Queen Letizia returns to Juan Duyos for the annual meeting of the Cervantes Institute

2/10/2019

The King and Queen of Spain attended the annual meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Cervantes Institute at the Royal Palace of Aranjuez in Madrid.

King Felipe & Queen Letizia attend meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Cervantes Institute 2019

Their Majesties hosted a lunch for the patrons of the Cervantes Institute, Ibero-American ambassadors accredited in Spain and the attending authorities.

King Felipe & Queen Letizia host lunch for the Board of Trustees of the Cervantes Institute 2019

The Cervantes Institute was created in 1991 by the Spanish government. The organisation aims to promote and teach Spanish and Hispanic American culture and the Spanish language. It is named after the author Miguel de Cervantes, who is considered one of the great figures in Spanish literature.

Queen Letizia wore a bespoke ensemble by Juan Duyos. The separates include a mint blue embroidered pencil skirt and an ecru satin blouse finished with a coordinating embroidered collar and cuffs.

Queen Letizia wears Juan Duyos embriodered separates

She first debuted the Spanish designer in August 2017 at the Balearic Islands reception. On that occasion, Letizia wore a striking cocktail dress featuring an all-over floral embroidered pattern made from a manton de Manila.

Embed from Getty Images

She complemented the set with her Magrit 'Cara' clutch and bespoke knotted vamp pumps, also by the Spanish brand.

Queen Letizia wears Magrit knotted pumps

Letizia finished the look with her Karen Hallam gold plated sterling silver signature ring and simple diamond stud earrings.

33 Comments

Wendy

4/10/2019 05:27:20 pm

Ok, this time it is the same, it is a Mantón de Manila made as a skirt. This Mantón belonged to Queen Sofía and as nowadays they are not worn and they are pieces of art (handmade embridery) they decided to transfor them in an outfit and as the last time Juan Duyos has done it perfectly.

It is a ensemble women used to wear in Spain in the XX century....the skirt is called "falda tubo" (tube skirt)....the blouse is "charmeuse" satin.

She was at the Cervantes institute promoting the Spanish language (in fact called castellano, even our Constitution said it must be "castellano" because Spanish would be as saying "British language"...)....and with the Ibero-american ambassadors ( we do not say Latin-America, because Latins were the Romans, Spain at that time was the Iberian Peninsula..(Spain and Portugal).....so Iberoamérica.....not Latin America.........

Well summarizing, she dresses very traditional at these events...

Elizabeth (Admin)

4/10/2019 06:40:58 pm

I don't think the mantón was Queen Sofia's. I think some bloggers assumed is was because the pattern looks similar but when you inspect is closely is does not match: http://www.queenletiziastyle.com/blog/queen-letizia-is-cream-of-the-crop-in-floral-brocade-dress-at-the-balearic-islands-reception

Wendy

4/10/2019 06:50:19 pm

This is a Manton de Manila, they can have multiple or differents embroyderies, colors, etc...they are worn as a shawl??? The might cost 4000 euros...

http://alvaromoliner.com/historia-del-manton-de-manila/

https://www.milanuncios.com/otros-moda/manton-de-manila-antiguo-chinesco-208527038.htm

Simone

4/10/2019 07:03:51 pm

Yes, it is a Mantón de Manila, only Sofía and the Infantas Elena y Cristina owns them, if the embroidery is good they cost a fortune. Letizia ha one made by Lorenzo Caprile also:

http://www.queenletiziastyle.com/blog/queen-letizia-revives-lorenzo-caprile-separates-for-gala-dinner

This was a Mantón too.

Elizabeth (Admin)

4/10/2019 07:17:04 pm

Simone, yes I understand it is made from a Mantón de Manila which I state in the blog post above. However, I don't think it was the one worn by Queen Sofia as some suggested at the time.

Simone

4/10/2019 07:17:50 pm

It is another one obviously, we have never seen, Sofía owns many Mantones, the used to be a gift from the brands...Elena,Cristina and Letizia received as a gift in their Weddings.....it is a very traditional Spanish thing..

And as these days are not on trend, they are been made as clothing.....

Simone

4/10/2019 07:23:58 pm

Wendy

4/10/2019 07:24:54 pm

Elizabeth, it is not the same worn by Sofía in that photo....it is a Mantón Sofía had but never worn.
There must be many at the Palace and they

Simone

4/10/2019 07:46:39 pm

Sorry Elizabeth, I think I did not understand well, I do think that both mantones at that time in Mallorca were different and Letizia's was other with similar pattern. I'm afraid that nobody will find it because they have been never worn or only by former Queens

Wendy

4/10/2019 06:55:09 pm

More:

https://www-semana-es.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.semana.es/corazon/la-coleccion-de-mantones-de-manila-de-la-reina-y-las-infantas-20170814-002000227/amp/?amp_js_v=a2&_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQCKAE%3D#aoh=15701792436233&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&_tf=De%20%251%24s&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.semana.es%2Fcorazon%2Fla-coleccion-de-mantones-de-manila-de-la-reina-y-las-infantas-20170814-002000227%2F

Karen

4/10/2019 05:40:24 pm

Cuffs, collar matching the skirt is a very nice touch.

