Queen Letizia looks fabulous in floral Matilde Cano gown for Emperor Naruhito's enthronement

22/10/2019

The King and Queen of Spain joined other royals and dignitaries from around the world today at the Imperial Palace in Toyko, Japan for the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Naruhito.

Queen Letizia wore a colorful floral print gown by Spanish designer, Matilde Cano. The brand has a strong focus on occasional wear and this gown is from the upcoming Summer 2020 collection. It's available to pre-order from €339.

Matilde Cano floral gown Summer 2020 collection

She donned a pink velvet headband by Nana Golmar. It appears to be a custom piece based off the Spanish milliner's 'Iria' model (€315).

Queen Letizia carried a new peony pink Carolina Herrera Victoria Insignia Mini bag.

La reina Letizia en Japón pic.twitter.com/CyREj5zIai
— Núria Tiburcio (@nuriatiburcio) October 22, 2019

The small bag is made from Sequoia leather, with regular grain, and detailed with the raised Insignia Seal on its flap - replicating House of Herrera's 35th anniversary bracelet and initials.

Carolina Herrera Victoria Insignia Mini bag

Her Majesty wore the stunning emerald and diamond earrings which belong to her mother-in-law Queen Sofia, and she amped up the regal glam with a diamond collet necklace once part of Queen Ena's collection.

The original necklace was a choker length and made by royal jeweler, Ansorena with 30 diamonds.

It was a wedding gift from King Alfonso XIII to his new bride Queen Victoria Eugenia (Ena).

Embed from Getty Images

During their marriage, King Alfonso would regular gift his wife with two diamonds which she would add to the necklace. So with every birthday, anniversary or birth of a child, the choker grew to the waist and was eventually worn overlapped.

Queen Ena eventually divided the necklaces into two - the larger one (as seen below on Queen Sofia) became part of the joyas de pasar.

Embed from Getty Images

Today Queen Letizia wore the shorter necklace as seen on Queen Sofia at the gala dinner offered to President Mitterand.

Letizia also wore a diamond collet bracelet which one can only assume was created using diamonds from Queen Ena's long collet necklace.

Queen Letizia wears diamond collet bracelet

Her Majesty was decorated with the Japanese Order of the Precious Crown which she was awarded during the Japanese state visit in 2017 by Emperor Akihito.

Queen Letizia wears Japanese Order of the Precious Crown which she was awarded during the Japanese state visit in 2017 by Emperor Akihito.

The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images

The Order of the Precious Crown was established in 1888 and was made exclusively for women. Below is a closer look at the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown pinned to Letizia's sash.

Japanese Order of the Precious Crown 1st class

Image Source: Japanese Cabinet Office

Credits:
I want to acknowledge the blog misjoyasreales for having such great detail on Queen Ena's diamond collet necklace.

Also, a big thanks to Núria Tiburci for feeding me all the designer details of Queen Letizia's outfit.

29 Comments

Sandy

22/10/2019 11:14:46 pm

All I can say is "Wow"! I have never seen Letizia in such a dramatic ensemble such as this outfit. I don't normally like such overwhelming floral prints but considering the ceremony is in Japan I think it is suitable for the occasion. I love the colour combination of pink and green. The two colours are superb alongside one another. The train is amazing and almost gives the dress a kimono effect. And that headdress is a great compliment and much more subdued than a hat or veil. The green belt and pink purse are perfect accessories. I must google the event to see what other foreign dignitaries were wearing.

Sandy

23/10/2019 06:42:13 am

I forgot to add that it's too bad she had to wear the yellow sash. That really clashes with the other colours.

Wendy

23/10/2019 07:49:44 pm

It is a japanese order she was given last time she was in Japan, Masako and Maxima,wear it too. The Order of the Precious Crown.

Asya

23/10/2019 12:53:41 am

An interesting choice for sure, however, for me, there is just too much going on with the headband, the earrings, necklace, sash, belt and handbag all in different colors/styles against the busy floral print. It would have been better to keep the focus on one accessory.

Merri

23/10/2019 01:39:56 am

Agree on the dress but find the yellow sash jarring. If that sash was a necessity I might have selected a different dress. The headpiece is a miss for me. Reminds me of padded headbands from the 80s.
But nonetheless the Queen always looks spectacular

Laura

23/10/2019 02:19:54 am

Well, Letizia looks like she fell into a giant basket of flowers. I don't care for this look as it totally overwhelms the Queen's petit figure. I think the biggest mistake with this outfit is that she was required to wear the yellow and red sash. It stands out like a garish beacon, as there is no yellow in the dress. Also the fact that she put the wide green belt over the sash looks inappropriate. The sash is supposed to symbolize some sort of order and surely should not be tucked under such a prominent belt. The velvet headband looks awkward. The diamonds have a major WOW factor, but even they look too big and busy with so much else going on. Sorry, I generally like Letizia's choices, but this look is so over the top, it is almost comical.

