peaked lapels.

One of the wealthiest men in the World, the Sultan of Brunei Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darusasalam attended with Pengiran Anak Saleha, wife and Queen Consort of the Sultan (left top photo). On the right is Princess Srirasm of Thailand, wife and Princess Consort to the Crown Prince of Thailand, who attended with her husband, the Crown Prince of Thailand, of course. I love how both of these ladies wore traditional ensembles and highlight the elegance and beauty of each culture.




Finally, It's The Royal Consort of the Night:

Take a look at this lovely lady above ---She is (wait for  it!) Inkhosikati LaMbikiza, one of the THIRTEEN WIVES of King Mswati III of Swaziland. First off, I just want to know how she got so lucky--out of the 12 other wives--to be the one to come to London. Does the King of Swaziland have a gold, diamond and ruby bowl that all of the wives put their names in and the first one picked was the Winner? Can you imagine! This above is what she wore to the Dinner for Foreign Sovereigns to Commemorate the Diamond Jubilee.
It was a gold iridescent confection of a gown featuring gold lamé and
poly organza ruffles tiered into a frothy pouf-cake of a gown, the top
section was beaded and then, if that wasn't enough, in case she would be
cold, a white mink stole. 

The only thing I can think of is "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding":

I swear to the Fashion Gods that she must be using this KRAZEE show as her Fashion Inspiration. I give her lots of points for just going there and wearing this monstrosity of a dress. It isn't just tacky. It's BEYOND Tacky. Maybe this is a culture thing and in the great nation of Swaziland, this is what passes off as Red Carpet Glamour so maybe I'm just being culturally insensitive...

Whatever it is, it's still TACKY-licious to me! One of my favorite pictures from the night's dinner is the one above where the Footguard is standing there, as she enters the Dinner Party, and you can tell that his insides are about to BURST out as he's trying to hold a professional look on his face while on the inside he is SCREAMING and saying "OOOOOH GURLLLL!!!"



I'm just going to say it: I want to see more of Inkhosikati LaMbikiza! I really, really hope she will be attending the Thames River Diamond Jubilee festivities tomorrow, hopefully on her own boat--with TWENTY half-naked hot boys around her dancing!



Happy Diamond Jubilee!!! 

Royal Fashion Minute: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge William and Catherine Visit North America--Day One & Two

Royal Fashion Minute: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge William and Catherine Visit North America--Day One & Two

Oh Canada!!

Maple Leaf Duchess: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in creme Reiss dress and Sylvia Fletcher Fascinator, Day Two, Canada Visit

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge--Prince William and Catherine--are on their North American Tour and well, being that they are THE MOST WATCHED, Most Celebrated, Most Photographed Couple in the entire World (sorry Brangelina!), it has been MADNESS ever since they stepped up in this Hemisphere last week.

Welcome To Canada

Their first stop is Canada and then they will move onto Los Angeles where they will be feted by all of Hollywood's glitterati and the Hollywood elite of UK descent (there are many! Hello! Can you say "the Osbournes?" They have a very busy schedule (Who's paying for all this by the way? The British population? Just wonderin'...), and of course, EVERYONE is just interested (and by "everyone" I mean ME!) in what the Duchess is wearing. Let's take a look:

Day One: Ottawa Arrival and Welcome

Duchess of Cambridge wears Erdem to arrive in Canada

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Prince William and Catherine, arrived in Canada to much fanfare and "Royal Love". "Chic Catherine" didn't disappoint as she got off the plane wearing a navy blue lace sheath dress with 3/4 sleeves from...

British brand Erdem and from their Resort 2012, designed by Erdem Moralioglu. Erdem is a Canadian who designs in England. Now that is a clever twist!

Facebook!! A young Canadian girl poses with the Duchess of Cambridge

Day Two: Citizenship Celebration

For Day Two, which happened to be "Canada Day", Catherine did a "recycle", by wearing a creme side cascade-ruffled dress from the British brand Reiss, which she had worn before...

I wonder where we have seen this dress before?

Oh yes, it was the dress she wore for the Official Engagement Portrait photographed by Mario Testino.

Besides that fabulous red Maple Leaf Fascinator from Sylvia Fletcher, her purse was just as unique and DIVINE...

It was a Anya Hindmarch fan clutch, in case you were wondering.

Day Two: Outfit Change for Canada Day Evening Celebrations

Later that day, in the evening, for the Canada Day Evening Celebrations, Catherine changed into this chic little jersey number above.

Catherine wore a purple jersey center-front gathered dress from Issa London, one of her favorite brands to wear. She kept the diamond Maple Leaf brooch that she wore earlier in the day, which was reportedly lent to her by The Queen. Oh Dear! Better have security on that!

Issa London is a British-based brand headed by Brazilian Designer Daniella Helayel, in case you didn't know. Of course, she wore royal blue Issa for the Engagement Photos that went "around the world".


