Royal Fashion Minute: The Spanish Royals Meet the Pope

You're Going To Meet The Pope...What Do You Wear?

Spanish Royal Family Greet Pope Benedict XVI at Zarzuela Palace Madrid Spain for World Youth Day 2011

Well, this is a FIRST--even for my BLOG--a (sort of) Red Carpet Report that includes THE POPE!!! I'm not really discussing Pope Benedict XVI but really the Spanish Royals --therefore the title "Royal Fashion Minute"... The Pope was in Madrid Spain for the World Youth Day 2011 events which are held every three years in a different country (Who Knew? Well, I certainly did not). There's been some demonstrations as a result because I guess the Spaniards have become much more secular lately...but really: What Did they Wear????



Infanta Estrellitas: The stars of this official "Spanish Royals Meet The Pope" photo-op were the Infantas Leonor and Sofia, daughters to Crown Prince Felipe and his stunning wife, Princess Letizia. They wore the cutest little flower-print dresses EVER--with matching strapped "ballet slippers". I guess to many observers, they "stole the show"! No word on who designed their little dresses (Hello Spanish Royals PR Department!! We need Names!!!).



Princess Letizia of Spain looked as chic as ever--but still "Catholic-proper" in a beige notched collar suit--with a slightly above-the-knee skirt (SHOCKING!) and very stylish matching stacked heels. Love the lace detailing on the sleeves and waistband!!



Shoes Shoes Shoes: La Reina--Queen Sofia--seen above bowing to his Holiness. Notice his red slippers made by papal shoemaker Adriano Stefanelli.



Yellow Queen: Queen Sofia wore a canary yellow Bouclé suit featuring a glove-length sleeved jacket and dress with nude peep-toe sling-back heels. This is what a Queen should dress like...to meet the Pope.

Royal Fashion Minute: Countess Matilde Borromeo and Prince Antonius von Fürstenberg Wedding

Italo-German Royals Unite

Euro Royals: Prince Antonius von Fürstenberg and Countess Matilde Borromeo

Almost two months ago--in early June--a "royal" Wedding took place that well, got lost amongst all them other BIG Royal Weddings (William and Kate, Albert and Charlene): Countess Matilde Borromeo married Prince Antonius von Fürstenberg. They have been dating for a while and were known as the "Couple-About-Town" in all the Euro Social Circles. In addition, they have both just landed themselves in Vanity Fair's 2011 International Best-Dressed List (yes, they have STYLE and FAB P.R. agents to boot!).

Handsome Couple: H.S.H Prince Antonius zu Fürstenberg and Countess Matilde Borromeo

Here Comes The Sposa: Matilde Borromeo and her father Carlo Ferdinando Borromeo

The bride, Countess Matilde Borromeo, wore a silk satin Empire-cut gown from Valentino Haute Couture. No one mentioned this at the time of the wedding but it was hard to not miss a slight "baby bump" protruding from her tummy area. The gown had a slight train with a curved seam and gathered ruffle. The top section featured silk bias-binding with pearl accents looped detail, very reminiscent of...

This coat-dress from Valentino Haute Couture Spring 2011, also worn by...

Princess Beatrice at the William and Catherine Royal Wedding.

The wedding took place in Isola Bella on Lago Maggiore, one of many islands the bride's family actually owns. In case you were wondering about HER family, the Borromeo's, they are from Milan. A true dynasty, the Borromeos trace their origins to the 15th century, when Vitaliano I, treasurer to the Duke of Milan, began amassing a fortune and accumulating enormous amounts of property. For the better part of the 16th century, a large chunk of what is now North Central Italy was known as the Borromeo State, and the family had full political and military power.

Isola Bella on Lago Maggiore

In the center of this fiefdom, Lago Maggiore is not only geographically strategic—wedged between the Alps and Lombardy—but also breathtakingly beautiful, with azure waters and lush vegetation surrounded by snowcapped peaks.

Prince Antonius and Princess Maximiliane Windisch-Graetz (his mommy). She belongs to the Italian branch of Windisch-Graetz dynasty and is the sister of Mariano Hugo, who is married to the Archduchess Sophie of Austria. The Windisch-Graetz is a princely family in the Austrian Empire serving the Habsburg dynasty

Illustrious Guests:

Pierre Casiraghi and his brother Andrea Casiraghi, of Monaco

Pierre Casiraghi, incidentally is dating one of the bride's sisters, the very pretty Beatrice Borromeo, seen above at the wedding of his uncle, Prince Albert II of Monaco to Charlene Wittstock.

The two other Borromeo sisters--and their respective husbands and children: (Left) Isabella Borromeo...

In Valentino Haute Couture Spring 2011, above--and her husband Ugo Brachetti Peretti and their children; Lavinia Borromeo and John Elkann and their children, Oceano and Leone (right).

Carlo Borromeo (bride's brother) with his fiance, the very stylish Marta Ferri--as well as the bride's dog Jack, who was a "very special guest" of the wedding.