Bertie

26/10/2019 06:49:27 am

I think I agree about the diamonds being a touch oversized, I suppose they survive by being a neutral tone, but they are on the verge of being OTT against so much else. I'm not sure it might not have been better to skip the necklace, but I guess an enthronement pretty much demands serious sparkle.

Ava PIttman

23/10/2019 04:55:08 am

This gown is superb, their is a lot going on, but it is definitely a win for me. The colours are glorious, with the addition of the green belt and small pink bag, superb!The fit of the gown is flawless. The jewels take the overall look to an all new level. I found the history behind the necklace fascinating, in its original state, choker, a gorgeous piece. It certainly grew over time, it is a stunning piece.

Jennifer F

23/10/2019 06:55:15 am

I appreciate the risk that was taken here, this ensemble is striking and the colour coordination between dress and accessories is beautiful. In addition, I am sure there was a meaningful tribute to Japan in the florals, but sadly I do not like this Matilde Cano. It reminds me of the white printed Cherubina piece worn at the Order of Garter Service in June. Not in style, but the overall effect, enormous jewels faltering against a shiny, light weight dress. For such majestic stones structure was needed, in either a fitted bodice or a full length column gown, preferably in a block colour, which would have had the added bonus of being easily repeatable for grand events. I saw a close up photograph and the sleeves appeared unlined, the fit was also loose at the tops of the arms.The look book interpretation where the model is striking a pose with the dramatic train is stronger than how it translates in real life. I think this dress looks inexpensive compared to others she owns, that are impeccably tailored and don't require a waist belt to draw in the silhouette. A romantic French twist hairstyle would have been more stately than the loose curls while working elegantly with the head piece. I would have preferred this dress in it's current form with a built in waist band to taper the bodice, with the print on an overlay of chiffon or as a simple long sleeved column (same print) in crepe. The V-neck back was a lovely surprise and it's a joy to see her at this historical event.

edita

23/10/2019 08:10:10 am

I have to agree with the majority here. There is just too much different elements in this look. The dress is gorgeous, beautiful colours, but with such a statement piece, all the accessoiress shoud be as simple as possible. The yellow sash really does't go with the dress, it ruins it. The jewels are great but they should be the only addition here, and even that only because the occassion requires wearing jewels. In my opinion, with this dress, hair should be in some nice up do. Loose hair in the combination with the hairband (witch would maybe look better with some simple outfit) gives QL the look of a housewife at 50's. So...the whole look is too busy and not sophisticated enough for the occassion.

Karana

23/10/2019 08:21:19 am

For the first time QL reminds me of the Jequesa de Qatar, whose style I used to love: opulent, regal, exagerated, without fear to be in the limelight...

We have to consider where she is: the enthronement of a new emperor in Japan, the oldest empire/kingdom in the world. I mean: this only happens once in a lifetime. It's the moment for drama, for excess in jewelery and excess in luxury, diamonds, etc... It is the most important meeting of royals that almost everybody there is going to live. Here less is not more. Only more is more...

I wonder if the belt would have been more appropiate in dusty pink instead of green..
Another thing: for the use of sash, usual rules for colours and matchings don't apply. Regarding sashes, we are in a different universe, not the fashion one.
I am very glad QL finally decided to show one Collar de Chatones. The two of them are the most valuable pieces in the royal box. Almost 6 years to wear it. I hope she starts wearing them more often, even in several rows around her neck.

In Spain this outfit has received very good critics (in general terms). Don't you think so chicas??

Wendy

23/10/2019 07:58:34 pm

That's right Karana!!For the first time even "serious" papers have spoken and said it was gorgeous.
Letizia never usesq jewerlly....so all our Spanish jewerly..Bravo!!..The pattern is the conexion between Spain and,Japan, , you should know, we have a lot of things in common with the Oriental traditions....the flowers, the hand fans, the fireworks....
Spain and Japan together..

