Belgian State Visit To Greece

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King Philippe and Queen Mathilde embarked on a three-day state visit to Greece this week. For their arrival in Athens on Monday, Queen Mathilde wore a freeform hat in coral pleated parabuntal straw.

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The colour is glorious – I love how it’s slightly lighter than the main hue of the dress – and the organic, face-framing shape suits Mathilde well. The pleated parabuntal fibres of the hat reference the pleated dress…. maybe a tinge too much? Or maybe it’s just right. I’m not sure. It’s certainly a coordinated and cohesive look that made Mathilde stand out in a crowd.

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Designer: Bespoke “Santorini” design by Fabienne Delvigne. Dress by Natan
Previously Worn: This hat is new

For Tuesday’s program of events at a refugee support center, Poseidon’s temple and the archeological site of Thorikos, Queen Mathilde repeated a wide brimmed picture hat in biscuit balibuntal (a finely woven straw) with raw edge around the brim. The hat is simply trimmed with straw fibres wrapped around the base of the crown that splay open over the back of the brim

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The hat pairs beautifully with the blue Ikat patterned coat dress. I’m not always a fan of raw-edge brims but this one works, especially in combination with the organic-feel of the Ikat print. My only quibble is that straw wrap around the crown. I’d prefer a cleaner, crisper trim- maybe a simple Petersham ribbon hatband?

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Designer: Bespoke “Dune” design by Fabienne Delvigne. Dress by Natan
Previously Worn: Sep 17, 2013

For the final day of the visit, Queen Mathilde wore a draped calot design in vibrant fuchsia silk abaca.

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The hat is such a great pairing with the gorgeous embroidered coat, the colours linking together and the hat’s small scale providing just the right of punchy contrast to the ensemble without creating visual competition. We’ve seen Mathilde in numerous similar draped silk abaca designs (one of Fabienne Delvigne’s signatures) and this one is a good addition.

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Designer: Bespoke “Agapanthe” design by Fabienne Delvigne. Coat by Costarellos and blouse by Natan
Previously Worn: This hat is new

I give the hats on this state visit a sound thumbs up- what are your thoughts about these designs?

 

Images from Getty as indicated  

Platinum Jubilee Countdown: 27

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October 15, 1989 on a visit to Malaysia, Queen Elizabeth wore this marvellous pink picture hat with navy brim binding and hatband.

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Platinum Jubilee Countdown: 28

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For Trooping the Colour on June 11, 1988, Queen Elizabeth wore this saturated blue hat with sidesweeping brim, a foreshadow of millinery shape she’d often wear decades later.

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Platinum Jubilee Countdown: 29

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On June 18, 1987, Queen Elizabeth attended Royal Ascot in a navy and white straw hat with upfolded brim (a style very much of the time!) whimsically trimmed with a bunch of cherries.

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Confirmation of Princess Isabella

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On Saturday, Princess Isabella celebrated her confirmation at Fredensborg Castle Church. She wore a pair of silver leaf embellished combs in her hair by Ellen Hunter, worn previously by Crown Princess Mary.

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Queen Margrethe wore a new hat for the occasion, a beret covered in the same cobalt blue crepe as her jacket. The hat is trimmed with two tall black feathers and a bow in the printed fabric as the ensemble’s dress.

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The colour is wonderful on the Danish queen, who wears saturated and jewel tones so well. The patterned dress provides great contrast to the matching hat and jacket, saving the two pieces from looking one note. I’d love, however, to remove the patterned bow on the hat (that is a step too matchy matchy!) and replace it, with something in the colours of the ensemble. 

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Designer: unconfirmed
Previously Worn: This hat is new

Crown Princess Mary wore a natural woven straw bandeau with tan tulle birdcage veil.

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While my initial reaction to this headpiece was a yawn, I think the colour was a brilliant choice to pair with Mary’s vibrant pink dress and turquoise accessories. Say whatever you want about the shape, it’s a very current, popular style that is easy to wear and works well for a less formal event such as this.

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Designer: unconfirmed. Dress by Andrew Gn.
Previously Worn: This headpiece is new

Princess Marie repeated her pink sinamay fascinator with central bloom surrounded by a circle of pointed leaves. The slim feathers that originally trimmed this design have been entirely removed. Princess Marie has paired this headpiece with neutral outfits in past, something I think works a bit better for a working royal event. This, however, is a family event and whiile the coral suit here is not to my taste, it’s a light hearted, fun choice to celebrate her niece!

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Designer: unknown. Suit by Emporio Armani.
Previously Worn: Oct 4, 2016; March 18, 2014

Princess Athena wore a darling white headband trimmed with a silk flower and bow.

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Designer: Bonpoint
Previously Worn: This headpiece is new

Princess Isabella’s godmother, Queen Mathilde, was also in attendance. She repeated a royal blue draped toque hat.

Designer: Fabienne Delvigne. Dress by Natan. 
Previously Worn: June 28, 2018; July 3, 2016;  May 20, 2015

It’s so lovely to see larger scale royal family events coming back- what do you think of the hats and headpieces at this event on Saturday?

Images from Getty as indicated