ROYAL COUTURE.....Queen Letizia of Spain: United Kingdom State Visit Fashion!

ROYAL COUTURE.....Queen Letizia of Spain: United Kingdom State Visit Fashion!

Style Queens: Queen Letizia of Spain with Queen Elizabeth II during the Spanish Royals State Visit to the United Kingdom

Last week, King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain traveled to the United Kingdom for their first official state visit as the reining monarchs of Spain (the last one was in 1986 by Felipe's father and mother, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia). Letizia continued to uphold her reputation as one of the most stylish royals, showing off her sense of modern-day contemporary style but with enough of a nod to traditional Royal Couture. The three-day state visit was marked with various events including a couple of glamorous banquets that the 44-year-old Spanish Queen took full advantage of to showcase her fabulous sartorial style. The royals arrived in the United Kingdom in the evening and therefore, their first full day didn't begin until the day after...



Let's discuss Letizia's "Royal Couture" for this Official State Visit:

Departing from Spain Outfit: To begin her trip to London, Queen Letizia wore this Hugo Boss white suit featuring a pencil skirt and sleeveless top with fold detail. Quite modern and sleek, she was very "Head Anchor for BBC"-looking. I especially liked the python pumps and clutch. Score: 9.0/10

The following morning...

The Welcoming Committee: (Top Photo) Prince Charles and and Duchess of Cornwall welcoming King Felipe and Queen Letizia at their hotel; (Lower Photo) Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth                                                greet the Spanish royals at Buckingham Palace

For this "Welcome to London" ensemble, Letizia wore a custom lemon yellow suit from her favorite Spanish designer, Felipe Varela. The ensemble feature Guipure lace trim at the hem of both the 3/4 jacket/coat as well as the dress. The jacket was of a light "summertime" tweed. She wore nude Prada pumps and as is protocol for a State Visit, she accessorized the outfit with gloves and a hat. The hat was designed by Maria Nieto. I liked the light/airy quality of this style and the color is perfect for Summer but I wasn't a fan of the lace trim; it just seems so "Mother of the Bride" mumsy. But I understand that for that first official meeting with Queen Elizabeth, she didn't want to come off as well, too "directional". I give her a 7.0 out of 10.



Later, she did an outfit change for a visit to the Palace of Westminster and tea at Clarence House with Charles and Camilla:

For this, she donned a red Burberry trench coat dress featuring gold buckled epaulets and belt as well as oversized double breasted lapels. This was a perfect choice of attire (and brand/designer) for attending the Palace of Westminster and being in the UK. Plus, the choice of red was double perfect! Notice the extra piece added to the hem to make it below the knee appropriate. Score: 9.9/10

That evening, there was the State Banquet held at Buckingham Palace with Queen Elizabeth as the grand hostess, and Queen Letizia wore another shade of red:

 Gown Queens: (L to R) Prince Philip, Queen Letizia, Queen Elizabeth and King Felipe--Buckingham Palace State Banquet 

For the very regal State Banquet with Queen Elizabeth, Queen Letizia wore a red sequined off-the-shoulder gown from Felipe Varela. The red custom gown featured delicate lace beaded applique on tulle layered over a silk satin gown that had a drop waist and slightly gathered overskirt.

She accessorized with the Fleur de Lys tiara--the most impressive crown that the Spanish royalty possesses originally given to Queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain as a wedding gift (quite a wedding gift!) by her husband King Alfonso XIII in 1906. The diadem is nicknamed "La Buena" or The Good One, by the royal family. She also wore the Order of Carlos III Grand Cross Sash and Star of the Order. Overall, she looks like a Queen, very elegant and distinguished and the Spanish Red is striking on Letizia. I give her entire look a 9.0/10.



On the subject of her favorite designer, Felipe Varela...Interesting to note the slight disconnection between what the Spanish fashion designer creates for his collections as opposed to what is custom done for the Queen. While his runway shows look like this:

 Sexy Hot: Felipe Varela Spring/Summer 2017

He creates this for Queen Letizia:

Queen Traditional: Queen Letizia in custom Felipe Varela--UK State Visit

Finally, the following day, the Lord Mayor hosted a banquet for the Spanish royals at London's Guildhall in which Princess Anne was in attendance representing her mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and here Queen Letizia went the most chic and modern:

Queen Letizia wore this off-the-shoulder navy blue "techno" cady side draped gown from Armani Collezioni. I LOVED this gown on Letizia; it was sexy (Ayyyy Dios Mio!), directional and Runway Fab. I really liked how it hugged her body and gave her a look of 1930's "Old Hollywood Glamour". A 9.7/10...

