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

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.

Finally, a Queen Diva: Queen Fabiola of Belgium---LOVE her hair, her hair diamond pin, the fur stole, her purple eye makeup...She's FABULOUS!

* Next Up---The Wedding!!!

William and Catherine Royal Wedding Guests Red Carpet Fashion Report: Part 2!

William and Catherine Royal Wedding Guests Red Carpet Fashion Report: Part 2!

Westminster Abbey Red Carpet Continues...

Proper Becks: David and Victoria Beckham

Footballer and all-around HUNK, David Beckham--and his wife Victoria--were "special guests" of William and Catherine and EVERYONE was awaiting their arrival. They stood with the rest of the invited guests in the "You Are Not Real Royalty" line--it's like an "Economy Class" Airport Security Line (as opposed to Premium Class). Needless to say, they acted and looked very Posh & Proper.

David, always a dandy when it comes to style looked handsome in his Morning Suit with top hat and silver satin cravat. Although many are docking him style points for apparently wearing his Office of the British Empire Medal on the wrong lapel!! Que Horror!

Besides those SKY HIGH Stilettos (hello, isn't she like 6 months pregnant??), Miss Victoria wore...

A tent-like dress from her own Victoria Beckham Fall/Winter 2011/12 Collection, seen above on the runway in brick red. Hers was a dark (almost black) navy blue. Her hat was from Philip Treacy. I really thought Mrs. Beckham was going to wear a "Va Va Voom" fitted dress that she would have had custom made to fit her growing tummy. But nope, she went the comfy route.

The Other Queen: Sir Elton John and his partner David Furnish

Sir Elton John and David Furnish also went the Posh & Proper route, both choosing to wear elegant Morning Suits--as was suggested...strike that!... REQUIRED, in the Wedding Invitation. Many people expected Miss Elton to be all crazy and wear a fuchsia Versace suit but really kids, he hasn't done that in years and he knows that a Royal Wedding is NOT the place and time for that. I liked how Elton was the one giving you hints of color with his lemon yellow waistcoat/vest and violet tie. Proper...but with a "twist".

Cobalt Lady: Tara Palmer-Tomkinson

Socialite, "It Girl", TV presenter and all around "British Paris Hilton" TPT (as she's dubbed in the UK) wore cobalt blue HEAD TO TOE, with her dress matching her hat, gloves, shoes and clutch. When I first saw her on TV lining up in that "Economy Class Westminster Abbey Line", I was like "WHO is Miss FIERCE???". Leave it to Tara to not want to blend in. No pastels or blush colors for her, darling! I think she's FAB! I love women who KNOW they have an "Inner Drag Queen" and aren't afraid to use it! Especially at Royal weddings! How did she get invited again???

Swedish Class: Crown Princess Victoria in Elie Saab Spring/Summer 2011--and her husband, Prince Daniel of Sweden

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden (she's going to be Queen someday!) was one of my favorite royals at the William & Catherine Wedding. She looked every inch a "modern/next generation" princess. No fussy suits, no coat-and dress combination. Nope, just a sexy, side gathered salmon-colored dress from Lebanese designer Elie Saab and a variation on a dress from his Ready-to-Wear Spring/Summer 2011 Collection. A wide brimmed hat and matching shoes finished off her look. Why, though, is there something about Daniel that makes me want to slap him upside the head? Like a student who's trying to get one over on me...that's what he reminds of...Just sayin'

The New Grace Kelly: Prince Albert of Monaco with his fiancée, Charlene Wittstock

And then there's Prince Albert's fiancée, the statuesque Charlene Wittstock, who was born in the former British colony of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). Their upcoming nuptials on July 2, 2011 is THE next "Royal Wedding of The Century" in case you wanted to know and Armani is designing her wedding gown. Until then, we can all live in the splendor that is Charlene above as she arrives--Prince in hand. Dove-gray princess seamed coat, stand-up Peter Pan collar, gloves, clutch, nude heels and sleek wide-brimmed hat. Her mother "done taught her right". She knows what it takes to look like a Royal darlings. Seriously.

William and Catherine Royal Wedding Guests Red Carpet Fashion Report: Part ONE!

William and Catherine Royal Wedding Guests Red Carpet Fashion Report: Part ONE!

Reporting From the Royal Red Carpet...

Viva España: Queen Sofia, Crown Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia of Spain

First up on my "William and Catherine Royal Wedding Red Carpet Fashion Report" is the Royal House of Spain. Queen Sofia of Spain wore a mauve-colored silk taffeta suit with jeweled button accents and stand-up shawl collar. I think she looked great; loved the color! And as always, she has her pashmina shawl which she never leaves her Palace without! Her son, Crown Prince Felipe, dashing in uniform and Princess Letizia...

