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

At 'Circus' by Wendy Sharpe, King on William Gallery.

At 'Circus' by Wendy Sharpe, King on William Gallery.

At 'Circus' by Wendy Sharpe, King on William Gallery. I have always, always, always, wanted to do some circus photographs though sadly until last Wednesday night I have never had the opportunity. So thank you Wendy for adding to the joy of your circus paintings real live circus performances as well. of course it can be difficult to quiet down an opening night art crowd to let them know something special, not-just-speeches is about to happen; and it helps if you have a friend with a bling'd out eye patch (whom I have often wanted to photograph too) to help bring the jubilant crowd under control!  Great night, a beautiful show and fab fun performances. It's just no one said anything about Pirates! Read on below for my news about Art and About & 'Australian Life' too!

http://kingstreetgallery.com.au/ 'Circus' by Wendy Sharpe 13 September - 8 October 2016.

On other opening night notes, last night was the launch of the 'Australian Life' photography competition which is also part of Art and About. My photograph of three lovely Sydney ladies taken at the Billich Gallery 30th anniversary party was chosen as one of 22 finalists from a record field of 1300 entries! The competition and the 10k prize was won by my friend Jon Lewis who has been documenting Sydney life (and elsewhere as well) in his unique fashion since the 70s and 80s, and has certainly been a positive influence and guide for my photography. Congratulations Jon! And as we walked back to Darlinghurst after the launch there was more, Sydney's newly restored, Iconic Coca-Cola sign was finally switched on, lit up and back in action, a neon beacon leading us home. A great night, a great week. use the links to discover more!

https://whatson.cityofsydney/art-about-sydney-australian-life

A big thank you to King Street Gallery, Sydney City Council and the team for Art and About that make Australian Life happen. Thank you!
http://kingstreetgallery.com.au/ 
https://whatson.cityofsydney/art-about-sydney-australian-life
Billich Gallery 30th anniversary party 
Jon Lewis 
www.kentjohnsonphotography.com.au

Telling Stories in Pictures all over Sydney..

Kent Johnson, Sydney, Australia.

0433 796 863

kent@artcommunication.com.au

www.kentjohnsonphotography.com.au

www.fashionphotographysydney.blogspot.com/

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Figure Skating Costume Minute: Skate America 2012 Pairs and Men's Costume Recap!

Figure Skating Costume Minute: Skate America 2012 Pairs and Men's Costume Recap!

Figure Skating Is BAAACKKKK!!!!

 Mens and Pairs Top Three--Skate America 2012, ShoWare Center Kent, Washington

Figure Skating Fans Around The World Rejoice: Season 2012-2013 is ON!!! Over the weekend, was Skate America 2012, the first of six events in the 2012-2013 season in ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating, a series of senior-level invitational competitions.

 ShoWare Center Kent, Washington--site of Skate America 2012

The Hilton HHonors Skate America 2012 occurred at the ShoWare Center in Kent Washington (about 21 miles from Seattle) from October 19-21st. I attended last year's Skate America and LOVED it. So let's get to the Costumes, which is, after all, one of the main reasons I LOVE Figure Skating--besides all the amazing athleticism, of course--



Let's begin with Pairs:

USA--Caydee Denney and John Coughlin--For their Short Program they did a "Swing Medley" skated to one of my favorite pieces of music, "Concierto de Aranjuz" and for their Free Skate, they used "Phantom of the Opera". I liked the costumes for both programs. I liked his better on his Free Skate and hers better on the Short. What I am most happy about is that Caydee toned down her garish eye makeup for both--compared to what she did when they won the US Figure Skating Championships last February:

Turquoise Eye Shadow Princess: Caydee Denney vibing "Toddlers & Tiaras" with her eye makeup last year

France--Vanessa James and Morgan Cipres--For their Short Program to "Rhumba d'Amour" and "Safri Duo", this duo chose to wearing contrasting colors--which is typical of pairs. I like her purple halter neckline costume although it is a very predictable look. Especially for a country known for its HAUTE COUTURE, they could have done better (on her costume). I think Morgan looked HOT and yes, there is that PLUNGING neckline that has been so prevalent in the last few years among the men.

China--Pang Qing and Tong Jian--Pang and Tong--Short  Program to "Scott and Fran's Paso Doble"--They were very "Carmen" on COUTURE CRACK. He was the Toreador. Perfect. She was the One-shouldered Señorita with a Dragon-Lady Twist. I think these costumes were FABULOSO! These two really understand Stage Presence, performance and the importance of Costumes to the entire show.