It also really made poor Princess Anne look like a "Dowager Duchess" when photographed together (photo above).

Muy Bien! Queen Letizia in London, wearing off-the-shoulder Armani Collezioni

William and Catherine Royal Wedding Red Carpet Report: The Pre-Wedding Gala Dinner at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel London!

William and Catherine Royal Wedding Red Carpet Report: The Pre-Wedding Gala Dinner at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel London!

Gowns Gowns and More Gowns...

Ladies In Red--and Orange: Crown Princess of Sweden, Countess of Wessex, Princess Mathilde of Belgium, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg

My faithful Royal Red Carpet Watchers and Readers: Here's what I think will be my final "Nick V. Royal Wedding Red Carpet Report" (for now!). It's from the very fabulous Pre-Wedding Gala Dinner given by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in very posh Knightsbridge overlooking Hyde Park. The dinner was a Black Tie-Only affair with the ladies wearing Gowns Only. The Guest List was strictly reserved for the inner Royal Family, and all its associated members, as well as top royals from neighboring European countries --who are related to the UK Royals anyhow; first cousins, distant cousins... well, you get it, they're all "family".

Red Princess: Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden in Escada

In the first group of four (pictured above) are Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, who looked SMASHING in a scarlet red draped silk crepe Escada gown held by a small diamond brooch. Next to her was Sophie Countess of Wessex Wife to Prince Edward, who also wore red--a red silk taffeta gown with interesting bust detail.

Orange High-Water Gown: Princess Mathilde of Belgium Duchess of Brabant

Next was Princess Mathilde of Belgium, seen above with her husband, Prince Philip of Belgium. She wore an orange scooped-neck shirred gown with cascade front drapes, which weirdly enough, made her look pregnant. It looked a bit ill-fitting and almost "off-the-rack", and THAT length?? What was that! FLOOR length darling! To the floor!!! Was she expecting a flood?

Duchess Elegance: Maria Theresa Grand Duchess of Luxembourg

And next to her was Cuban-born Maria Theresa Grand Duchess of Luxembourg with her husband, the Grand Duke of course. Much better than what we saw from her the day after at the actual Royal Wedding. At least here, she looks less like a Soccer Mom in a cheap suit from Dillard's and more an elegant Duchess!! Her hair looks FAB, the off-the-shoulder red gown with over-sized waist-bow detail is elegant and HELLO: It hits the FLOOR! She just gets my Instant Nick Love, just for that!

A-List Royal Guests: Princess Beatrice, Princess Tatiana of Greece and Denmark, Queen Elizabeth II

Above, three women who didn't disappoint--Royal Red Carpet style. Fashionista No. 1, Princess Beatrice--she of THE Hat that has its own Facebook Page!!--yes, her. Beatrice wore an ivory and silver metallic one-shoulder "Mermaid-shaped" gown by designer Rachel Gilbert. It's a bit "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" but I still say "At-A-Girl!". On her right is Princess Tatiana of Greece and Denmark, wife of Prince Nikolaos of Greece and Denmark.

She wore a navy blue silk satin strapless gown with grosgrain ribbon detailing from Giorgio Armani Spring 2011 Collection. Interesting that on the runway, the dress was shown in a more casual manner, above the floor and with flats, but on her, she correctly had it to the floor and wore it with heels.

The Queen Exotic: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Then, there was the Hostess with the Mostess: Her Majesty The Queen. Three Words: You Go Girl! Only Elizabeth II can host a Black tie Royal Wedding Party in a brightly printed drop-waist gown in lilac with metallic details, gold pumps and matching gold leather handbag. The gown had a Near Orient motif which was perfect since the Dinner Party was at the Mandarin Oriental. A good hostess thinks of everything darlings, even coordinating her hosting gown with the locale!

Ball Gown Happy: Prince Felipe, Princess Letizia, Queen Sofia of Spain

A Trio of Royals: Prince Felipe of Spain, his wife, Princess Letizia and his mother, Queen Sofia showed up to the Night-Before Dinner dressed to the Nines! Felipe looked dapper in a complete tuxedo. So handsome. His mother, Queen Sofia was REGAL, in a bronzed taffeta ball gown from designer Margarita Nuez. She accessorized it with several layers of pashmina shawls to protect her from the cold London evening.

Princess Seam Princess: Princess Letizia of Spain in Felipe Varela

And to finish off the Spanish Royal contingency, Princess Letizia wore a lavender strapless gown with embroidered applique detail by Spanish designer Felipe Varela. I loved that she wore a ball gown, however, I just thought it was a rather "unexciting one". Basic sweetheart bustier neckline; princess seams...Seriously Letizia? There are soooo many more creative ball gown designs. This just seams so "pattern book" cookie cutter. It was pretty but very "David's Bridal 101".