Ava Pittman

4/10/2019 07:49:40 pm

This is a beautiful outfit, very feminine and pretty. I love the colour and the detail on the collar and cuffs. The fit and length of skirt is perfect. Shoes and clutch are spot on, perfect finishing touch. The Queen looks very elegant and all class.

Sandy

4/10/2019 09:59:25 pm

I really like this outfit because it is so different and unique. The pastel colours are a welcome change for Letizia and the textured fabric of the skirt is beautiful. I love the way the designer incorporated the skirt fabric in the collar and cuffs of the blouse. But for some reason I find the skirt makes Letizia look much thinner than usual. I don't think she lost weight and light colours usually make one look bigger. I don't know why that effect is happening.

Zoe link

5/10/2019 10:02:56 pm

Duyos, while his work is fantastic is a step behind Varela in terms of fitting her body contour perfectly, ..perhaps the reason for the wrinkles. The other gorgeous manton dress was a little too close. I understand that there is also manton fabric, so this may not have been a shawl at all.

Wendy

6/10/2019 09:32:19 pm

No, there is not manton fabric, that's not exist. A mantón is a mantón...made in a place who only made them.

Elena

6/10/2019 10:06:28 pm

mantón does not mean anything, only mantón de Manila.....so this fabric has not been made for anything else...there are few people who could embroider "acu pictae"....I have one from my greatgrandmother...it is a family thing...

Laura

4/10/2019 11:29:07 pm

While I think the fabric used from a Manton de Manila is exquisite, I do not like this look. I'm not sure if the skirt is supposed to have the folds across the front, or if the skirt is so tight it bunches up that way. I also find the top to be too shiny. While the matching collar and cuffs are a nice touch, the neckline is so prim and proper. The shoes and purse coordinate well with the outfit, although I find all the excess material on the front of the clutch to be bulky and cluttered looking. All in all, this is a miss for me.

Asya

5/10/2019 04:05:27 am

This outfit is so beautiful! I love every detail! Bravo to Queen Letizia for recycling such beautifully embroidered historical items into fashionable clothing!

Bertie

6/10/2019 05:55:04 am

I'm not quite getting on board with this Juan Duyos though I think it's more than acceptable for the occasion, the ornate raised print works well in a venerable setting like this. Mostly though I'm missing the expertise and elan of Filipe Varela, and once again not at all sure why she had to give that up when it would suit an occasion like this.

I think the matching contrast collar and cuffs on the blouse are annoying me, it's too contrived a match when the top is a separate blouse, a bit down-market in some way. The cream of the blouse just seems washed out against the pale turquoise and I find the extra texture on the Magrit knot accessories unnecessary, bordering on fussy.

I'm probably going to regret saying this and change my mind after a bit more reflection, but at the moment I'm not good with it!

Jennifer F

7/10/2019 03:02:08 am

Hi Bertie, I would love to see a Felipe Varela too. Fingers crossed for something new at National Day (this coming Saturday) or at the Princess Asturias Awards. I am still in awe at the museum worthy glass bead dress worn last year 19/10/18. One of my most favourite looks of hers.

Wendy

8/10/2019 07:04:07 pm

It is funny, in Spain Varela is almost hated and has financial issues....Letizia still try to wear something....
She must have Lorenzo Caprile's dresses which were terrific....someting happened between them....

Bertie

8/10/2019 08:00:09 pm

Good to hear from you Jennifer, I missed you for a couple of posts back there. For one wobbly moment I was afraid the beaded dress you referred to could be the fringed mini dress she wore once, though I don't remember where. Checking out your reference I'm delighted to see that was indeed a stunner by Varela, though I'm not so sure about the hair. Always good to have a change in that department though :)

And thanks to Wendy for keeping us updated on the local take on Varela and the awkward position of a relatively recently reinstated monarchy.

Jennifer F

8/10/2019 10:31:17 pm

Hi Wendy, I am shocked and sorry to hear that Felipe Varela is in financial trouble. Overall, it's exciting and sensible that she showcases more designers, for a few years it felt like she overwhelmingly wore FV, but I would love to see 'one' special piece a year from him. As mentioned above I still marvel at some of his creations, the blue dress worn on 19/10/17 is another. Love/hate him I always felt that he truly wanted Letizia to feel and look beautiful in pieces he designed for her. I do appreciate that the Spanish people want their Queen to wear more modern clothing, that is a reflection of the country today and it is the people at home that she needs to keep happy. Something new from Lorenzo Caprile would be amazing!! When thinking of this designer I am always reminded of the stunning red gown worn at Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary's wedding in Denmark, with Queen Sofia's incredible diamond and ruby clips worn at the neckline (approximately a week before her own wedding I think). I hope they can and blow us away once again!
Many thanks for the Manila shawl link! I shall enjoy reading it over a cup of coffee. I hope she re-wears the Duyos so we can see it more clearly. It's unlikely, but it would be great if she could change into it pre-event, at the location, so the delicate silk didn't crease before arrival and we could see it in all it's brilliance. I'm not suggesting Letizia does this, at all, but I always find it intriguing how at big fashion events like the Met Gala in NY models arrive in vans/coaches so they can stand during the journey and their clothes don't get crushed before they are photographed.

