Baby Bump: Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and her husband, Prince Daniel, Duke of Västergötland, visiting the Gothenburg Botanical Gardens (Sweden) on Wednesday
Earlier in the week, the Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and her husband--Prince Daniel Duke of Västergötlandvisited the Gothenburg Botanical Gardens , where she sported a blue "tunic" style silk dress with ruffled-hem 3/4 sleeves and finally showed her Baby Bump to all her subjects. This was truly the First Time the Crown Princess was featuring a "Pregnant"-style dress.
The couple were married last year in one of those "Royal Wedding of the Year" nuptials that was attended by every Euro Royal. Victoria, who is the Heir to the Swedish Throne, just announced that she was pregnant.
Earlier in the week--on Tuesday--Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Prince Daniel, also made an appearance, at the Polar Music Prize Ceremony--considered the "Nobel Awards of Music"-- in the Konserthus in Stockholm. Here she wore a dark navy blue fan-pleated sleeveless gown that was slightly see-through and showed a shorter lining/slip underneath. The Princess had a bouquet and shawl with her which she kept holding very close to her tummy area so the photographers couldn't see her "baby bump".
Her husband, Prince Daniel--for the first time--actually DID NOT look like the Junior Executive at a Computer Firm in Seattle! He gets "Nick V. Points" for that! His tuxedo looked well-tailored and fit him perfectly. Very sharp Daniel!
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!!!!
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!!!
Bride-and-Groom Perfect: Countess Helene d'Udekem d'Acoz, sister of Princess Mathilde of Belgium and Baron Nicolas Janssen
This past Saturday, there was another royal wedding--well, let's just say "Sub-Royal" but Royal nonetheless. Countess Helene d'Udekem d'Acoz, sister of Princess Mathilde of Belgium and Baron Nicolas Janssengot married at the Eglise Saint Pierre in Bastogne Belgium.
The bride wore a very traditional ivory fit-to-flare Princess Seamed gown with embroidered lace overlay, v-neckline and slight fluttery cap-length sleeves. Her veil was lace--the choice of Royals. Simple pearl earrings finished off her Bridal Look.
Princess Mathilde of Belgium and Prince Philippe of Belgium--Duke of Brabant and Heir to the Belgium Thronewere in attendance of course. Princess Mathilde wore a chic off-the-shoulder nude sheath dress with lace applique while her gray-haired Prince was in his traditional "Morning Suit".
Anna Maria Komorowska, Mother of the Bride--and Princess Mathilde--looked très elegant in a light gray suit and stunning hat. Anna Maria is a Polish Noblewoman--her family--the Komoroskis--were members of Polish Aristocracy, darlings...One doubt and just take a look at the Vintage diamond necklace of hers!!! Priceless.
Baroness Therese Bracht and Charles Antoine Janssen: They were some of the most superb-looking guests at the wedding. Love that dress and especially that Fascinator she is wearing. And let's just say that I bet those pearls are HERS!! Worth EVERY Euro!!! J'Adore his Boutonniere!!! (given to all the "A-List" Male Guests)
Asymmetrical Day: Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and her husband, Prince Daniel, Duke of Vastergotland, celebrating Sweden's National Day
Today, the Swedish Royals were out in full force to celebrate Sweden's National Day. To know what the Swedish National Day is, well you can click HERE. What's more important to me, is of course, the FASHION! Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and her bespectacled husband, Prince Daniel Duke of Vastergotland (say that THREE times!), visited the Stockholm City Hall as part of the "National Day" celebrations.
Crown Princess Victoria wore a "Swedish Flag Blue" dress with asymmetrical draped pleating details, fluttery drop shoulder and fitted pencil skirt shape. I must say, this color is AMAZING on her! Prince Daniel looks dapper but still somehow reminds me of a prep-school frat boy who is just about to go on his interview as an Intern with an Investment Banking Firm. I'm just sayin'.
