Queen Letizia keeps with tradition and premiers a new design by Felipe Varela for the Princess of Asturias Awards

18/10/2019

The King and Queen of Spain accompanied by their daughters Leonor, Princess of Asturias and Infanta Sofia, presided over the 2019 Princess of Asturias Awards held at the Campoamor Theater in Oviedo.

Upon arrival they followed the tradition of walking the blue carpet with Queen Sofia who was seated in the royal box while they took to the head table to deliver the awards.

Spanish royal family walk the blue carpet ahead of 2019 Princess of Asturias Awards ceremony at the Campoamor Theater

The annual prizes are awarded by the Princess of Asturias foundation to people or organisations from around the globe who make notable achievements in science, humanities and public affairs. It is thought to be one of the most prestigious cultural events on the international agenda.

Embed from Getty Images

Leonor, Princess of Asturias heir to the Spanish throne made her debut. She addressed the theater in her first five minute speech at the awards ceremony which bears her title.

Her family were immensely proud.

Embed from Getty Images

This event is one of the most anticipated on the Spanish royal calendar and we are always excited to see what Queen Letizia will premier at this annual gala.

Embed from Getty Images

Tonight she opted for understated glamour and debuted a burgundy red Felipe Varela midi dress.

Queen Letizia wears burgundy red Felipe Varela chiffon midi dress for 2019 Princess of Asturias Awards.

The short sleeve chiffon dress features a high v-neckline and finely pleated waist with sequin trim.

Embed from Getty Images

Letizia teamed it with her metallic Felipe Varela clutch and burgundy LODI suede ankle strap pumps.

The highlight of the outfit were a new pair of dazzling ruby and diamond drop earrings. Each earring features two different sized oval ruby cabochons surrounded by a double row of diamonds. Their provenance is unknown.

Embed from Getty Images

Below is the full coverage of the ceremony:

FASHION FLASHBACK

Letizia has only ever trusted the Spanish couturier to outfit her for this special occasion since her first attendance in 2004. Letizia was absent in 2005 due to the impending birth of Princess Leonor. Do you have a favourite look?

2004

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

31 Comments

Wendy

21/10/2019 06:12:11 pm

Elizabeth the earrings were a wedding gift from and Arabian jeque (chief). There is a marching necklace and a ring also she has never worn.

Elizabeth (Admin)

21/10/2019 08:38:02 pm

I did not realize that! Thanks for the info Wendy!

Wendy

21/10/2019 08:43:02 pm

You're welcome, none magazine knows it, I have been told by a very wise person .

Elizabeth (Admin)

21/10/2019 08:46:46 pm

Wendy, I just asked Núria Tiburcio, who is very knowledgeable about these things, and she tells me this information is an assumption put out by the media but has never been verified.

Wendy

21/10/2019 08:52:43 pm

I have no read it in any place, most of them think they are from Queen Sofia. I have been told by one person in other foreing blog..."newsmyroyals"....this person (not the blogger, Helen) write as "Angie" nick....she knows a lot.

Elizabeth (Admin)

21/10/2019 08:58:31 pm

It may be true but without confirmation I hesitate to state that in the blog. With all due respect, I think I will leave the provenance as unknown x

Wendy

21/10/2019 09:03:57 pm

Ok, Elizabeth no problem!!

Karana

21/10/2019 10:33:26 pm

Wendy, thank you for the info about the earrings (OMG what a pair of EARRINGS!).
I did not know it.
And press here does not know either.
I have read these days a strange theory about this earrings (which I dont believe and I think they are wrong). They are saying these earring come from the Niarchos Rubies Parure of Queen Sofia (an spectacular gift Niarchos made to her in her wedding with King Juan Carlos).
According with this theory, Letizia would have removed 4 big stones and have added 2 row of diamonds...
I did not believe this from minute one. The size and the shape of the cabuchons are clearly different. And nobody in her sanity is going to destroy a piece by Van Cleef and Arpels (Sofia's set).
Therefore, I am veey happy with the explanation about the provenence you (Wendy) are sharing with us. So thank you!
Is the first time I hear about the existence of the Letizia's parure from a Jeque (and I really like to know everything I can about royal jewelery).

