Something new from Felipe Varela on National Day

12/10/2019

The Spanish royal family attended National Day celebrations in Madrid today.

Spanish royal family attend the Fiesta Nacional de España (National Day) 2019

The patriotic commemoration marks the anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival into the Americas on 12th October 1492, also known as Columbus Day in the United States.

Spanish royal family attended National Day celebrations in Madrid 2019

King Felipe and Queen Letizia were accompanied by their daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia to preside over the traditional military parade of the Fiesta Nacional de España.

Following the parade, the royal couple hosted a reception at the Royal Palace where they had invited diplomats and Spanish dignitaries.

Embed from Getty Images

As expected, Queen Letizia premiered a new bespoke design from her go-to couturier Felipe Varela.

Embed from Getty Images

She wore a pink embroidered tulle midi dress with tonal lining. The pretty frock has a buttoned bodice and Peter Pan collar. The embriodered pattern begins with butterflies and then transistions to a honeycomb pattern along the length of the dress.

Queen Letizia wears pink Felipe Varela dress for the Fiesta Nacional de España (National Day) 2019

A look at the back of the dress.

Embed from Getty Images

On her feet, Queen Letizia wore her blush Steve Madden 'Plaza' mules.

Steve Madden 'Plaza' mules in blush suede

She offset the soft pink tones with her bubblegum pink Magrit suede clutch bag.

Queen Letizia completed the look with pink oval mabe-style earrings on loan from her mother-in-law, Queen Sofia.

Embed from Getty Images

FASHION FLASHBACK

Queen Letizia has consistently favored designs by Felipe Varela for the annual National Day celebrations. Below is a look back at her past outfits for this patriotic day since becoming queen consort in 2014.

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

36 Comments

katarzyna

13/10/2019 11:05:12 pm

Why, in your opinion, Letizia doesn't wear Felipe Varela as often as she used to?

Wendy

13/10/2019 11:40:22 pm

Because in Spain we do not like it at all...

Laura

13/10/2019 11:20:32 pm

This entire look is a miss for me. Although I can appreciate the work and the embroidery of the dress, I find it to be just too fussy and prim, rather a little girl look.The shoes are the ones with the plastic that I dislike, the purse is too vivid a pink for the delicate dress. The earrings although likely pricey, look so inexpensive. Also Letizia's hairstyle is so very severe. The two, young princesses do look very sweet.

Louise M

14/10/2019 03:35:59 am

I agree with Laura, this dress is not right for Leticia for the reasons she mentions. Perhaps if it didn’t have the collar and the frills on the arms it would be better. Having said that Leticia looks polished and elegant. The princesses do look lovely and their dresses co ordinate well.

Sandy

14/10/2019 01:18:09 am

I don't like anything about this outfit. It looks like a party dress a little girl would wear. Everything from the light pink colour, tulle, embroidery and collar look girlish. The shoes with plastic don't help at all and I find the earrings are too matchy. The hairstyle is too severe as the hair is brought up tightly against the scalp and the bun is gathered too high on the head looking matronly. I thought Letizia looked her best in 2015 because that outfit was more simple and streamlined.

Joanne

14/10/2019 02:07:11 am

I really like this look on her. The softness of the dress, and the length. I could do with a different color, and less butterflies, but overall I think it’s pretty. Love the shoes and I really like her hair today. Different and chic.

edita

14/10/2019 03:08:05 am

Wow! Nice! Feminine and delicate, I like it. I'm glad she wears Varela again and I'm glad she premiered something new and different. The only thing I would change are shoes( plastic is modern and the dress is romantic, so it is not the same vibe in my opinion) and the purse because the colour is a bit too strong.

