Royal Fashion Awards: The Nobel Prizes, 2010

I meant to post over the weekend, my lovelies, but I ended up snowed in miles away from my laptop, a blizzard keeping me from my snark. Good thing reader Deidre emailed today to remind me of the overwhelming need for a post. I've never met Deidre, but I sense she's got that Claudia Schiffer look to her, topped off with an Einstein brain. Anyways: we shall continue forward in the spirit of "better late than never", for it is the most wonderful time of the year - that's right, time to award some Nobel prizes!

Norway kicked things off, awarding the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday with a concert on Saturday, and the rest of the prizes were of course awarded on Friday in Sweden with the traditional King's Dinner following on Saturday. To the clothes!

Most Typical

Queen Sonja at the Peace Prize ceremony, Princess Christina at the Nobel Banquet, and Queen Silvia at the King's Dinner

Nothing much to see here, friends. Queen Sonja held down the sartorial fort in Oslo with Mette-Marit out and about on her world travels, and she didn't venture a foot outside her comfort zone. I mean, sure, the hat's kinda oddball, but that IS her comfort zone. Princess Christina turned in a perfectly respectable appearance at the Nobel ceremonies in Sweden on Friday, and Queen Silvia did the same on Saturday (though I do not like that tiara and I can not be convinced otherwise).

Best Black Tie

Crown Princess Victoria at the King's Dinner

I can't hate on Crown Princess Victoria in a jewel-toned Elie Saab gown. That would be sacrilegious. But I can admit that this just wasn't the right occasion. There's too much going on at the neckline here for a necklace and a sash. Plus, that's some black tie hair right there. (What is up with that 'do? Part of the reason why the Nobel functions are so fabulous is because the Swedish ladies turn the tiara hair volume up to 11. This does not go to eleven.)

Best Repeat

Princess Christina at the King's Dinner

Yes, we've seen this one before, at Victoria's wedding. But it's fab, and thus she shall be excused from repeating a gown during the Nobel festivities. Yet again I fall prey to the allure of a luscious jewel tone.

Best Overall

Crown Princess Victoria at the Nobel Banquet

 

Oh, yummy. Elie Saab again, and this time absolutely perfect for the white tie event. The draping, the back - I mean, jumpy claps! It's even managing to make that steel cut tiara look alright (Napoleonic dress, Napoleonic tiara - nice), though this is yet another piece I can not get down with. It's just so...plume-tastic. And there's no diamonds on it! Come on now.

Best Use of Color

Queen Silvia at the Nobel Banquet

Combining colored jewels with colored gowns is dicey business. (Think back to Mary's combo of rubies and that mint-ish green dress at Victoria's wedding, or Sonja's coral and emerald pairing at the same event. Risky business.) But this - now, this was a good call. The sapphires and the green dress just play so nicely together. Well done, and the hair gets an A+ as well for having just enough volume to balance out the weight of that tiara.

Worst Use of Color

Queen Sonja at the Nobel Concert

Well, this is amusing. Army green and fuchsia? Really? With a black cummerbund? Someone please tell me this is a recycle from an era gone past. I think what I like best is that she took such an overwhelming color combo, busied it up by contrasting the fabrics, paired it with an overwhelming pattern on the top, and then topped the whole thing off with MORE pattern - brooches and a choker that might as well be part of the dress, that neckline's so high. The magpie in me can't help but admire the spirit.

Who made your best dressed list for the Nobel Awards this year? Speak! Type!

Photos: Svenskdam/Daylife/Getty

Flashback Friday: Queen Margrethe's Birthday Celebrations, Part 1

You know what we need more of in our daily lives, kids?  Sparkle.  Call me shallow if you must, but a good tiara is my favorite part of royal watching, hands down.  Even though I understand all of the reasons why the Greek wedding couldn't have been as glitzy as the Swedish wedding was, it still left me longing for a giant event of proper royal glam to drool over.  Though I have no idea when the next such event will be, I have a feeling it will be a long, long time from now, and that gives me the sads.

So, I thought:  let's dig one up anyways!  This wee blog was but a twinkle in my eye back in April when Queen Margrethe celebrated her 70th birthday.  This is a Queen that knows how to party: 3 tiara events, 2 of which were massively attended by other European royals sporting the finest in diamonds and other sparkly delights.  Now, you'll remember that right about this time that nasty volcano Iwouldntspellitrightanyways reared its ugly head to rain on the royal parade, but it still managed to be a grand event, and we'll be flashing back one event at a time for the next three Fridays.

Firstly, we'll take on the first event with big royal attendance: a white tie gala concert.  Let's give out some (retroactive) awards, shall we?

