Queen Letizia wears vintage for a luncheon with the President of Chile

7/9/2021

The King and Queen of Spain offered a lunch in honour of the President of the Republic of Chile, Sebastián Piñera, at La Zarzuela Palace, Madrid.

The Chilean President is currently on an official visit to Spain, and other European countries to advance economic agreements with the European Union and strengthen bilateral relations with the states he visits.

During the luncheon, King Felipe VI highlighted “Ours are companies that are very close and sensitive to each other, with a significant investment presence, and with immense potential ahead. This explains why Spain exercises, with pleasure and so much naturalness, its vocation as a bridge between the European Union and Chile, thus establishing itself as a solid ally of all initiatives that may require our support at the European level”.

Queen Letizia recovered a floral dress belonging to her mother-in-law, Queen Sofía.

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Núria Tiburcio from Vanitatis points out the Queen emeritus premiered the floral patterned dress 40 years ago during a visit to Rome in 1981.

La reina Letizia recibe al presidente de Chile con un vestido que perteneció a la reina Sofía https://t.co/Hw610NdPAU pic.twitter.com/Vs4YpJixXi
— Núria Tiburcio (@nuriatiburcio) September 7, 2021

The bodice features flutter sleeves and beaded floral motifs, which Jennifer suggests may be alliums or dandelion seed heads.

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The gently pleated skirt has the same floral pattern but is lighter on detail without the beading. The image below offers a closer look at the floral pattern on the skirt and the plisse fabric.

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Letizia highlighted her waist with a silver slim belt taken from her pink Michael Kors midi dress.

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It appears she modified her Magrit knotted vamp pumps with a rubber platform sole.

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Letizia complemented the dress with her Chanel Plume earrings.

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26 Comments

Sandy

9/9/2021 02:08:17 am

I think this dress is beautiful. The placement of two different prints and the belt make it look like a 2 piece outfit. It's very detailed with the lilac trim on the neckline and hem. It's an amazing vintage find from Queen Sofia's closet. I didn't think that Letizia and her mother-in-law got along all that well but I think this proves they have a good relationship.

Jennifer F

9/9/2021 03:43:22 am

The first photograph I saw from this event was very pixilated. I got super excited as I thought the Queen may be wearing vintage Valentino. Valentino's Spring 2013 collection had several gowns that were covered in allium-like flowers, which this pretty top reminded me of (see link). Obviously, I know that it's highly unlikely that the Queen would wear Valentino, vintage or new - but I thought the subtle similarities might be fun to point out.

https://assets.vogue.com/photos/55c650fc08298d8be21978de/master/pass/VAL_0514.1366x2048.JPG

Before I note my quibbles, the dress delivers a 'princess moment' and the Queen looks delightful! Of the four dresses Letizia has worn from Queen Sofía's collection, this is the strongest thus far. However, for me, alterations needed to be made to compliment the 'New' wearer in 2021. I dislike the print on the skirt, it looks dated and twee; and the lavender trimmings around the collar, sleeves and hemline appear juvenile. To update the dress, I would remove all of the lavender trimmings and make a new full skirt in either off-white gauzy linen, to match the fabric of the top; or possibly a lavender-grey skirt in crisp cotton or swishy lace. I appreciate that the dress may be considered a historical item and therefore can't be completely overhauled. Once again, I am saddened to see that Letizia has added another pair of platforms to a once beautiful pair of shoes.

Simone

9/9/2021 05:08:22 pm

Jennifer, highly likely, It is a Valentino, Queen Sofía wore It at a State visit un Italy, and she bought lots of Valentino dresses. Sofía was not as thifty as Letizia

Ana

9/9/2021 05:38:58 pm

https://www.revistavanityfair.es/lujo/moda/articulos/reina-sofia-vestidos-de-valentino-alta-costura-analisis/46864/amp

It is a Valentino vintage, actually Queen Sofía owns many of them as the magazine points out.

Jennifer F

9/9/2021 11:36:35 pm

Hi Simone and Ana, how interesting!
Thank you so much for sharing the article. I hope we see more pieces from Queen Sofía's stunning collection!

