When I first saw Queen Máxima’s mushroom brimmed hat at Koningsdag this year, I thought it was the same hat that she wore to open Papageno House in Laren last summer. At first glance, the two hats look the same, except for the sash around the crown (something simple to alter) and the slight difference in hue between the pastel shades (something easily impacted by lighting conditions).
If you take a close look at these two pieces, you’ll see subtle differences in shade, shape and scale. Notice how the Koningsdag hat is a pale lilac (as opposed to a pale dusty pink) and the brim is a touch wider with a less rounded curve on the mushroom shape of the brim?
Queen Máxima opening Papageno House, August 26, 2015
Designer: Fabienne Delvigne
Previously worn: Both hats were new at these events
Previously worn: Both hats were new at these events
With so many similarities between these two hats, you might wonder why Máxima commissioned a new one. From a video released from the designer, we know that the Koningsdag hat was custom matched to the background colour of her skirt (Máxima’s only other purple hat would have clashed terribly) and I can only imagine this retro shape was chosen again to compliment the 1950s lines of Máxima’s skirt and twin set. When we see other royals in twin hats, I’m often left scratching my head as to why they purchased two but this pair, thanks to Fabienne Delvigne’s video release, seems to make sense.
I am always fascinated to see such similar hats within one hat closet and – what do you think of this pair?
Photos from Getty as indicated; Patrick van Katwijk, and Patrick van Katwijk via Corbis
Royal Hats 