Worst of the (Literal) Eveningwear

Left to Right:  Princess Marie, Princess Benedikte, Queen Silvia

These ladies took their outfits a little too far into the evening by sporting downright bedroom-inspired ensembles.  With a few snips of the fabric, Marie could have herself a nice little lingerie ensemble.  It fits her like a glove, but why is that little belt thing necessary?  Benedikte's adapted the lingerie theme to an outfit more appropriate for her age.  I can't see a silk gown covered by floating lace without thinking nightie, sorry.  But the worst one here is Silvia, who ran in exactly the opposite direction and swathed herself in one giant nightgown.  She and the King arrived late to the concert because of volcanic travel issues, so there were no pictures of the couple.  What you're seeing here is a screencap from the concert broadcast along with pictures of the red Yuki (a designer, not an opinion) dress as it was worn for the Nobel ceremony a few years ago and her sapphire tiara from another outing.  Yuki is famous for his draping; he typically uses large pieces of fabric with very few cuts and seams.  Sure, there's art there, but I find everything he's done for Silvia to be totally disappointing (see also this dress).

Best of the Tapestries

L to R: Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Queen Anne-Marie, Princess Alexia

These heavy floral fabrics are more reminiscent of a wall hanging than anything in the sartorial realm.  Sure, they can be successful on a dress, but one must tread lightly...unlike Mette-Marit.  I just think this dress looks like it weighs fifty pounds, and it's attempting to age her fifty years.  Fabric overload.  Anne-Marie's is age appropriate, but all that pattern is fighting with emerald weight on her necklace.  You should always let the emeralds win.  Now, Alexia I think came the closest to getting it right.  She limited the tapestry to the jacket of the dress, and it's cut well.  I don't even mind the little 80s pouf on the sleeves.  Well played.

Best of the Frills

L to R: Carina Axelsson, Crown Princess Victoria

Victoria's gone full-on foufy here.  I like it, don't get me wrong.  But that kind of ruffle overload needs to stand on it's own, without the orders and everything else.  Plus, that train was hazardous: her brother stepped on it on their way up the theater stairs and nearly caused a right royal wardrobe malfunction.  Thus, Carina wins by default.

Best of the Best

L to R: Princess Nathalie, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Queen Margrethe, Crown Princess Mary

Now we're talking!  These ladies hit the sartorial jackpot.  Nathalie's wearing a borrowed gown that's simple and lovely, and a choker was the perfect jewel to pair with it.  Maria Teresa's sporting my fave Elie Saab again.  This dress is magically magnificent; so intricate!  The jewels need help, though.  That Wonder Woman tiara needs a better hair pedestal to live up to its full potential.  If I was writing this in April, I probably would have named Mary the best of the best, but she's worn similar things since then, so it doesn't quite have a full "Wow" factor working for it in retrospect.  So the prize must go to the birthday girl herself.  She repeated this for Victoria's wedding, and why not: she looks fantastic.  Totally flattering, and that color is just out there enough to suit this Queen's taste.  Plus, is there any better way to say "I'm the Queen!" than to show up in neon apple green with mounds of diamonds and emeralds all wrapped up in a fur package?  I think not.

What was your favorite dress from this event?  Has your opinion changed since April?

Photos: bt.dk/svenskdam/zimbio/getty



Runway Monday: Elie Saab Fall 2010 Couture

Elie Saab's collection was the one I was most looking forward to from the fall couture collections in Paris.  I love me some Elie Saab, and some of the looks were divine per usual:

But, unusually, there was an equal number of dresses I'm just crossing my fingers we won't see modeled on the royal runway:

Some of these shapes just aren't going to be flattering to any one with non-model proportions.  In particular, I found myself noting placing a mental caution note on several looks for Grand Duchess Maria Teresa.  She's one of the biggest Elie Saab fans around, but she's prone to gowns that cover her up and often lack the shape she requires.  And some of these runway creations fit just that bill:

Anything but these, please, MT.

See the whole collection here.  Which ones are you hoping we will and won't see on the royal ladies?

Photos:  Marcio Madeira/FirstView.com/Style.com

Month in Review: Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, June

Here's what Grand Duchess Maria Teresa wore in June:

1. Solemn Return of the Luxembourg Bar, 4 June.
2. Sporting Day for Those With and Without Disabilities, 5 June. 
3. 25th Anniversary of the Schengen Agreement, 13 June, (a) on the NATAN runway and (b) on official duty.  I'll just say that I'm glad she doesn't patronize NATAN for all her evening wear too.
4. Visit to social groceries, 14 June.  Couldn't find very good pictures of this - looks like MT kept on her trench jacket the whole time.  All I can tell you is that she has a blue dress on under there, and that I'm bored.   
5. Visit from the President of Lituania, 15 June.  I'm pretty sure this is NATAN, and a much better showing at that; short cut jackets over dresses is always a good look for her.
6. Pre-wedding dinner and concert, 18 June.  This appears to be a wrap over the dress, but she didn't take the wrap off all evening (from what I can tell).  And that's a shame, because it's shapeless like this.  Focus on the gorgeous aquamarine necklace instead - it's one of the best of the Luxembourg parures (in my humble opinion) and I love combining it with the brown. 
7. Crown Princess Victoria's wedding, 19 June, a) on the runway and b) the variation worn on the blue carpet. Much better shape this time - and way to bring out the big guns with the Luxembourg Imperial tiara.  How much do you think that sucker weighs?  Our fair Grand Duchess is a brave woman.
8. National Day, Part 1: Diekirch visit and evening fireworks, 22 June, a) the cardigan on the Elie Saab runway, and b) on Maria Teresa.  Oh no.  I can't believe I'm going to say this - but I think we have an Elie Saab fail on our hands.  The ruching just isn't doing MT any favors.
9. National Day, Part 2: Te Deum and military parade, 23 June.  Back on form!  Amazing suit.  I even like the crepe paper hat.
10. National Day, Part 3: Gala, 23 June, a) on the Elie Saab runway and b) in action.

Best and Worst of the Month

 Busy month for the Grand Duchess, with the wedding and National Day.  So much to choose from, but the pale blue with major jewels is the hands down winner for me.  A little too often lately, Maria Teresa's been using wraps around her sleeveless dresses more as permanent parts of the dress to cover up her arms than as the accessories that they truly are.  The great thing about this Elie Saab is the unique way it incorporates the shoulder and arm coverage right into the dress while still maintaining a waist shape (unlike the brown dress in #6).  Also creating a waist shape - but a tragically wrong one - is this jail bird jacket from NATAN.  It's even making the model look wide (which you'd think would be impossible), and the shape is just so ridiculously dated.  I can only hope we won't see the full on stripe extravaganza we see on the runway modeled in Luxembourg anytime soon.

Update:  An additional outfit from preparations for the gala, screen capped from this video:

Now, this is a good fit!  Flattering as can be.  More of this, please!

Photos: Royal Press/Nieboer/Belga/Cour Gr Ducale/Marcio Madeira/Mark Renders/Getty Images/Wire Image/Stella Pictures/RTL

Royal Fashion Awards: National Day Celebrations in Luxembourg

I'm feeling very spoiled: first, my favorite Luxembourg royals turn out in force for Victoria's wedding, and then they just roll right into National Day celebrations.  I think you already know the gentleman will be getting equal billing alongside the ladies in this very special edition of the Royal Fashion Awards.

Day 1
Guillaume and his little sister Princess Alexandra visited Esch-sur-Alzette, while their parents the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess visited Diekirch during the day.  The evening brought a fireworks display and all the rest of the family. (Almost.  Where for art thou, Félix?  You are the most delicious of them all.)

Left to Right: Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, Princess Alexandra (she wore just the pink sleeveless dress underneath during the day), Grand Duke Henri, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Prince Louis, Princess Tessy, Prince Sebastien

Day 2 - Day

In the morning, the family attended a Te Deum mass, and then the Grand Ducal couple and Guillaume reviewed a military parade.

L to R: Guillaume, Alexandra, Henri, Maria Teresa, Louis, Tessy, Sebastien

Day 2 - Evening

Gala time!  Very disappointed we aren't seeing Alexandra and Tessy here; both of them made tiara appearances two years ago.

Crown Princess Victoria has this Elie Saab in gray (and we just saw it, too).  The deep blue is gorgeous with her sapphire and diamond jewels, and I think we're working a new hairstyle here.  Love it, and love the gentlemen all dapper in their uniforms.

And now, for the awards.  Drumroll, please....

The "How old are you, again?" Awards

Princess Alexandra, Day 2 - Day, and Princess Tessy - Day 1

Alexandra went woefully older than her youthful age for the Te Deum, and for proof you need look no farther than the fact that Máxima wore the exact same thing on the exact same day.  Tessy ran straight in the opposite direction for the fireworks - this is like a little girl's party dress, not something you want to see on a mother of two.

The Coco Chanel Award
Princess Tessy, Day 2 - Day

Louis's baby mama turned it on for the Te Deum, didn't she?  This is trés chic.  A little black dress, barely accessorized - it may not actually be Chanel, but it's surely worthy of praise from the Great One herself.  A great multi-use choice for Tessy, who certainly doesn't have a need to go buying outfits suited solely for royal duty.

Fiercest Pose Award
Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, Day 1

Dare I say, this is the most attractive picture of Guillaume I've ever seen?  And I'm predisposed to finding all his pictures attractive.  The beard, the stare....oh my.  Someone had to make up for Félix's absence.  Well done, G. 

