It seems that in my coverage of the Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko’s recent trip to India (here, here and here), I missed two new hats worn by the Empress.
On December 3rd, the Imperial couple visited India International Centre (the same building they had visited in 1960 to lay the cornerstone). Empress Michiko wore one of her characteristic saucer hats- this new one was larger than usual and featured a slightly higher raised crown than we usually see on Michiko’s hats. It was also trimmed with a lovely apple green ombre bow to match her white and apple green suit. I thought it looked lovely and very, very fresh.
Also on December 3rd, the Emperor and Empress visited the Japanese School in New Delhi. At first glance, I thought Empress Michiko repeated the hat she wore to embark on this tour but alas, it is different! This hat was another larger scaled petite saucer with a trailing bow to coordinate with Michiko’s cream, black and hounds tooth checked suit.
Looking at these hats, they look very similar in shape and size. I wonder…. do you think Michiko simply changes out the bows on the hats, or are these two separate hats? I suspect they are separate hats (those bows look very firmly attached) but it is interesting to ponder. What do you think?
Photos from The Imperial Family of Japan
Royal Hats 
she has smaller and larger hats to wear with the same skirt
Consistency pays off. Both hats are beautifully matched to the outfits. Whether the Empress has a variety of these larger-scaled petite saucers or one with changeable trim, the hats are instantly recognizable — good brand recognition for Japanese royalty.
She has a style that works for her and sticks to it. That’s not unlike most of us women of a certain age.
No. She has WAY MORE style than most women her age and rocks it. LOVE IT!
oh, she is just the cutest thing! She looks so elegant and sophisticated, and yet just so warm and sweet. I bet her family just adores her. I think the hats are different, but the bows matching her outfits are lovely and could be switched out. How clever.
I like that she matched the glen plaid pattern of the skirt with hat. It’s in line with her traditional hats and yet it’s a bit whimsical:)
I tend to lean towards the thought that they are two separate hats. I do not really like the “mini” saucer hats that the Empress wears, but I much prefer these larger hats compared to those. She is a beautiful lady, and I would really love to see her in an elegant pillbox! My favorite here is the black and cream ensemble. She looks very elegant in this outfit.