Queen Letizia premiers a Carolina Herrera Fall 2018 dress for the 2022 Princess of Asturias Awards

28/10/2022

The King and Queen of Spain accompanied by their daughters Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia, presided over the 2022 Princess of Asturias Awards ceremony held at the Campoamor Theater in Oviedo.

Upon arrival they followed the tradition of walking the blue carpet with Queen Sofia.

The Awards recognize the scientific, technical, cultural, social and humanitarian work carried out at an international level by individuals, institutions or groups of individuals or institutions. They are granted in eight categories: the Arts, Literature, Social Sciences, Communication and Humanities, Technical and Scientific Research, International Cooperation, Concord and Sports.

16-year-old Leonor, Princess of Asturias addressed the attendees during the awards ceremony which bears her title.

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

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Tonight, she opted for a black & white short-sleeve dress by Carolina Herrera. The silk dress features a long wrap-front skirt and a contrasting embellished yoke. The cocktail dress was part of the designer's Fall 2018 collection.

Carolina Herrera Fall 2018 Black & White Embellished Dress

On her feet were her Isabel Abdó 'Carrie' Slingback Pumps in Black Suede.

She accessorized with her Qatari diamond chandelier earrings which were a gift from the Emir of Qatar and his wife.

Embed from Getty Images

FASHION FLASHBACK

Up until 2019, Letizia had only ever entrusted Felipe Varela to outfit her for this special occasion since her first attendance in 2004. Below is a look back at the ensembles worn since attending as Queen consort.

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

PRINCESS LEONOR'S OUTFIT:

MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS Palm Sequined Mini Dress

Caroline Herrera kitten heel slingback pump in black croc-effect

Chanel plume earrings (borrowed from her mother)

INFANTA SOFIA'S OUTFIT:

El Corte Inglés Sequined Dress (custom)

Paco Gil Violeta Pumps in Baltic Suede

8 Comments

Jennifer F

31/10/2022 08:05:34 pm

The white collar and black tailored skirt are quintessentially Carolina Herrera. Sadly, for me, this look has several issues which, with a little more consideration, could have been easily rectified to create a fabulously chic ensemble. The outfit before us is heavy and the styling is weak. Quibbles: the dress is too long, it needs approximately 5 inches removed from the length (the runway version was shorter). The 'pleated waist detail' looked stunning during motion on the runway. Off the runway, the pleated detail does not translate well. When the Queen is stationary the pleated detail appears messy (see photographs on Getty). The design may have flowed more convincingly if the pleated detail was simplified to a soft, slightly curved wrap side-slit, running from waist to hem. Lastly, the suede slingbacks do not complement the dress. In addition, the slingbacks are not formal enough for this prestigious occasion (in the past, the slingbacks have been worn casually to walk around Fuendetodos 29/03/21). There are plenty of gorgeous low-heeled evening shoes to be found in all price ranges - a satin pair would be an investment in Letizia's working wardrobe. On a positive note, the beadwork is texturally interesting and the brilliant white highlights Letizia's face. The juxtaposition of a pearl-like collar against an austere black bustier gown should work beautifully together. Unfortunately, the execution does not live up to Herrera & Wes Gordon's vision off the runway. This may be a controversial opinion, but bring back bespoke Felipe Varela!

Interestingly, Alessandra de Osma (who is very stylish) also has this dress. The pleated waist detail and long length caused similar issues.

Sandy

1/11/2022 12:05:33 am

The top part of the dress is beautiful as the close up highlights a very intricate pattern and design. It contrasts well against the simple black silk part of the dress. However, I do prefer the dress in the shorter length for some reason.

Geneviève

2/11/2022 01:17:32 am

Good point about the length Jennifer and Sandy. I missed that. It would've looked more balanced in the shorter length. I don't mind the long skirt on its own as it reminds me of Scandinavian style but I probably would've been more accepting of the beaded top if the dress had been more like the runway vision.

Marta

1/11/2022 04:03:54 am

The family looks just beautiful in the group photo
Queen Letizia’s dress is just exquisite. The earrings really
set off the bodice of the dress. Girls lovely and Queen Sophie
Looks so elegant

Geneviève

1/11/2022 02:32:24 pm

I kept going back to try to like the yoke before posting but I can't. It feels disconnected from the dress, like a jacket that just doesn't go. Perhaps the embellishment is simply too clunky for the silk. I do like the silhouette of the skirt and the draping. The volume is original and gives an interesting shape.

Both of the daughters' dresses seem too old for them. In my opinion the palm pattern swallows Leonor and the blue sequins are too severe for Sophia.

It was such a strange sartorial line up with the queen's dress so whimsical and the daughters' dresses so austere. Perhaps you're thinking, since when are sequins austere? But that is the impression they gave me. I think I would feel differently about the dresses if their mother wore them.

Ava Pittman

2/11/2022 06:47:09 am

This is a lovely gown, and the Queen looks beautiful, but there is something about it, I don't like. I cannot put my finger on it at all! The small, heeled shoes, I am not a fan of at all, not with this gown. The diamond earrings are beautiful and a wonderful addition. I love looking back at the Fashion Flashbacks. I would have to say 2017 this glorious gown, with under petticoats, (recently these were omitted on this rewear) her up do, soft and pretty, combined with her earrings and accessories, perfect look IMO.

Geneviève

2/11/2022 12:48:16 pm

I agree, 2017 was a dream. I also really like the ombré ruffles from 2015.

Bertie

9/11/2022 09:34:08 am

Another stellar pick from Letizia for the annual awards. Carolina Herrera has once again managed to combine innovation in her ideas with a most wearable gown. The embellished white yoke is an inspired confection and sits wonderfully over the smooth silky black dress fabric with its lovely folds.

The black Isabel Abdo slingbacks are ideal and the Qatari diamonds incredible. Just perfect with the elegant updo.

Princess Leonor looks wonderful in her monochrome Micheal Kors print, nicely shaped and cleverly lengthened. I love Sofia's sophisticated sequins fro, El Corte Inglis, another classic dress shape like her sister's, but quietly upgraded with the fabric twist.

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Queen Letizia premiers a Carolina Herrera Fall 2018 dress for the 2022 Princess of Asturias Awards

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