Costume Victoria: Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel, Duke of Vastergotland, and her brother and sister ride on "National Day"
For the actual Parade, as the Swedish Royals rode in carriages, the ladies in the family--Crown Princess Victoria, her gorgeous sister Madeleine and Mother, Queen Silvia--all wore traditional Swedish Costumes in the Swedish flag yellow & blue colors, as well as white for their blouses. The men were elegant and professional in their suits, with ties and pocket hankies.
Half German-Half Brazilian Queen Victoriaof Sweden--seen above with King Carl XVI Gustaf (is he always grumpy??) of Sweden--took her folksy costume up a notch (after all, she IS the Queen) by donning the traditional headdress as well.
Wave to the very good-looking Swedish Royal progeny...and Happy Swedish National Day!
Just today, Prince William and his lovely wife, Catherine Duchess of Cambridge stepped out to the Races--They went to Epson England, in the UK of course, for the 2011 Epsom Downs Derby.
The "Peacock" Dress, from Reiss
All eyes were on Catherine as she sported a very proper ensemble which included a cream dress with mesh and cording embroidery by British brand Reiss. I absolutely LOVE Reiss and own several items--from the Men's section of course--they are elegant yet fashion-forward clothing, and (somewhat) reasonably priced.
It's not for the "I'm broke" College Crowd but more for the "I-just got-a-really good job in a Fashion PR company" kind. Now, if you go to the company's site, you can't even find the dress she just wore (well, in the cream). I'm sure it's another case of "It's SOLD OUT!". Leave it to Miss Kate. Reiss should send her a TRUNK-FULL of free clothing. I'm sure they already have...
The "Nessie Tweed Jacket" from Joseph, at Selfridges
Over the Reiss dress, she wore a modified Nehru collar jacket with patch pockets, also in cream. The cotton jacket (seen above in navy) was from the brand Joseph and it can be found at UK retailer Selfridges & Co. The entire look was elegant, Derby-proper and most of all, she wore British! Loved the hat as well.
Of course, we cannot forget Prince William and how dapper he looked in his top hat and suit! I love the carnation boutonniere especially. It's all about boutonnieres kids!!! They are not just for Proms.
Pink Queen: Queen Elizabeth II arriving at the 2011 Epsom Derby
Finally, we have THE QUEEN! No, not Elton John, but Queen Elizabeth II. She was there and naturally, she GAVE it to you! She wore a bright bubblegum pink 3/4 length coat with contrasting white banding, printed dress and her ubiquitous white gloves. The Queen loves her colors! And I do too!! For more on what Catherine Duchess of Cambridge wore (shoes, purses, etc.) click HERE!
Prince Albert of Monaco and fiancé, Charlene Wittstock, soon-to-be Her Serene Highness of Monaco, Charlene--recently attended the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS benefit at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes, France. Looking absolutely stunning in a pale blue silk gown with Swarovski crystals around the Empire by Armani Prive, Charlene Wittstock was dazzling on the arm of her fiancé.
Yesterday, it was announced that Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe, a country in southern Africa for those geographically challenged)born stunner Charlene Wittstock will be Her Serene Highness, Princess Charlene of Monaco as well as Duchess of Valentois, Marchise (Or Marchioness) of Baux, and Countess of Carlades. These are the same titles that the late Princess Grace of Monaco also had. The soon-to-be Princess Charlene will get the same protocol as her Prince Albert. And hopefully some of the BILLIONS he has--he is after all supposedly, one of the wealthiest Monarchs in the entire world!
Charlene Wittstock in Armani Prive
But really, what I am interested in is the fact that the future Princess of Monaco is quite a Fashionista! It all sort of began when she wore a Haute Couture hand-made suit by Armani Prive (seen above) that if she actually purchased it, would set her back about $40,000. If anyone wants to pinpoint Charlene's "Fashion Moment", this would be IT for me. Even future sister-in-law Princess Caroline's son was like "Oh No you DIDN'T!!" (see photo above)
Recently, at the Monaco Grand Prix 2011, she wore this lovely and very Lady-like printed dress (above)...