Printed Guests (Left to right): Italian industrialist and manager of Fiat brand promotion, Lapo Elkann and his girlfriend, socialite/model/actress Bianca Brandolini d'Adda, Supermodel Eva Herzigova and Heiress Tatiana Santo Domingo, girlfriend to Andrea Casiraghi of Monaco.

Other notable guests included:
Georgina Brandolini d'Adda and Vogue Italia Editor-in-Chief Franca Sozzani...

Wearing Valentino Haute Couture Spring 2011

NY-born socialite/fashionista/heiress Eugenie Niarchos

Royal Fashion Minute: Monaco Royals attend 63rd Annual Red Cross Ball in Monte-Carlo

Fuchsia Princess

Royal Couple: HSH Prince Albert II and HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco, in Akris gown, Red Cross Ball Monte-Carlo

Last night was the 63rd Annual Red Cross Ball in Monte-Carlo Monaco, held at the Sporting Monte-Carlo. 800 guests payed 1,000 Euros (over $1,400) to dine, dance and hear Joe Cocker, who performed--and enjoy the glorious festivities.

The Dance Floor Scene--Before and After: Sporting Monte-Carlo, 63rd Annual Red Cross Ball

And of course, get a glimpse of the Monégasque Royals. Speaking of, of course HSH Prince Albert II and his recent bride, HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco were there. Charlene wore a fuchsia silk Dupioni strapless (she loves to show off those Swimmer's shoulders of hers!) "Mermaid"-style fitted gown from the Swiss Design House of Akris, designed by Albert Kriemler. There are rumours circling the Royal-watchers forums saying that she might be pregnant, but you couldn't tell in this gown. No baby-bump yet.

The Princess and the Ill-Fitting Tuxedo: Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, 63rd Annual Red Cross Ball Monte-Carlo

The Princess wore her hair side-swept and tucked under grazing her neck in an elegant style reminiscent of the late Princess Grace. Her clutch matched the color of her gown. Prince Albert II--bless his heart--looked a bit schlumpy in a too-long Dinner Jacket tuxedo and way too long pants (aren't there any tailors in Monaco?). My goodness, he is one of the RICHEST Men in the World, and can't get a tuxedo to fight right?

Princess Charlene also wore a GORGEOUS Van Cleef & Arpels Océan Necklace (which can also be converted into a tiara, of course), consisting of 88 round diamonds, 10 pearls, 359 sapphires. It was a gift from Albert to his bride (oh how sweet!).

Princess Stephanie and her sister Princess Caroline of Hanover also made an appearance at the 63rd Annual Red Cross Ball Gala. It was Princess Caroline's first appearance at the Ball since 2008.

She wore a purple-and-gold flower printed silk gown with contrasting black-and-white polka dot side panels, accessorized by simple gold and diamond hoop earrings. Quite a bold statement by the Princess who usually chooses more sedate outfits from Chanel.

Among the 80o guests was Dame Shirley Bassey, who wore the same Pre-Fall 2009 Alexander McQueen dress (red color) that Pippa Middleton wore as Maid of Honor to her sister's Royal Wedding to Prince William. Incidentally, yes, it's also the same dress actress Cameron Diaz wore to the Golden Globe Awards in 2010. This is THE MOST popular dress IN THE WORLD, it seems!

Royal Fashion Minute: Wedding of Zara Phillips and English Rugby Player Mike Tindall

A (Somewhat) Subdued Royal Wedding:

Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall Wed in Edinburgh Scotland

Yesterday afternoon, the nuptials of Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall took place at Canongate Kirk in the Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Scotland. Zara happens to be the only daughter of Princess Anne and her first husband Captain Mark Phillips. She's thirteenth in the line of succession--to the British Royal Crown. Her new husband, Mike Tindall is an English Rugby star and world rugby champion. He also looks straight out of "Central Casting" for a Guy Ritchie film--with his broken nose and one-too-many pints of beer body frame!

The Kiss: Mike Tindall and Zara Phillips

There was a bit of a "scandal" early on before the wedding took place in that it was said that Zara and Mike wanted to sell the exclusive rights to the Wedding Photos to Hello Magazine (you know the way all those top US celebs get their wedding on the cover of Us Weekly, OK, People Magazines). Well, the Queen, yes, THAT Queen, put the kibosh on that one, saying A.) How tacky that was and B.) That it was going to be a "private family affair".

But back to the Wedding:

The Invitation, Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall Wedding

Bride with Father: Zara Phillips entering Canongate Kirk with her father , Captain Mark Phillips

The Bride wore an ivory silk taffeta gown from Stewart Parvin, a London-based designer who is a favorite with the British Royals--so much so he even has the "By Appointment to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II" Royal Stamp of "approval". The tiara Zara wore was lent to her by her mother, Princess Anne:

Zara Phillips (Left) and Princess Anne (Right) wearing the "Princess Andrew of Greece's Meander Tiara"

It is the Princess Andrew of Greece's Meander Tiara, which was originally given to then Princess Elizabeth on her wedding by her mother-in-law, Princess Andrew of Greece and Denmark.