Wendy

21/10/2019 11:32:55 pm

Karara, Well, my source is wise but not a journalist. IT seems that it goes with a matching necklace and brooch (I said a ring before..)
You must know Juan Carlos has some Jeques frienship.

Wendy

21/10/2019 06:45:05 pm

La Niña gave a terrific speech, very confident and clear, even said some words in Enghlish, very proud!!

Simone

21/10/2019 06:47:34 pm

Elizabeth, sorry , the bag??

Elizabeth (Admin)

21/10/2019 08:38:51 pm

I mention it's the metallic one reportedly by Felipe Varela x

Simone

21/10/2019 08:44:28 pm

Sorry!! I am still asleep!! 🤔

Elizabeth (Admin)

21/10/2019 08:59:15 pm

haha, no worries xx

Karana

21/10/2019 10:40:34 pm

The outfit of the last year is my favourite one.
And it is one of my favourites ever in Letizia.
Ever. Somebody said in the previous post that it is a work of art. I think the same: it is a masterpiece.
The this year dress is ok but no more than that, in my opinion.
Of course the earrings are another thing, another level. And with that in your ears, anything you wear can take off to the sky haha

Sandy

21/10/2019 10:41:02 pm

This is an understated dress for Varela. I love the colour and the use of two different fabrics but I find the overall style matronly. I don't like the darts on the bodice as they bring unwanted attention to the bustline. The waistline is also awkward as it makes Letizia look short waisted. I would have preferred the dress 4 inches shorter but I'm not sure that would work. If Letizia wanted to wear red she has so many other more beautiful dresses to choose from but I suppose she wanted something new. The earrings are gorgeous and her one saving grace.

Milly

21/10/2019 11:19:24 pm

This dress is forgettable and nothing special. As Elizabeth says, it's an understated look. I bet Letizia wanted all the focus to be on her daughters!

Karen

21/10/2019 11:32:58 pm

This dress is all wrong. The V neck is shallow, the top of the sequins is pointy. Both point towards the same point but with different Vs. The sleeves do not hang right. It looks like they're bent towards the back or something. The colour is not exactly red yet not burgundy. The length chops off her height and you add the ankle straps from her heels - not good. The fabric look cheap somehow. This dress is a mess.

Only thing beautiful she wore are her earrings which I think is too fancy for a midi dress. For a full length gown maybe. Not for this dress. Nothing would save this dress.

Jennifer F

22/10/2019 01:26:03 am

This ensemble is very muted by last year's standards which was spectacular (minus the shoes) One of my most favourite looks of the Queens ever! Or even 2017's very striking monochrome dress, but this event was about Leonor, Princess of Asturias. I must admit that I felt slightly emotional while watching her speech, both girls are delightful. Spain must be very proud indeed! Despite this year's more understated look Letizia is resplendent. The deep red is patriotic uniting family and country, it was the perfect choice for the awards and acts as a canvas to the stunning drop earrings which dazzle against the block colour. Varela's design looks most beautiful from the side, the ruched detailing adds a richness to the gentle flow of the skirt which is harmonious against the impeccably tailored bodice. The sharp V-neck and double seam shoulders create an elegant line that follows the collar bone, bead work on the bodice stencils the contour of the ribs and waist line which subtly sparkled throughout the ceremony. Minor quibbles, I wish the top fabric and lining were the same length and swishier in body. Also, I am not sure if the third tier of beads at the hemline was necessary... I worry that it may have looked a little heavy on the delicate fabric. As I have mentioned before, I am not a fan of these Lodi shoes, the ankle straps stunt her height, but were by far the best choice from her collection. Ideally, I would have preferred a simple pointed toe, pump with a deliciously high heel in the matching ruby colour.

PS hoping Berite is okay, I've missed her thoughts on the last couple of posts.

Veerle

22/10/2019 06:13:37 pm

Hi Jennifer, I was thinking the same. What's happening to Bertie? I love her comments.

Sandy

22/10/2019 11:01:07 pm

Yes, I noticed the absence of Bertie's insightful comments that I always look forward to. Bertie, I hope you are well?