Wore a pleated mousseline blush-colored dress by designer Felipe Varela and matching shoes by Magrit. The dress was simple, understated and "Wedding Guest Appropriate". I would have loved to have seen a more dramatic hat however.

L'Afrique C'est Chic: Prince Seeison and Princess Mabereng of Lesotho

A good friend of Prince William and Prince Harry, Prince Seeison Bereng Seeiso of Lesotho was accompanied by his wife Princess Mabereng Seeiso, who wore a colorfully printed floor-length fitted "Mermaid"-style gown.

Takchita Couture: Princess Lalla Salma of Morocco

Princess Lalla Salma is the princess consort of King Mohammed VI of Morocco and she showed up sans her husband (but with some SERIOUS body guards!) to the Royal Wedding, in a traditional Moroccan caftan gown or takchita in silk organza, gold center front covered buttons and gold embroidered applique.

Dutch Royal Treats: Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima of The Netherlands

Prince of Orange Willem-Alexander and his wife, Crown Princess Maxima of the Netherlands. Maxima wore a blush pink Chantilly lace dress featuring a "belted" waist tie and scalloped edges. Her "hat" was more of a turban/pillbox combination and very 1950's Retro.

Millinery Divas: Zara Philips and Crown Princess Mathilde of Belgium

Two Royal Guests stand out for their fabulous Philip Treacy (of course!) creations. On the left, Zara Philips--only daughter of Princess Anne (Prince William's aunt)-chose a gunmetal colored hat of buckram with twisted side detail. On the right is Crown Princess Mathilde of Belgium...

Seen above with her husband, Prince Philippe of Belgium, heir to that country's throne. She looks rather chic in an Armani Prive custom-made teal-blue satin "trumpet"-style dress and matching jacket that featured interesting waist-drape tie. The black asymmetrical ankle-strapped pumps are rather stupendous. Her hat: Philip Treacy. Her necklace: AMAZING!

Blue Boring: Queen Margrethe II of Denmark

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark was a disappointment for me. Usually HRH is the Go-to gal for KRAZEE florals and dresses and suits that an old Costume Designer who has retired to Boca would wear--and that's why I LOVE HER! But for William and Catherine's Wedding, she came rather conservatively dressed, in a lilac blue coat-and-dress ensemble. No prints, no KRAZEE. Boring. Even the hat did not excite me. At least, she had a winning smile which actually was the best thing she "wore"!

Wrinkled Duchess: Maria Teresa of Luxembourg

Another snooze-fest in terms of "Royal Wedding Red Carpet Fashion" was Maria Teresa, the Cuban born (yep!!) Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, one of the smallest countries in the world. Wrinkled, ill-fitting and almost cheap-looking. The style of the dress and suit ensemble is better suited for--dare I say it--a commoner, as opposed to the Duchess of a country!

Miss Diva of Greece: Marie Chantal, Crown Princess of Greece & Princess of Denmark

On the other spectrum, leave it to Marie Chantal of Greece, wife to Prince Pavlos, to bring it when it comes to some fashion. Marie Chantal wore Chanel Spring 2011 Haute Couture darlings. A gray-lilac tweed dress with "spiderweb" hand beaded embroidery. Notice that her style has longer "glove length" sleeves. It is a Couture-ordering client's prerogative to change things a bit--especially when you are paying about $30,000 for a custom day dress darlings! Her flower-adorned hat: Philip Treacy.

For now, we'll end our "William and Catherine Wedding Day Red Carpet Report" with Prince Pavlos of Greece's father and mother--former King Constantine II and Queen Anne-Marie (she's from the Danish Royal Family, in case you didn't know). Both look quite handsome, elegant and Royal Wedding Appropriate, just the way exiled royals who have no country to rule should look like.

Nick Verreos on CNN International World Report TODAY Discussing Royal Wedding Fashion!!

Nick Verreos on CNN International World Report TODAY Discussing Royal Wedding Fashion!!

ROYAL ALERT!!

Attention all ye Royal Watchers!! I am back on CNN International TONIGHT. If you haven't had enough of all things Royal, tune in to World Report to watch me Recap and DISH on all the Fashion at the Wedding of the Decade!!

Nick Verreos on CNN International's "World Report" discussing "William & Kate Wedding" Fashion

If you are in Europe, Asia, Africa or the Middle East and might still be celebrating the Royal Wedding, tune in to watch me at 1:45AM BST (4:45PM PST) on CNN International's "World Report" Program with Anchor Ralitsa Vassileva. I will discuss Kate's AMAZING Sara Burton Alexander McQueen Gown, HRH The Queen, David and Victoria Beckham, Elton John, all the Philip Treacy hats...and much more!!