25 years back to this day in 1995 that saw Empress Michiko commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the World War II in a gorgeous deep deal silk hat.
Photo from Getty as indicated
Royal Hats
The Bold, Beautiful and Bizarre World of Royal Millinery
Royal Hats 
Much like Queen Elizabeth and (former) Queen Beatrix, the Empress Emerita found her signature style, and just kept honing and refining it over the years. This is a particularly lovely example — and while it incorporates many of Michiko’s signature elements: the small forward hat, the caped sleeves, and the carefully thought out combination of color and texture, this particularly stands out. As HatQueen noted, for the subtle variation in the hat shape, and also in the deep rich color with the mixing of the matte fabric with the sumptuous satin detailing.
It’s also been fun to watch Michiko’s more informal recent appearances since retirement, seeing her in slacks is still always such a surprise.
It is lovely to watch Empress Masako blossom and forge her own personal style, with her signature bumper hats and very identifiable ensemble lines. Over time, there is no doubt she will become an icon in her own right…..but for shear elegance and presence, Michiko will remain the beacon for a while longer!
This outfit is so elegant, timeless and chic.
Everything is beautiful, especially the wonderful color. The Imperial couple have aged so gracefully, they were (and still are) a handsome pair.
Friday Funny: At quick glance, I thought the gentleman on the right was a younger Clint Eastwood!
Ian’t this beautiful. The Empress definitely has a signature look, but it works so well for her. It’s actually quite edgy, and this one uses colour and texture SO well. I always think she looks like she has a bit of origami about her person (I mean that in the nicest way possible!)
Just lovely, especially paired with what appears to be a cape (?)
Absolutely gorgeous hat, and so perfect for that solemn occasion.
Please bring this back ASAP! Such a wonderful color, and so timeless concerning Michiko’s hat styles in the past 30 years.
This is another reminder of how fashion-forward the Empress actually was/is (percher/cocktail hats) despite the general royal hat focus usually staying on Europe, especially the UK; I’m grateful this blog has bucked such a Western-oriented trend and continues to regularly highlight the hats worn by royals from outside Europe.
Thanks, Jake. There aren’t many hats worn by non-European royals aside from the Japanese but I’ll certainly cover all the ones that are! And, I trust you’ll all share the ones I miss!
Wow the colour and material fabulous.
Loretta
A more 3D version of her later button perchers! I love the colour and fabric of this.
Interesting point about the shape. This one is almost a small pillbox, as opposed to the saucers that she’s nearly exclusively worn for the past 15+ years.