Charlene Wittstock in Akris, AmberLounge Fashion Event
She also caused a stir wearing this strapless jumpsuit, by Akrisfor an AmberLounge Fashion Event. Strapless black sequined and wide legged palazzo jumsuit? For a future Princess? Yep, she gave them "Disco" huney!
Charlene Wittstock in Akris, Grand Prix of Monaco 2011Party
Later that same day--for the Monaco Grand Prix 2011 Gala, she also wore Akris. This time it was a bateau-necked bronze sequined gown that SCREAMED Hollywood Screen Goddess.
Charlene Wittstock in Akris gown, Queen Elizabeth II's Pre-William and Catherine Wedding Party at Mandarin Oriental, London
Speaking of Akris...Many wondered who had designed her over-the-top strapless silver gown during the "William and Catherine Pre-Wedding" evening reception hosted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Yep, it was from the Swiss design House of Akris. It should be noted that they recently opened a boutique in Monaco and let's just say, Akris' PR Office is certainly working OVERTIME!!!!
Finally, (again in Akris!), here is Charlene and her future husband, Prince Albert of Monaco (above) at last month's Kate and William Royal Wedding. Albert and Charlene's Wedding is to take place July 2, 2011. The rumor is that she will wear Armani Prive, a custom made gown estimated at over $100,000. I cannot wait to see it!
Royal CoutureStockholm Queen: Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden enters the church with her father, King Carl XVI Gustaf
Today the country of Sweden celebrated a Royal Wedding. Their beloved Crown Princess Victoria married commonerDaniel Westling. And as far as Royal Weddings go, this was probably "The Wedding of The Year"! There was a lot of controversy back when the nuptials were announced, since Victoria's father, King Carl XVI Gustaf did not hold back his disdain for the fact that his oldest daughter (and the next Queen of Sweden), was marrying a a fitness trainer with no royal blood (like that matters in 2010, but I guess it does to him). But all that was set aside and it was a day of royal celebration. Now to the important part: Let's take a look at "those crazy royals" and their "unique" fashion sense ranging from chic Haute Couture to "Oh No She Didn't!".
Lets begin with the Bride:Victoria chose a Swedish designer by the name of Par Engsheden to create her simple yet very elegant gown. It was a cream colored silk duchesse gown with an off-the-shoulder neckline that came to a "V" back. It featured a fitted midriff bodice, A-line shaped skirt and a VERY LONG train (of course, she's the future Queen!). She also wore the same Cameo Tiara that her mother, Queen Silvia of Sweden, wore on her wedding day back in 1976. The tiara is thought to be from Empress Josephine-Charlotte of France and it was a gift from Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Queen Silvia's wedding gown was decisively not, by a Swedish designer, but actually from the House of Dior's then-designer Marc Bohan. Speaking of Queen Silvia, the Mother of the Bride, looked REGAL, in a lilac lace embroidered gown with a side-front chiffon godet and scooped neckline. Let's just say as far as Mother-of-the-Bride dresses, this is how you're supposed to do it ladies! Victoria's sister (yes, the one with the Movie Star Looks!) Princess Madeleine looked dazzling in a sky blue multi-layered, off-the-shoulder gown. Not a big fan of her gown (maybe a bit too much for such a young, beautiful girl) but I have a feeling, she could wear a Trash Bag and still look great! Now, in case you wonder what a Mother-of-the-Bride should not wear? See below for what Groom Daniel Westling's mommie wore:Royal Divas:Queen Rania of Jordan didn't disappoint as one the most stylish women on the planet, as she arrived (with her husband, King Abdullah), in a deep purple crepe sheath gown with diagonal side slit. A definite FASHION HIT at the Swedish Royal wedding was Best Dressed Hall of Fame (and a Valentino muse) Rosario Nadal y Fuster de Puigdorfila, Princess of Preslav (Bulgaria) after marrying the sexy Kyril of Preslav. Last year, it was announced that they would "live separately" but