So far Kate....and William (sorry William, you looked good too!!) have looked smashing at every turn. A+ from me!! Can't wait for what else she packed in those Louis Vuitton trunks of hers!! ( I'm just guessing it's LV, something tells me she doesn't travel with Samsonite!)

Royal Fashion Minute: Catherine Duchess of Cambridge Gives you Military Chic in Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2011

Royal Fashion Minute: Catherine Duchess of Cambridge Gives you Military Chic in Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2011

Salute Couture!

Soldier Girl: Catherine Duchess of Cambridge in Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2011

Over the weekend, on Saturday, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge--and yes, new wife of Prince William--stepped out with her Prince, attending the Irish Guards Medal Parade, in the Victoria Barracks, in London England. As usual, Catherine looked FANTASTIC (does she ever get it wrong??) in a Military-inspired (how apropos?) navy wool crepe double-breasted coat-dress with brass buttons and epaulets from Alexander McQueen's Pre-Fall 2011 Collection. On the original model--in the McQueen Look Book (on the right) it is not a dress but a coat with an open "cut-out" section. Of course it was customized for the Duchess!

Try Not To Be Excited Boys: Catherine Duchess of Cambridge, greeting the Irish Guards, Irish Guard Medal Parade, London England

Catherine accessorized her look with a golden Irish shamrock brooch, an Anya Hindmarch Marano clutch as well as a chic little matching pillbox hat with a looped ribbon and feather by Rachel Trevor-Morgan--the ribbon detail is VERY Korean Airlines flight attendant if I don't say so...(I just did!)

And lest we forget, Prince William also looked dashing in his Military uniform and coat!! Seriously! THAT is a COAT huney!!! It could have come straight from a McQueen Collection as well!!!!

Royal Fashion Minute: Weekly Round-up--Princesses Eugenie, Beatrice, Princess Maxima of the Netherlands, Princess Letizia of Spain, and More!!!

Royal Fashion Minute: Weekly Round-up--Princesses Eugenie, Beatrice, Princess Maxima of the Netherlands, Princess Letizia of Spain, and More!!!

MAJAH Royal Fashionistas...

First we go to the UK: Sarah Ferguson, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice at the 13th Annual White Tie and Tiara Ball to Benefit Elton John AIDS Foundation in association with Chopard. Sarah wore a black beaded and embellished Escada Gown with lovely delicate tulle accent. Eugenie wore a fiery red Vivienne Westwood corseted gown from the Couture Collection and Beatrice looked amazing in a blush colored, beaded Elie Saab Gown. All three looked absolutely STUNNING! (Loving the evening clutches too!!) Good job ladies!!! Show those other royals that even after all you've been through, you've still got some (Fashion) Class!

Now, we are off to Spain and the ever-so-chic Princess Letizia of Spain attends the Principe de Girona Foundation meeting in this flower printed silk high-neck shift tunic/dress.

She accessorized with blush-colored peep-toe pumps (Letizia LOVES her high heels darling!), a belt to cinch the tunic dress and a very "Boho-Chic" chocolate brown leather purse with chain and pink flowers.

And now, onto The Netherlands: Argentine-born Crown Princess Maxima of the Netherlands arrives at the Royal Concert Building to attend a concert in Amsterdam in a very un-Royal "Egyptian blue"-colored JUMPSUIT with a rather "kooky" patchwork knotted shrug. It's all about a mess to be honest!!! I know she was going for "young, hip, cool" but instead she looks like she runs a Tarot Card Reading establishment in the "Red Light District" of Amsterdam. Stick to Haute Couture and Valentino Maxima. They do Daytime ensembles too!!! They cost $30,000 but they still do Daytime my dear!

And now, we are off to NY with the Belgium Royals: Prince Philippe And Princess Mathilde Of Belgium visit Central Park in New York City. Both look dashing and très elegant. If you are a royal and you're "touring", this is the way to do it! I didn't expect Princess Mathilde to be in tacky white capris and Croqs!!! (and thank Goodness she didn't go there!). The hint of orange color in the belt and shoes is FAB!

Back in London England, here we have Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan attending the Gala Screening of "Countdown to Zero", a documentary film that traces the history of the atomic bomb from its origins to the present state of global affairs. But let's get to American-born Queen Noor: She is one of the most elegant women in the world and always has been. The white pantsuit is both chic and effortless. This woman knows how to dress.

Finally, staying in England, we go to the Reception at 10 Downing Street to Celebrate The Duke of Edinburgh's 90th Birthday. Now, I know that Samantha Cameron, wife of the UK Prime Minister David Cameron, is not a Royal, but in the photo above, she's next to one (LOL!). Anyhow, Mrs. Cameron did a Re-Do. In terms of fashion. In the photo above with Her Majesty Elizabeth II, she is wearing the same Jonathan Saunders dress she wore with....

