On Monday, the Luxembourg Royal Family celebrated their country’s national holiday. As in years past, the celebration included a military parade and an inter-religious Te Deum mass at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Luxembourg. The Grand Duke and Duchess were joined by the Hereditary Grand Duke and Duchess for the military parade. Predictably, the men wore military uniform with related caps.
Grand Duchess Maria Teresa topped her streamlined navy dress and coat with a statement hat. In beige gossamer straw, this hat formed a sculptural, fluted base which nestled several huge silk flower blooms in the same colour. While the hat is nearly the same size as Maria Teresa’s head, it provided some wonderful lift and made her look much taller than she really is. I liked how the ornate hat contrasted with the streamlined coat and dress and I thought the neutral colour kept it from looking overly fussy. I think it looks marvelous on Maria Teresa.
Designer: Fabienne Delvigne
Previously Worn: This is a new hat
The Hereditary Grand Duchess chose an ensemble in vivid pink. Her hat, in fuschia straw, was a slightly different shade than her coat; while these shade contrasts often work well, I thought Princess Stéphanie’s hat and coat pairing was a mis-match. The shape of the hat, which fell in folded straw waves across the top of her head, was awkward, and the white flowers plonked on the hat did not help its appearance. Needless to say, I was not a fan.
Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: This is a new hat
For the Te Deum Mass, there was a quick change (and exchange of all-pink outfits, unfortunately). The Grand Duchess repeated her bright pink lace coat with matching cocktail hat. Time has not altered my opinion of this ensemble (we first saw it last year for Prince Felix’s wedding)– it’s simply too much bright pink. If Maria Theresa paired this hat with a suit or coat in charcoal grey, taupe or even black, I might like it. As it is here, I feel compelled to look away.
Designer: Philip Treacy
Previously Worn: September 21, 2013
Princess Stéphanie followed her mother-in-law’s fashion lead from earlier in the day, pairing a streamlined coat with a very fancy beige straw hat. This hat featured an asymmetrical brim that folded up on one side to host a spray of monochrome feathers. I liked the shape on her and adored the subtle metalic sheen in the woven straw. I think the hat might have been better balanced with a slightly larger crown but I quite liked it on the Hereditary Grand Duchess.
Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: This is a new hat
It seems the uniform for Luxembourg royal ladies on Monday was either a streamlined coat topped with a neutral statement hat, or head to toe bright pink. Between these options, I think the first is always a better choice. What did you think of this parade of Luxembourgish royal hats?
Photos from Anouk Antony and Getty as indicated
I would have liked Stephanie’s hat to match her coat, not her hair
Love love love MT’s beige hat. The proportions are right. I feel like this is where she was trying to go with the lilac clamshell hat last year. This is ever so much better. Stephanie’s pink hat is fun! She sometimes dresses too “seriously” so I smiled to see this fun hat on her. She’s getting more comfortable in her role, perhaps? Love Stephanie’s beige hat also. Again, it is younger than what she normally wears but still appropriate and classy. I can’t say the same for MT’s pink hat, that just doesn’t work at all. The whole outfit doesn’t work.
Oh dear! Stephanie’s first hat almost defies belief. The second one is…….better. That’s all I got!
I love that first hat on MT. Just gorgeous. The second beanie with the propeller on top is awful, along with that nightdress and robe. I have thought more than once that Stephanie needs some assistance with royal dressing, and her second hat is getting there, but wrong color. oh, that pink outfit of Stephanie is not working. I keep hoping she’ll just knock it out of the park, but………..I’m afraid you’re right Gigi! ‘
Ugh. MT is trying to dress poor Stephanie like herself. The all pink outfits are such a bad idea (even if they are Armani!)