Zoe link

23/10/2019 10:53:44 am

Wow! Admittedly the print seems rather much for her tiny frame, but here again we are treated to Letizia's sense of history, and the nod she always gives to her hosts. It fits perfectly. The accessories makes one look at the entire person and takes away some of sensory overload of too many flowers. The green of her eyes, the green of the emeralds and the green of the belt pop. then the pink of the purse, the headband, and the flowers are an extra detail that stand out, but also blend in with the overall look....and then there's the daring scoop at the back. The other ladies offered the same safe styles, and were even matchy matchy (Mary, Mathilde). The sash seems to have been a requirement,(the colors were not present in any of the royal ladies' dresses) and Maxima also wore her belt over it. This lady has the confidence to be original, and the result in this case is fabulous. When they got up to leave the room, her bearing was so regal and erect, that the silk flowed behind as she walked. I am slayed!!!

Stephanie

23/10/2019 02:53:36 pm

I agree with Sandy and think this bold choice reflects the significance of the occasion being part of Emperor Naruhito's enthronement ceremonies. The colours, floral print and train look regal. We rarely see Queen Letizia in a hat and she's gone for a head hugging style when a more architectural shape would have elevated her hair and overall look. However, she looks really lovely in the video where she's talking to Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and the hat looks appropriate for her dress.

Karen

23/10/2019 06:24:43 pm

Everything but the kitchen sink.

Simone

23/10/2019 08:09:05 pm

It is not a fashion time, The King of Buthan and his spouse wore the traditional costumes. The rest wore cabbages on their head or capes as on the X century.....
Letizia brought Andalucia to Japan and it is funny that as some people have said here we have so many traditions in common....

It is a very Spanish dress which can come across as Japanesse too!

¡Ole, ole y ole!

Beata

23/10/2019 09:46:48 pm

Except for the belt, I love this look! The dress is beautiful and I can totally see why Letizia would go for this particular stylistics to honour an important ceremony in Japan. Perhaps the combination of the large emerald earrings and the necklace is a tad too much - both are gorgeous - I would propbably just go for the earrings, but that's my personal taste - emerald is my favourite precious stone. I hope Letizia will return to this brand at some point in the future.
On a different note, I have noticed recently that Letizia or her make-up artist is currently quite heavy handed with her bronzer and highlighter. There's nothing wrong or inappropriate about it, but I just think Letizia looks softer with a bit less.
As for the above mentioned offensiveness of comments, I tend to say away from social media, becase I can't be bothered with anyone's anonymous obnoxiousness. This blog is an exception and I applaud you for that Elizabeth, although I've got to say that I find any personal remarks like 'she looks like a housewife' or 'only someone 80 years old' distasteful and out of line.

Zoe link

23/10/2019 09:52:24 pm

A note about the jewelry. This lady's commitment to minimalism is well known. With the exception of the earrings, the rest are actually superfluous. Whenever I see her laden with jewelry and the biggest crown in the vault, it does not come across as her idea. It seems more like a court requirement to bring the big stuff to gatherings where the other houses, or ladies from the richest nations will bring their theirs.

Laura

24/10/2019 02:15:08 am

Here are photos of the state banquet for this occasion. Letizia looks much better at this event. The yellow sash just goes better with this evening wear, than it did with the earlier outfit. Although wearing the sash is more or less mandatory, it needs to be considered in choosing a gown. This flowered one was not a good choice, especially putting the sash under the belt. The state dinner look was much improved.

https://ca.hellomagazine.com/fashion/royal-style/gallery/2019102279486/japan-banquet-ceremony-dresses-letizia-maxima-crown-princess-victoria-tiaras/3/

Simone

24/10/2019 06:53:32 pm

Orders, not sashes have never matched with the dresses...it is another thing...Is this a new rule??

They are Honors, not fashion things, we are speaking about royalty not models.

Elena

24/10/2019 07:29:55 pm

So Maxima of the Netherlands only can wear orange, because all her Orders are in orange. I am not sure what we are talking about, really.
Royalty is that, excess, too much, eccentricity.

Zoe link

24/10/2019 12:25:29 pm

dkaren draws inspiration from Tiburcio's column which begins with headlines that are guaranteed to leave no one indifferent, and has a following that specializes in rude statements about the queen. It seems this quote was the only digestible/repeatable one. Meanwhile outside of Spain people who have studied fashion as a craft, repeatedly praise her choices, and in Spain the companies cannot believe their luck in getting international exposure. D. Sofia's time has come and gone no matter how gorgeous her looks. In this case her dresses are of a solid color and the sashes usually have some significance to each event. This particular sash was worn by all the reigning queens and no one tried to match their outfit to it. Notice that Mary's and Victoria's were different. Pictures only tell part of a story. Royalty has its own rules and norms, and it is ill advised to offer comparisons without the proper context. .
Being festooned with jewelry cannot be her idea. In fact with today's looks in Korea, the jewelry is tastefully minimal and she looks well turned out and appropriate for the both the solemn ceremony and the gala dinner. QL is not perfect, but a second look at her choices shows a clear evolution from her princess days, a willingness to add creative and stylishly modern touches to her looks, and a respect for the culture of her hosts on travels.