Princes Anne recently wore it during the May 2011 State Visit to the US by the British Royals as seen from the photo above.

The Guest List:

Royal Guests included the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Catherine, naturally. As usual, all eyes were on Kate for what she would wear. Well, kids she did some Fashion-Recycling (she's very "Recessionista" like that!).

Catherine wore a muted gold brocade coat which she had actually already worn before--at least TWO TIMES!!!Alas, her fab chapeau was new.

First at the 2006 wedding of Laura Parker Bowles at St. Cyriac's Church in Lacock, Wiltshire...

And then, last year, at the wedding of Mel Nicholson and Oli Baker at St. Andrews (above photo).

Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall: The Prince of Wales and Heir to the Throne, was ever-so-dashing in a silver-grey "Morning Suit" with tails, pocket scarf and a boutonniere (Love his pinky ring! Soooo "old school"!). Camilla wore a mint green silk shantung coat with side pleats and a great head-framing flower fascinator.

Princess Beatrice: Beatrice, did not disappoint in her turquoise-blue ensemble featuring a heavily embroidered skirt and once again, a fun sassy "Plate" hat.

Princess Eugenie and Prince Andrew Duke of York: Eugenie, seen above with her father, also brought the "Fashion Quota" up to this wedding, wearing a chocolate brown pencil skirt with a creme jacket with back detail and yes, a FAB hat! Love the stacked nude-colored pumps on both sisters as well (Beatrice's are in the background).

Princess Anne: Mother of the Bride Princess Anne, wore a Portrait-Collar flower-printed creme and coral red cropped jacket with a matching coral fan-pleated flared dress, gloves and metallic nude pumps. Her iconic up-do bouffant perfectly coiffed of course.

Naturally, I have to take this time to remind everyone of HER fabulous 1973 Wedding and THAT "Lady Macbeth"-sleeved gown she wore--as well as to how handsome her husband, Captain Mark Phillips was.

Finally, HRH Queen Elizabeth II: Queen Elizabeth II attended her granddaughter Zara's wedding, in a dusty rose coat, matching hat and her famous gloves and purse. Looking every inch a Queen.

Happy Honeymoon Zara!!!

Royal Fashion Minute: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge William and Catherine Visit North America--Day One & Two

Oh Canada!!

Maple Leaf Duchess: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in creme Reiss dress and Sylvia Fletcher Fascinator, Day Two, Canada Visit

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge--Prince William and Catherine--are on their North American Tour and well, being that they are THE MOST WATCHED, Most Celebrated, Most Photographed Couple in the entire World (sorry Brangelina!), it has been MADNESS ever since they stepped up in this Hemisphere last week.

Welcome To Canada

Their first stop is Canada and then they will move onto Los Angeles where they will be feted by all of Hollywood's glitterati and the Hollywood elite of UK descent (there are many! Hello! Can you say "the Osbournes?" They have a very busy schedule (Who's paying for all this by the way? The British population? Just wonderin'...), and of course, EVERYONE is just interested (and by "everyone" I mean ME!) in what the Duchess is wearing. Let's take a look:

Day One: Ottawa Arrival and Welcome

Duchess of Cambridge wears Erdem to arrive in Canada

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Prince William and Catherine, arrived in Canada to much fanfare and "Royal Love". "Chic Catherine" didn't disappoint as she got off the plane wearing a navy blue lace sheath dress with 3/4 sleeves from...

British brand Erdem and from their Resort 2012, designed by Erdem Moralioglu. Erdem is a Canadian who designs in England. Now that is a clever twist!

Facebook!! A young Canadian girl poses with the Duchess of Cambridge

Day Two: Citizenship Celebration

For Day Two, which happened to be "Canada Day", Catherine did a "recycle", by wearing a creme side cascade-ruffled dress from the British brand Reiss, which she had worn before...

I wonder where we have seen this dress before?

Oh yes, it was the dress she wore for the Official Engagement Portrait photographed by Mario Testino.

Besides that fabulous red Maple Leaf Fascinator from Sylvia Fletcher, her purse was just as unique and DIVINE...

It was a Anya Hindmarch fan clutch, in case you were wondering.

Day Two: Outfit Change for Canada Day Evening Celebrations

Later that day, in the evening, for the Canada Day Evening Celebrations, Catherine changed into this chic little jersey number above.

Catherine wore a purple jersey center-front gathered dress from Issa London, one of her favorite brands to wear. She kept the diamond Maple Leaf brooch that she wore earlier in the day, which was reportedly lent to her by The Queen. Oh Dear! Better have security on that!

Issa London is a British-based brand headed by Brazilian Designer Daniella Helayel, in case you didn't know. Of course, she wore royal blue Issa for the Engagement Photos that went "around the world".


So far Kate....and William (sorry William, you looked good too!!) have looked smashing at every turn. A+ from me!! Can't wait for what else she packed in those Louis Vuitton trunks of hers!! ( I'm just guessing it's LV, something tells me she doesn't travel with Samsonite!)