China--Pang Qing and Tong Jian--Pang and Tong--Free Skate--For their Free Skate, they skated to "Variations on an original theme Enigma"--She wore a lilac colored costume with silver sequins and he wore a darker lilac v-neck shirt with (yawn) black pants. It's so typical for the guys to wear black pants. I almost give them an instant "Nick Negative 5 points" when I see it. I know why they want to do it. But, by now, I am so "over it", I'd rather see dark BLUE or a very deep PURPLE instead! Seriously. Both her costume and his shirt--even though they look as if they are very intricately and very expensively embroidered--still look very Figure Skating Costume Store bought. These kids needs better and more High Fashion-looking costumes for their Free Skate. Period.

Russia--Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov--They were the Gold Medal Winners overall. For their Short Program, they skated to "Love Theme from The Godfather" (top photo) and for their Free Skate, they did it to "Violin Muse, Partita for Violin No. 2 and Chaconne" (bottom photo). Their Free Skate costumes were far more interesting. Although I did like her Short Program deep violet halter costume with neck chains. But...their Free Skate looks were much more ethereal, exploratory--costume-wise. His was especially ultra feminine, and yes, only Maxim could make wearing asymmetrical pleated chiffon look SO BUTCH.



The Men:

Michal Brezina of Czech Republic--My favorite costume for him was what he wore for his Short Program to "In The Hall of the Mountain King". Dark; both very feminine and masculine; there's slight "bling-bling" with the sequins, and chiffon volants for flutter effect. I like it.

 

Doug Razzano of the USA in his Short Program to "Piano Concerto No. 2  Allegro Scherzando by Rachmaninoff "-- Doug was
appropriately costumed. The deep violet-blue is elegant and the chiffon
neckline ruffles with swirly applique and sequins bring s to mind a
romantic and very classic feel.

 

Konstantin Menshov of Russia in his Short Program Costume to "Lillies of the Valley" looked like a Macy's INC model from 1992. The dress shirt, black pants and that tacky belt? How do you say "Huney. Try again" in Russian?

Japan--Yuzuru Hanyu--Japanese skater Yuzuru Hanyu skated the BEST Skate of his career and the highest score EVER recorded for his Short Program to "Parisienne Walkways". For his Long Program, he skated to "Notre-Dame de Paris". I liked both costumes but especially the one for his long program. The big cross, the ombre dyed ivory and red shirt, the one sleeve ruffle and one black glove. Lots of details and he was not afraid to "Go For It"!

And Yuzuru was definitely paying homage to Johnny Weir (as seen from the photos above). And if he is not...I'm sure Johnny will be happy to let him know who the ORIGINAL is!

Jeremy Abbott USA: For his Long Program, Jeremy Abbott skated to "Bring Him Home from Les Miserables"--His costume was well, less than a costume. I get that the Men love them black pants Yes, I know...Jeremy's are brown) but I am bored of seeing so many black/brown pants. Like I said above, give me NAVY BLUE at the very least! Also, the costume is still a very integral part of one's performance and while I get that this one is depressing and serious, the costume doesn't have to be depressing also; a beige shirt and brown pants? Jeremy, please, I want to see just a little bit more.

Short Program Love: For his Short Program, Jeremy skated to "Spy".  I really LIKED this costume. The asymmetrical holster--very Hipster Fashionista, the slick back hair, the (almost) fingerless gloves. This costume--even though it's still a gray shirt and very tight dark gray/black pants--works with the music and performance--and still, keeps this Fashion Designer/Commentator (moi) interested.



Blue and Black Theme:

Armin Mahbanoozadeh of the USA: He skated his Free Skate to "Dr. Who" wearing a black and blue stretch top and black pants...

Doug Razzano USA skated his Free Skate to "Queen Symphony by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Tolga Kashif"--he also wore a blue and black stretch top with black pants...WHO, was the BEST blue-and-black Men's Costume?

Finally...Here's my Pick for Best in Men's Costume at Skate America 2012:

Tatsuki Machida of Japan--Free Dance Costume--He skated to "The Firebird" and his costume was FABULOUS! The neckline and upper torso red and yellow sequin detail was marvelous and went perfectly with the black illusion rest of his top. This is a PERFECT Men's Costume for that particular music. Not every male can get away with this look (at this point we know we'll never see Jeremy Abbott or Patrick Chan sporting this style), but if you can carry it off, and Tatsuki can, then Go For It!



*Next Up, The Ladies and Ice Dance Costumes at Skate America 2012