Queen Philippe and Queen Mathilde continued their marathon trip to China today in the city of Suzhou where the Queen spent time at a centre for children with disabilities. She looked a vision in her pale pink mottled dress topped with a new headpiece made to match.
The headpiece consists of pale pink straw petals rimmed finished with rims of brighter pink stitching- the petals are gathered together to create a large, stylised flower. Described by the designer as a “Hibiscus and Chinese rose coloured hat in banana fibres,” it is a modern and innovative headpiece that works beautifully with this particular dress.
My favourite images today involve a curious little girl who just could not resist reaching out to feel Mathilde’s hat. I’m sure many of us can relate!
Designer: Fabienne Delvigne. It is the ‘Aramana’ design
Previously Worn: This headpiece is new
What do you think of this new floral headpiece? Can you imagine it with something other than this dress?
Photos from Philip Reynaers/Photo News S.A., Philip Reynaers/Photo News S.A., Philip Reynaers/Photo News S.A., Philip Reynaers/Photo News S.A., Philip Reynaers/Photo News S.A., and Philip Reynaers/Photo News S.A. via Corbis
Royal Hats 
I think it is a very original and a little strange headpiece… but wearing it for an activity with children is a good idea. It is not a headpiece that takes itself too seriously and it is a conversation-starter with the kids, maybe? especially kids who don’t share your mother language.
I can’t unsee the radish slices, so I can’t like this hat, but at least it entertained the children.
I like the whole look but not for a visit to a hospital.
It wouldn’t make my top 10 list of her best hats. I actually didn’t mind it till people pointed out that it looks like radish slices, which it does. The dress is alright, but I don’t think the shape is figure-flattering, except on a skinny model.
Beautiful! The hat is beautiful with the dress; the dress is perfect on My Favorite Queen. A vision of loveliness!
Does it looks like radish slices? Yes. Do I like it as a hat? Ehhhh… Do I love it because it lead to that really beautiful moment with the little girl? Absolutely!
Queen Mat always seems kind to me, but especially in these photos.
well said
A non-hat-related comment: King Philippe. (Yes, once radish slices were mentioned, it was hard to see them as anything else. Lovely outfit though.)
Two words about the hat: radish slices. Having said that, it’s nice to see her take chances trying something quite different.
Yes! Verrrrry thinly sliced!
HAHAHAHAHA! Love it!
Oh my gosh – now I cannot UNsee the radish slices lol!
You are spot on Lyn Coombs, I see radish slices too! The hat and dress aren’t my cup of tea, or cup of radishes!
I like the headpiece, not the dress. Dress fabric has too many shapes to begin with, and this dress pattern with darts at the waist accentuate the business of it all. The hat would work nicely, I think, with something a little more monochrome on the bottom.
Very pretty.
The dress material makes me think of water colors so I like that. However the whole thing is giving me a Princess Margaret in 1970 vibe.
She is the vision of loveliness
It might be even nicer if the petals were longer and less rounded to go with the dress print. Yes it could be worn with other outfits. Dressy white suit or dress maybe a pant suit.
This headpiece could easily look ridiculous, but Mathilde pulls this off so wonderfully, especially with this outfit. I think this headpiece has the potential to look great with a very simple navy outfit as well, such as a knee-length dress or a jacket/skirt combo.
She always looks so perfect. I am sure there are other outfits out there that would go with this pretty topper and I’m sure she will find it.