Billion Dollar Man: Sultan of Brunei and his Queen

Sultan of Brunei, Sir Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah and his first (and currently, only) wife (he had three total, but divorced two) Queen of Brunei, Pengiran Anak Saleha , who incidentally, is his first cousin (Hello!).

Margrethe II Queen of Denmark (above) was of course, invited to this Pre-Wedding Gala Dinner. She's known for her fluid but yet very sumptuous ball gowns--always in big (rather tacky) floral prints. But, this time, someone must have advised her correctly: She looked classy, restrained, and dare I say CHIC! Love th color contrast between the lavender and the chocolate silk satin. Margrethe II gets my "Most Improved Royal" award for this one.

Speaking of the Danes, above we have Queen Anne-Marie of Greece (she was born Princess of Denmark in Copenhagen). She looked quite elegant--and fun--in this flower-printed silk chiffon gown, bronze waist tie and gold shoes...and THAT necklace! As we know, Queen Anne-Marie is the wife of Constantine II, the former King of Greece (who is also Danish and from the same House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg)...Where was the King, you might ask?

Admiring Princess Michael of Kent right before going inside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel (as wife looked on). The Princess--an Austrian-Hungarian member of the British Royal Family, is...
The wife to Prince Michael of Kent Grandson to King George V (above left), She wore a gorgeous chocolate brown silk draped-and-shirred gown with a stunning diamond brooch at the center front bust, a sequined clutch and bronzed satin shawl. She was definitely one of the most stylish royals that night, even with that 80's braided hairdo of hers.

Prince Albert and Charlene Royal Wedding: The "Fashion Royals" Red Carpet!!! Naomi, Karl, Roberto, Giorgio...

Prince Albert and Charlene Royal Wedding: The "Fashion Royals" Red Carpet!!! Naomi, Karl, Roberto, Giorgio...

Fashion Royals...

This weekend's "Prince Albert and Charlene of Monaco Royal Wedding" brought out all the top royals, from Europe, Africa, Asia...you name it, they were there huney! In addition, it was also a "Fashion Royal" A-List event--where several of Europe's top Fashion Designers and Models also somehow, got one of those prized invitations. It's Monaco, after all:

Euro Royals-Meets-Euro Fashion:

Giorgio Armani and niece Roberta Armani in Armani Prive Spring 2010: Armani, who designed the bride's gorgeous wedding gown arrived with his NIECE--and the director of VIP PR for the House--Roberta Armani. Giorgio, who is (wait for it) an unbelievable, 76 YEARS OLD (he's about to turn 77 next week!), looked very trim and dapper (and about 56 years old!!), while his niece Roberta wore a dress...

"Inspired" by an Armani Prive Spring 2010 black strapless gown with attached side cape detail. The version Roberta wore was "cocktail length".

Naomi Campbell in Alexander McQueen: Supermodel Naomi Campbell arrived in a one-shoulder flower-embroidered mint-green gown from Alexander McQueen Pre-Autumn/Winter 2009 Collection, with Russian boyfriend Vladislav Doronin, property tycoon and Russia's "Donald Trump", albeit a (little bit) hotter version (Naomi ain't no fool! She knows who does and who DOES NOT have private planes darling!).

Roberto Cavalli and his second wife, Eva Cavalli: Eva was a former Miss Austria and a Miss Universe 1977 Runner Up, and she is also Chief Designer and Business Partner for La Roberto! Miss Eva wore a navy blue pant suit with sequin top, HUGE hoop earrings and a FAB navy blue hat.

Karolina Kurkova in Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Haute Couture Fall 2009 (yes, it's three yrs old...almost "Vintage!")--Karolina looked smashing in...

the navy blue suit-dress made from silk taffeta with sequin crystal back "train". Inquiring minds want to know if
A) She ordered it and had it "made to order" (and therefore payed the $50-75,000 cost, which I am sure Karolina can afford) or...
B) Did she just borrow the Archive Runway Sample? Just wonderin'

Finally...

Karl Lagerfeld and his (fill in the blank) Sebastien Jondeau--Karl was of course, present at the Monaco Royal Wedding as he is not only a close family friend but dressed Princess Caroline, her daughter Charlotte, Princess Stefanie's daughter Pauline as well as several others. Lagerfeld arrived with Sebastien Jondeau--who has been recently refered to as "Lagerfeld's "shadow" . Look at Karl's fingerless gloves! You. Do. Not. Want. To. Mess. With. Those...

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!!!