Zoe link

10/9/2021 03:06:46 am

@Jennifer. I agree that the skirt has reached the end of its useful life. The entire outfit made of the same pattern would have been too heavy and matronly unless it had the same silhouette as the pink dress. Agreed, that the trim needed to be removed. One wonders how many years of outfits were viewed before this one was chosen.
The top could be recycled with a pair of trousers, such as for the opening of school event the next day. The black and white dress with the bubble gum pink accessories worn for arrival in Chile I believe, would have been a good choice too.
That Valentino you showed is beautiful, and she would do it justice. If we are into alterations, she could re work the top of the black and white gown worn to Margrethe of Denmark's 75th birthday celebration for a similar effect. That seems sacrilegious however..

Simone

10/9/2021 04:20:21 pm

Zoe, you can't destroy a Valentino dress, It would be a cultural disaster. Queen's Sofía dresses have been worn by her daughters and probably by Victoria Federica, her eldest grandaughter Who is in her 20s already.

Ana

10/9/2021 04:36:33 pm

So for Margrethe It is a sacrilegious and for Queen Sofía is normal to altere a piece of art? I do not understand a thing. I wonder what Valentino would say, even I do not know is It is possible to do that.
A Valentino in peces with jeans and Bubble gum Pink shoes, sorry , what a Mess!!!

Jennifer F

11/9/2021 04:58:09 am

Hi Zoe, always great to read your thoughts! The problem for me is that Letizia's aesthetic leans towards modernity rather than twee. With alterations, this could still have been a sustainability success story for the press. The top of QSofia's dress could have been given a new lease of life, a well-paid seamstress could have made a skirt in responsibly sourced fabric and Letizia could have had a dress that was truer to her style, that could be repeated multiple times. Everyone involved could have felt proud of their contribution to fashion history. As I said above, Letizia is delightful, but the dress looks like it belongs to somebody else. If that was the desired effect, then it was achieved. Thank you for highlighting her lovely smile at the end of the video, I had previously stopped watching when they sat down. Agreed! Letizia wearing the Valentino 2013 gown with diamond studs, the 'joyas de pasar' double bracelets and a fake bob hairstyle similar to 29/11/19 would be a fashion moment to remember - we can dream. I'm surprised we haven't seen the black&white gown re-worn from QMargrethe's birthday, it's a beauty!

A quick side-note, I understand why many think the dress is best left the way it is. I very much enjoy our differing opinions and feel the comment section is richer for it :o)

Simone

11/9/2021 05:21:43 pm

Jennifer, actually the dress is not a gift, Letizia is wearing It for a while but It will be back at Sofia's wardrobe. When she passes away we could see what will happen. Many jewels and all clothes are private of her. It is something as an honoring thing, not that Sofía is giving her, her clothes.

Ana

10/9/2021 04:42:38 pm

Jennifer, there are more artículos, Queen Sofía owns thousands of "Valentinos", actually she was one of his "musas" and one of his best friends.

https://www-revistavanityfair-es.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.revistavanityfair.es/realeza/articulos/reina-sofia-vestidos-de-valentino-parte-ii-2/50355/amp?amp_js_v=a6&_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQKKAFQArABIIACAw%3D%3D#aoh=16312560133600&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&_tf=De%20%251%24s&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.revistavanityfair.es%2Frealeza%2Farticulos%2Freina-sofia-vestidos-de-valentino-parte-ii-2%2F50355

Ana

10/9/2021 04:48:30 pm

Sofía also owns Valentino bags, from his Rockstuck collection

https://www-revistavanityfair-es.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.revistavanityfair.es/lujo/moda/articulos/reina-sofia-bolso-valentino-rockstud-tachuelas/47130/amp?amp_js_v=a6&_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQKKAFQArABIIACAw%3D%3D#aoh=16312564241915&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&_tf=De%20%251%24s&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.revistavanityfair.es%2Flujo%2Fmoda%2Farticulos%2Freina-sofia-bolso-valentino-rockstud-tachuelas%2F47130

Laura

9/9/2021 07:42:13 am

Can't say that I like the contrast between the top and the bottom of this dress, as it makes the skirt look faded. I would have preferred the same pattern all over. Given that the neckline, sleeves and hem are all trimmed in a strong pink, it might have been more cohesive if Letizia had worn and same pink in the belt, and shoes. She does have bubble gum pink shoes.