Jennifer F

9/10/2019 09:07:13 am

Hi Bertie, I'm so pleased you liked the Varela, it's in my top 10 all time favourite looks (minus the shoes) but that list changes slightly every time I think about it :o). The hair style was definitely polarising but I loved it. I wondered if originally you thought I meant this dress 23/11/17 just where it's a mini. If so, I thought that was one of Letizia's rare misses.

Geneviève

6/10/2019 09:28:55 am

Wow again! Two outfits in a row that I adore and the shoes too. These separates are positively luxurious. Opulent! The tube/pencil style with the high waist is one of my favourite silhouettes. The blouse is fun with the cuffs and collar. I rarely comment on her shoes because I just don't like most of them but the last two pairs I like and these especially are my style. I was a little giddy when I saw this ensemble.

Marsha link

6/10/2019 11:48:50 am

I am so impressed with the repurposing of this beautiful traditional montón de manila. The resulting garment is a standout with its sumptuous fabric that all can continue to enjoy. I am disappointed that Letizia missed this opportunity to wear one of her beautiful updos, which would have been perfect with this high cut blouse and would have created a neater look overall. Very importantly, a graceful updo would have shown to advantage the details at the back of the garment. Instead, her hair looks rather disheveled and messy and detracts from the back view. If Letizia is going to insist on letting her hair grow very long, she should style it better. I suggest cutting—and maintaining— a blunt edge to her hair if she is going to wear it long. (I have made this same criticism about Melania Trump. All of Melania's fashion choices are right on—except her hair. Like Letizia, she should wear updos more often and apply a blunt edge to her cut.)

Sandy

7/10/2019 01:25:16 am

I'm glad you mentioned the hair, Marsha. The trend these days especially for celebrities to towards very long hair. Which really doesn't suit everyone. Most women look good with shoulder length hair. Very long hair is also prone to looking messy and difficult to style. I hope we see a new trend towards shorter hair.

Jennifer F

7/10/2019 02:55:34 am

I am delighted to see another creation from Juan Duyos, this is such an unexpected ensemble. The event was about the promotion of Spanish and Hispanic American culture so this look was perfectly judged. Although this is a cultural piece it feels quite fashion driven, with the striking combination of Tiffany blue and ecru which work beautifully with the heavily embroidered skirt. It's such a shame that the skirt creased badly on the car journey and that there doesn't seem to be any good photographs from this event, where the Queen is stationary and in good lighting. Mostly, I love the heavy glossy side parting, it adds a primness to the look along with the sharp collar and cuff details. Overall, I appreciate the excellent craftsmanship and how considered this look is. I would have liked a tiny bit more room in the fit of the skirt so it looked more like a column and wonder if the blouse had been fitted would the silhouette have been more balanced. I don't like the bag, it is too big and the knotted style adds bulk. The cream shoes match perfectly but I would have preferred a plain cream pump allowing the eye to focus solely on the clothing.

Wendy

8/10/2019 06:50:45 pm

Jennifer, I think it is complicated because that fabric is not to make anyting , it is silk, (back in the days from Philippines , Manila, when they were part to the Spanish Empire, they are called like that because Felipe II....Filipinas....in Spanish.....Philippines ..in English....) so "mantón de Manila", wearing it a a shawl or hanging of your arm is different. It probably tends to wrinkles and embroydery does not admit heat to be ironed....

In any case you liked history..

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manila_shawl

Macarena

7/10/2019 07:00:29 pm

It is a traditional Spanish design, so it is done like that, it is not a fashion thing...it is a traditional suit for women...obviously you have never seen it.
As we would be discussing a "kilt" must be done different.....other style.....nonsense..

Pilar

7/10/2019 07:18:04 pm

As Wendy said it is a typical attire, Duyos has not made up those cuffs and collar it is a reproduction of an early XX century women in Spain....actually not on trend these days ....

Shiny blouses were like that also, silk was expensive and only rich people could wear it...it is not a NEW creation at all...it is a reproduction.....and as Wendy said, she usually wears it at Cervantes institute.

Wendy

8/10/2019 07:18:50 pm

¡Gracias, Pilar! Congratulations in advance, on Saturday it is the Virgin of the Pilar day-Hispanidad Day-National Day........When Cristóbal Colón arrived in América...(I think you call the poor thing Christopher Columbus..or something....)

Bertie

8/10/2019 08:04:08 pm

Thank you Pilar and Wendy for your valuable insights into the heritage behind Letizia's style choice today. You've beautifully explained the touches I was having trouble with and placed them in context. I can see it all quite differently now. I really love getting input from on the ground in Spain on this blog, and so admire you for taking part in an English-speaking blog!

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Queen Letizia returns to Juan Duyos for the annual meeting of the Cervantes Institute

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