with no intentions of a divorce(?). They were at the wedding together looking like the "Brad and Angelina" of European Royalty. Her gown was Couture PERFECTION. She looked like a Grecian sculpture.Another HIT for me, was Infanta Elena, Duchess of Lugo and her mother, Queen Sofia of Spain. Elena has become a serious Fashion Plate, embracing her "Inner Fashion Diva", especially after her separation and later divorce from Jaime de Marichalar. I give her "ten Nick V Points" for just GOING FOR IT! Not only did she decide to wear a strong bubblegum pink silk gazar gown! But then she's like "You know, I don't think that gown is enough!" So she throws on a snappy embroidered Toreador bolero jacket: Viva España! Her mother Queen Sofia, elegant in a pale silk shirred bodice gown gave a nice subdued "balance" to Elena's "This might be Princess Victoria's day...but I'm going for it!". Continuing with Spain, Crown Prince Felipe looked dashing in his military uniform, next to Letizia, Princess of Asturias. First of all, I have to say this: She looks TOO THIN! There, I said it, I had to get that out of the way. Her gown was nice, but I think the color choice was wrong. It was just too close to her own skin color. She should have looked at her sister-in-law Elena for some color advice.Points for Looking Like a Queen Should Look Like: Queen Sonja of Norway. It's a mess, yes, but I didn't expect anything less. It's still quite fabulous. It all evens out for me. The Fortuny-pleated coral full gown PLUS a matching Fortuny-pleated attached shawl-cape. I mean: Really!!! Total Queen!
The Royal Misses: Well, now that we got the royals with some fashion sense out of the way, here were some royal guests who missed the mark. You just know that during the wedding reception dinner, people were saying "Did you see HER mess of a dress??" For now, I've just highlighted two, and they happen to be from The Netherlands (coincidence?): Princess Laurentien of The Netherlands. Oh Laurentien, your Mother-In-Law, Queen Beatrix would be proud (she loves them crazy prints!). The Black and White Print, on it's own is not too bad. But once you mix it with the Red sash, matching bolero jacket and Orange detailing(?) it became a definite Royal "What Was She Thinking?"... But the prize goes to Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau (Netherlands): The slate-gray shirred bodice is actually nice, but then...wait...are those PANTS???? It's a cross between an outfit created by a bad Fashion College student and something from Victor-Victoria. Maybe she was trying to tell us that she's both a Man AND a Woman, when it comes to fashion, or she just wanted to be that "artsy fashion ingenue" royal. Whatever the case, in both instances, they are not giving Dutch Fashion a good name.
Well, Hej då! (goodbye in Swedish) from the Wedding of Crown Princess Victoria and my own "Nick Verreos Red Carpet" Royal Fashion Report...Until next time.
Click BELOW for video of the Wedding (in Swedish):
Baby Bump: Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and her husband, Prince Daniel, Duke of Västergötland, visiting the Gothenburg Botanical Gardens (Sweden) on Wednesday
The couple were married last year in one of those "Royal Wedding of the Year" nuptials that was attended by every Euro Royal. Victoria, who is the Heir to the Swedish Throne, just announced that she was pregnant.
Earlier in the week--on Tuesday--Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Prince Daniel, also made an appearance, at the Polar Music Prize Ceremony--considered the "Nobel Awards of Music"-- in the Konserthus in Stockholm. Here she wore a dark navy blue fan-pleated sleeveless gown that was slightly see-through and showed a shorter lining/slip underneath. The Princess had a bouquet and shawl with her which she kept holding very close to her tummy area so the photographers couldn't see her "baby bump".
Her husband, Prince Daniel--for the first time--actually DID NOT look like the Junior Executive at a Computer Firm in Seattle! He gets "Nick V. Points" for that! His tuxedo looked well-tailored and fit him perfectly. Very sharp Daniel!