Anna

24/10/2019 12:51:19 pm

Royal orders have nothing to do with fashion - period. They are high honors and are gifts presented to their recipients. In fact, they’re quite likely to be called “Hono(u)rs” instead of “orders.” When one receives an honor, one receives the star of that order, typically along with its sash. While there are also forms other than sashes that may be given (ex. collars, neck ribbons and small brooch-sized affairs), sashes are most commonly worn, especially by women. When a Royal goes on a state visit to a foreign country, generally a state banquet is held and orders are worn. The visitor wears the highest order of the country being visited, or if s/he hasn’t received an order from the country, then the highest order from the visitor’s own country is worn. This is a custom and a tradition, and not to wear an order in the country that gave it to you is a breach of protocol and likely considered rather insulting to the host country. So, given that even Royal ladies rewear their evening dresses multiple times, to choose dresses based on order colors wouldn’t make sense. If HM Q Letizia chose her dress for the Japan enthronement to match the Order of the Precious Crown (yellow with red stripes), what would she do when she wanted to wear that same dress to the Netherlands with her Order of the Crown (orange with blue stripes), or to Portugal with her Order of Christ (red)? Lastly, while the direction of the order matters (whether it’s worn from right shoulder to left hip or vise-versa) and is not subject to personal choice, other wearing options are fine. Many Royal women wear sashes under belts, under or over jackets or other evening wraps, and/or touching their skin with a one shouldered dress. All of these *are* subject to personal choice and are absolutely fine.

Milly

25/10/2019 03:12:03 pm

Yes there's a lot going on in this ensemble but I love everything about it! Thanks Elizabeth for all the great information you provide and the research you do especially about the jewellery. This is why your blog is the most reputable, as recognised by Vanity Fair!

Bertie

26/10/2019 06:45:27 am

I love this dress and think it's a terrific pick for a Japanese outing, those very bright florals echo traditional prints. I think Nana Golmar has worked a great piece from some very classic features, the plain crew neck, simple long sleeves, fit-and -flair sillhouette, albeit with a dramatic train extending directly from the hem.

In many ways this might add up to something very sober but the whole is transformed by the colours in the print, especially that sharp-toned apple green. This one touch transforms the print for me from conventional or even dated, to something fresh and contemporary, and sets off the whole gown with a glamorous flair. The grounding of the print in black is a masterstoke. Love it all to bits.The crucial role of that green is underlined for me in adopting it for the plain wide belt which also helps contain the surrounding floral riot. An amazing achievement for that price level.

I love the headpiece, it seems so right with this, set in a whole different context from the usual formal, possibly stuffy, kind I've seen. The bling is just droolworthy, those diamonds!! It takes a dress with as much character as this to be able to carry them off, they are sensational, and earrings are a further wonder, the emeralds again echoing the stand-out green. The CH clutch is just darling and I'm impressed how well it all works with loose hair. A win for me!

Wendy

26/10/2019 07:13:44 pm

Bertie, you are British, right? I think that sets the difference in perception about ancient royalty, the eccentricity, the amount of jewels, fur (not nowadays).....almost a competition between them. More is more.

When they had problems with money they run a party so people could not suspect.

PS in some places was so much that ....France and Russia killed them.

Bertie

27/10/2019 10:42:01 am

Thanks Wendy, you're helping me come to terms with different national takes on royalty. From you I've come to appreciate how different Spain is, having lost its monarchy outright for a while and only now gradually trying to work out a new role. Fascinating!

Wendy

27/10/2019 07:10:41 pm

The thing is in this event they were "that" royalty. The ancient one.

kaz

9/11/2019 01:15:58 pm

queen Letizia has been respected by many Japanese and they feel bad for the queen since Kiko , a wife of Akishinomiya did unappropriate attitude towards Letizia.
Kiko is a Korean who was born and raised in Japan and had been sent to the Imperial family of Japan by black mails to Akishinomiya, cuz Kiko's father whose background is fishy and unknown has wanted to destroy the Japanese Imperial family and build up Kawashima (Kiko's maiden name) kingdom. Kiko's some kinda underground groups behind her back.
Kiko and Akishinomiya family is the most hated in the Imperial family. Most of the nation try to stop their son (who was born by illegal way and has developmental disorder in physically and intelligence) becoming the future emperor.

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Queen Letizia looks fabulous in floral Matilde Cano gown for Emperor Naruhito's enthronement

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