Bertie

25/10/2019 04:23:54 am

Oh hi, kind people, did you actually miss me? I'm afraid I hit a point of overwhelm following the Cambridge/Paklstan tour while matters of state went on to dominate Twitter. I prefer to take my time about coming here to catch up as I enjoy the posts so much. If I try to hurry something to write I generally get it all wrong. Am much enjoying catching all your comments too, it feels like home from home here. I was so pleased for Elizabeth to see that piece in Spanish Vanity Fair -- good times are here!!

Ava Pittman

22/10/2019 04:09:00 am

The dress is a rare miss for me, the Queen looks well groomed, the colour is lovely, but not a fan. Her shoes I love, contrasting clutch, perfect choice. The earrings on the other hand are exquisite. The richness of the ruby stone is stunning add the two layers of diamonds encasing the ruby, superb. The double setting takes the finished look to a whole new level. I don't have a favourite look, too many gorgeous styles to choose from. The girls looked appropriately dressed, loved what they wore. The speech the Princess gave was outstanding. Her family looked so proud.

Felicia

22/10/2019 06:00:20 am

Thank you for sharing the past looks for her events. I do wonder if they weather has changed there over the years, as her outfits have gone from full coats to sleeveless and cap sleeves in recent years.

Wendy

22/10/2019 07:01:17 pm

The weather in Asturias in Autumn is very chageable not very chilly, but it is the North of Spain, the green Spain ( a mixtute between Ireland and Switzerland)...and called "orbayo" in Asturias, "xirimiri" in the Basque Country...is very usual.....a light rain...wind....all of a sudden southern wind hotter....more rain...
Letizia is from Asturias, she must know it well.
Leonor said in her speech "I have Asturian blood".....they even speak another language called Bable.
In the North West of Spain they are Celtic descendants, they play the bagpipes....in Galicia , galego language is spoken and in Asturias as I said before, Bable. It was the place where The Reconquest began....
Then in the North East we have the Basques who have the oldest language in the world..., Euskera.

Spain is different!!😋

Felcia

23/10/2019 03:32:18 am

Thank you for such an indepth reply. I think visiting Spain should be on my bucket list in the future. Sounds lovely and I did not know there were many different cultures in Spain.

Asya

22/10/2019 01:06:06 pm

I love this dress! It is fitted and glamorous. The earrings match perfectly. I only wish it were full-length as I am tired of midi styles...

Stephanie

23/10/2019 03:05:11 pm

Although this is a very important occasion for Spain and its royal family, it seems like a family event when you watch the video with Leonor, Princess of Asturias addressing the audience. Her parents look so proud of their daughter when she is talking and she is very sincere when she brings in the reference to her grandmother, Queen Sofia. WIth her younger sister, Infanta Sofia, seemingly looking on with encouragement and a warm embrace at the end, this royal family seems to have secured its position in Spain's future.

Letizia's outfit has been chosen to be appropriate for the occasion (red for Spain) but not to overshadow her daughter's debut. The two girls look lovely as always.

Bertie

25/10/2019 04:15:41 am

Sorry to see another strange Varela, Letiizia has not returned to form with this designer in these last two looks, at least not in my book. She seems to have gone for two relatively fussy styles, compared with the usual sleek tailoring she showcases so well. The bodice looks unnatural in photos with that upward-pointing V in the enbellished waistband, and makes Letizia look top heavy coupled with the peaked shoulders. The pleated chiffon is pretty where used as in inset, but the gathering of the dress below the waist looks awkward coming out from under it. As a result neither bodice not skirt appear to set well in my view. Love the colour, it works a treat on Letizia and love the vampy Lodi pumps. Not sure about the fringed Varela clutch, I think the grey contrast was a good move, but the fringing is just a bit much detail against the relatively cluttered waist area of the dress. Earrings are splendid but a tad heavy against floaty chiffon. I'm afraid I can't seem to get on board with this outfit and wonder if I should apologise to Letizia who clearly puts care and consideration into all she wears! I still think she's the best on the planet, anyway :)

Karen

26/10/2019 12:55:28 am

Ah, see, this is why we missed your posts Bertie. :)

Bertie

26/10/2019 01:01:09 am

😊

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.

Queen Letizia keeps with tradition and premiers a new design by Felipe Varela for the Princess of Asturias Awards

Leave a Reply.

Archives