Michelle Obama to serve the military at a BBQ at 10 Downing Street last month when Mrs. Obama and President Obama made their official visit to the UK. I think it might be too soon to do a "Re-Do" but maybe she forgot. Maybe next time, her press office should put Polaroids/photos of when and where she wore her dresses so she is reminded. On a good note: Samantha is quite a Recycle-ista!!!

Royal Fashion Minute: Royal Ascot and...THE HATS!!

Royal Fashion Minute: Royal Ascot and...THE HATS!!

Hat KRAZEEEEEE...

Color Happy: Royal Ascot attendees in their finest--Imagine being THE ONE friend in the group who decided to wear black! Oooops!

Well kiddies, it's Royal Ascot!! What, pray tell, may that mean? The Royal Ascot is one of Europe's most famous race meetings, dating back to 1711!! It's a MAJAH event in the British social calendar (didn't realize there were still such things as "Social Calendars"). Press coverage of the attendees usually exceeds the actual races themselves and so of course, I have to give my "Nick V Two Cents". There are always some colorful outfits, dresses, and especially THE HATS!!! It's all about those hats!!! The theme for dressing to the Royal Ascot is "Dress To Be Noticed" darlings. The British Royals always attend and arrive each day in their horse-drawn carriages (of course they do!). So, speaking of the Royals...

HM Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: Day One (Left) and Day Two (Right)--The Queen usually loves a bold bright color but for the Royal Ascot, she has chosen more elegant subdued pastels. I actually really like the pink hat it has a softness to it that you don't always see with the Queen. I also love that his boutonniere matches her hat!

Princesses Beatrice(L) and Eugenie (R): Speaking of subdued, these two royals decided to "tone down" their ever-so-fabulous "Prince William and Kate Wedding" Haute Couture ensembles (who can ever forget THAT Philip Treacy hat worn by Beatrice)...and went for a more "delicate" route for the Royal Ascots. I actually wished they would have stayed more FAB-U-LOUS as opposed to BORING.

Mrs. Urs Schwarzenbach, Francesca with Sophie, Countess of Wessex: Chic and Chic. Francesca (L) is the wife of Urs Schwarzenbach, multi-millionaire (worth 900 Million Euro back in 2005) Swiss financier living in the UK. He has his own Polo Team and is a big sponsor and supporter of horses and racing. He also own properties all over the UK--HUGE estates , my kiddies...Mrs. Schwarzenbach also happens to be a former Miss Australia (Love that!)

Best at the Royal Ascot:

Welsh Opera Star Katherine Jenkins and her TV-presenter boyfriend Gethin Jones: These two look so gorgeous! What a handsome couple, and so well-dressed! Love the deep-fire red dress and that over-the-top hat! I just feel (a little bit) bad for the woman behind her who cannot see a DARN thing because of THAT hat!!!

Danish-born Fashion Designer (and DIVA!) Isabell Kristensen: OK, this woman IS FIERCE! Three words: You GO Girl! She's a very stylish fashion designer who does mostly Custom Designs for the very wealthy from her Couture Boutiques in London and Monaco (of course!). I have no idea who is funding her and her design business, but really WHO CARES...when you look like that! She has now become a Royal Ascot fixture for her oh-so-amazing hats. And this is what she wore LAST YEAR:

I absolutely LOVE her!

The "Ascot Wacky" Awards Goes To:

Yellow Explosion

It's like this woman went to the UK version of Michael's Arts and Craft Store and this is what she came up with! Now, if she would have also found an OVERSIZED Bee and glued it in the middle of it, then...and maybe then...I would have given her a "You Go Girl" high-five!

Well, at least these two women kind of tried. But there's something about the hats--and their ensembles (it could be the badly sewn armhole princess seam on the purple dress!!)-that well, looks a little "pedestrian" and certainly, NOT Royal. But I give them a couple--just a couple-points for trying...

But THE WORST...

OK, both of these women are Royal Ascot MESSES!! What is that on the right? It's like her 19 year old gay nephew who's "studying fashion" made it for her!! Seriously. But it's the woman on the left who takes the cake. Someone should have stopped her after her fifth flute of Champagne! What is she trying to give here--in terms of her look? It is a cross between a cheap "Miss Great Britain" National Costume for the "Miss World" Pageant and... Captain Stubing of "Love Boat". Who. Does. That?
And now, May I Present you...The Gays:

My "GayDar" Just Busted: Three lovely men at the Royal Ascot

Never to be outdone are my precious Royal Ascot Gays (allegedly). I'm going to London in a few weeks and I hope, really hope... that I will run into these three boys as I step over people to get to Harrods and Topshop and Buckingham Palace. I think there are three 75 year old women in the UK right now looking for their "missing" hats.