Worst Dressed
Princess Alexandra, Day 2 - Day

Oh, NATAN.  A bow flopped straight on top of the boobs is flattering only to flat-chested runway models (who, coincidentally, are not exactly NATAN's target customer).  And the yellow....is it mustard?  Or something out of either end of a sickly baby?  On its own, I'm a big fan of the hat - she's working a whole International Princess of Mystery air here - but the wide brim combined with the lines of the dress are making her shorter and wider than she really is.  Alexandra, you're a lovely girl.  But please, wait at least 10 more years before you become a full-time NATAN patron.

Best Dressed
Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Day 2 - Day

See what happens when our Grand Duchess gets it right?  Day 1 might have included some dodgy ruching choices, but this makes it all better.  The suit is divine, and the hat gives it a retro flair - my favorite MT is the MT that gets her Eva Perón on.

UPDATE!

A video from the National Day celebrations, as referenced by Mlle. Sunshine Awesome in the comments below, is online now: view it here.  It's a very interesting watch - Maria Teresa appears at around 9.30.  I grabbed a few quick screen caps:

 The dress Alexandra is wearing has many layers, like something Mette-Marit might wear.  It has great movement.  And Tessy is shining in fuchsia, which is an excellent complement to the family's turquoise tiara she's wearing.  Alexandra appears to be wearing the same tiara she's been seen in before, the smaller of the family's floral tiaras (they have at least 2 diamond-only floral ones that I'm aware of):

Photos: PPE/Nieboer/Mark Renders/Getty Images/Cour gr ducale/C. Hommel/Belga/RTL

Week in Review: Crown Princess Victoria, 13-19 June

Here's what Crown Princess Victoria wore the week of 13-19 June:

1. Gym visit, plus a party at Madeleine's apartment, 15 June.
2. Cathedral visit, 16 June.
3. County Governors Dinner, 16 June.  Roger Vivier shoes.
4. Cathedral visit, 17 June.
5. Private wedding dinner at Drottningholm, 17 June, a) on the Elie Saab runway, and b) in action.  Repeat from those fantastic portraits released early this year.
6. Cathedral Visit, 18 June.
7. Government reception, 18 June.  Also Elie Saab Spring 2010 Couture.
8. Pre-wedding dinner and concert, 18 June, a) on the red carpet, and b) on the Elie Saab runway.
9. The wedding, 19 June.  Oh, did you forget that was this week?  Good thing I reminded you.

Ho-hum, just another week in the life of a Crown Princess.

Best and Best of the Week

 I tried to name a worst of the week, I really did, but the closest I came was #6, and there's nothing wrong with it.  Seriously, if that's the worst you can do, you deserve 2 bests. 

Victoria and Daniel are on their honeymoon now, and they don't have anything scheduled until 21 August (hell of a honeymoon, huh?), so it might be a while before we have another week in review post for Victoria.  

Photos: Reuters/Daylife/Scanpix/Aftonbladet/John Foremost/Camera Press/Marcio Madeira/Expressen

Runway Mondays: Elie Saab Spring 2010 Couture Collection

 Behold the power of Elie Saab! 

So much from the designer's Spring 2010 Couture collection was on display at this past weekend's wedding festivities, and I'm positively giddy about it. 

Maria Teresa brought us 2 looks back in April at Queen Margrethe's 70th birthday celebrations, too:

I love, love, love this collection; it's ethereal in every way, and just as intricate and detailed as true couture should be.  Victoria and Maria Teresa have already demonstrated their love, and Queen Rania is a long-time fan of the designer.  Only good things can come from more Elie Saab, so let's make our wish list for future appearances:

Ahhh.  Meet my current sartorial obsession.  Since I saw this frock floating down the Oscars red carpet on Rachel McAdams, I have been straight up in love.  The fabric is like a cloud-filled dream painted in pastel watercolors.  Multiple colors here to pick up with jewels......picture any one of these sets,and any one of the royals from these countries:

Amethysts from Norway, pink topaz from Sweden, sapphire and diamonds from Luxembourg, aquamarines from the Netherlands.

These empire-waisted numbers would be great as more options for Maria Teresa, and I'd love to see one on Mathilde or Maxima.

And how about one of these on our favorite newlywed, or on Mary?  Most especially that one in the top left.  I'd like to see Mette-Marit use one of these as an alternative to the ruffled creations she's been sporting lately too.

This is the Spring 2010 collection - and if I'm not mistaken, his couture show for Fall will be coming up on July 7, so we'll have even more to drool over soon!  Rest assured, there will be a Runway Mondays post devoted to that one too.  What can I say - I'm a card-carrying member of the Elie Saab fan club.

Join in the fun:  view the entire collection here, and make your dress-to-princess wish list in the comments!

Photos: Getty Images/Belga/Marcio Madeira/Daylife