Ana

9/9/2021 05:41:17 pm

I think It is purple, not bubble gum. Queen Sofía never wore "Pink", It is not a favorite of her.

Laura

12/9/2021 11:44:15 am

I guess colours show different lyon different screens. It most certainly is not lavender on my computer, but rather a hot pink. But I trust what you say, Ana.

Ava Pittman

9/9/2021 02:14:25 pm

How fabulous, that the Queen has been able to utilize this outfit, which is 40 years old, incredible. She looks great, I love this dress. Though it could be considered "Vintage" I would be hesitant to remodel or update for that reason alone. I love 'old wares" and this is no different, it has character. The faded parts of the skirt, I look at it, that its got well worn history.! Something that is not similar, or the same as someone else. Well done to the Queen for this great find. Especially considering the current climate in the world (in Australia's case the resurgence of Covid in certain States) to recycle and not be tempted to purchase a new outfit, Well done to her.

Milly

9/9/2021 02:43:57 pm

I do wish Queen Letizia will continues to wear more vintage because it shows her commitment to sustainability and it's wonderful that these beautiful dresses from Sofia's closet can be revived again!

Marta

10/9/2021 01:57:02 am

I think it is great to see a vintage piece like this, totally intact with a
timeless appeal. I think to change this dress would be to ruin it.
As usual Letizia looks amazing. I think the shoe alterations are for comfort, as standing for long periods on hard surfaces is tough on the feet.

Ana

10/9/2021 04:38:37 pm

Totally agree, changing this dress would be to ruin It, Marta.

Bertie

12/9/2021 02:58:12 am

I agree that the dress would be best left unaltered, apart from anything else it looks quite delicate and might result in disaster if it were unpicked and reconstituted. I don't have an issue with the edging, it's a touching period detail and enhances a vintage look on an otherwise surprisingly contemporary mix of graphic patterns.

Zoe link

10/9/2021 03:14:16 am

PS. The best thing she wore was seen when her mask was removed at the table, a beautiful smile.

Ana

11/9/2021 04:41:04 pm

The thing is that the dress do not belong to Letizia, she just has borrowed It, Queen Sofía has two daughters and also these ones have daughters who could want to own It. I doubt Sofía would allow to altere anything , knowing her carácter.

Bertie

12/9/2021 02:53:37 am

A charming vintage dress from Letizia's mother-in-law and a charming reminder that mixing patterns was thought of long before our current patchwork fashion trends.

The beaded flowers on the top are exquisite and look so contemporary in their muted tones and graphic styling. The restrained repeat pattern in the skirt works well with the fullness of gathered fabric where a larger print would be overpowering. I really like the sweet pink edging on neck , sleeves and hem, and the flutter sleeves style is charming.

Chanel plume earrings are a perfect tie-up with the dress pattern and the Magrit knot shoes are a nice pick. It's a shame that Letizia continues to add platform soles as they are a bit visually jarring. but perhaps they make the heels more comfortable.

Zoe link

14/9/2021 04:48:22 pm

@Jennifer. Your point that the dress was meant for someone else is well taken. If Sofia was Valentino's muse, then Letizia is definitely not the best canvas to display his artistry from decades ago. Queen Margrethe often does museum displays of her dresses. Perhaps a similar display is a better way to give these treasures the exposure they deserve.

Simone

14/9/2021 05:11:31 pm

Queen Margrethe was the Monarch and Danish, Sofía only the Queen Consort and Greek. At that time the Monarchy was in a situation to do this kind of things. I doubt that people in Spain would be very pleased knowing the lot of money she spent..back in the day there was not internet and nobody knew about her clothes..as her husband..actually that is putting the Monarchy in the edge , remember that Spain was a Republic for a time and the Monarchy was put by a dictator again. While the people were in a transition from a dictatorship to a Democrat country she was wearing Valentino, when her husband asked her for the divorce but she refused..no wonder why!!

Ana

14/9/2021 05:27:44 pm

Queen Margrethe consideres that they belong to the country, Sofía consideres they are private, so she is not going to show them. We do not even know, how many she owns.

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Queen Letizia wears vintage for a luncheon with the President of Chile

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