Jennifer F

14/10/2019 03:20:20 am

After dreaming of a Felipe Varela creation for so long, I really wanted to love this dress. I was ruminating on it all of yesterday trying to gather my thoughts. There is so much that I adore but sadly it's not quite the perfection I had hoped for. I wish there had been a simple crew neckline and that the dainty buttons had cascaded down the back of the bodice, not the front. Also, that the lining had been layers of chiffon that travelled the full length of the dress and that the skirt was swishier in flight, with possibly a reduction of an inch or two. Positives, there is a magic in the purity, the cage detailing is exquisite and the soft blush is sublime against her complexion. There is a stunning photograph of her from behind where her face is in side profile, she looks like she could be wearing Dior with the full skirt, double frill cuffs and gathers at the shoulders which add a delicate structure to the silhouette. Styling, I think she looks beautiful with her hair swept back off of her face, the simple updo is a refreshing contrast to the intricate workmanship of the dress. Queen Sofia's pink oval earrings are beauties but they don't gel with the softness of the bun, I would have preferred a pair of diamond studs for a youthful touch which allowed you to focus solely on the drama of the dress. Although the Steve Madden mules work perfectly in colour, I wish she had worn something similar to the link below and dialed the femininity to the maximum. The bubblegum Magrit bag was a fun choice but I found it a little distracting from the romance of the look. I don't know what royal ladies carry in their tiny clutches but I would rather she had put a lipstick, handkerchief and some mints in King Felipe's pocket or if a handbag was necessary perhaps a tiny white enamel clutch. I would be interested to know how this look has been received in Spain?

https://www.harveynichols.com/brand/manolo-blahnik-/329922-aula-105-blush-satin-pumps/p3490241/?istCompanyId=c721e458-728e-4a28-bc83-6a1d2abf7708&istFeedId=8676b250-53e7-4523-a1d2-57bcefdf5980&istItemId=wqqapllww&istBid=tzxt&gclid=Cj0KCQjw84XtBRDWARIsAAU1aM0ylFk_4fC1RQ3bKQDdQ0d5NVeSYuzWQlwPDz8ebrG1XPvxOTZe2ZwaApWkEALw_wcB

Wendy thank you so much for the 'El Mundo' link in the previous post, which stated that Felipe Varela and his husband had flown into Madrid from Paris (their home). He's clearly very commitment to his role in dressing the Queen and being part of royal fashion history. I hope they have become good friends over the years.

Karana

14/10/2019 10:19:54 am

In Spain it has been received very badly. As very corny. And very girlish. And nothing to do with a militar parade. But here people have liked Queen Sofia's earrings. We are hoping Felipe Varela can mend this next week in Asturias because this outfit has almost tought ridiculous for many people.
I can be indulgent with the pink excess of everything and with the too matchy earrings, but I cannot forgive the plastic mules in this outfit. Nothing to do with the dress and the vibe it tries to spread. It is my opinion. And I am sad to say this because I am big fan. And I still remember the black Varela last october as one of my favourites ever

Jennifer F

14/10/2019 11:34:55 pm

Hi Karana, thank you so much for your thoughtful reply! I find it helpful to understand public opinion in Spain, so I can make more informed judgements of the fashion choices going forward. I suspected that this may have been the reaction to this ensemble. Where Varela is often criticised for overworking his designs it may have been wise for him to have shown more restraint or to have created something entirely different that would have been considered more appropriate for a military parade. Where the dress is overtly feminine it wasn't hard to predict this outcome, perhaps they thought it would sway more positively than it did being so unexpected. I'm relieved to hear that people aren't completely put off and are expecting another new FV piece at the Princess of Asturias awards. I sincerely hope they can neutralise the effect of this outfit, it would be sad for their partnership to be remembered on such a sour note after so many successful looks worn at this event.

Sandy

15/10/2019 12:55:18 am

It's interesting that Karana states the outfit was received very badly in Spain. I think it was Wendy who has said a few times that nobody cares about Letizia's clothes in Spain at all. There is a discrepancy here.

Wendy

15/10/2019 05:24:24 am

Sandy, it was the National, Hispanic day in all Latin America too Day!! The most important in the year... I meant everyday...

Wendy

14/10/2019 08:21:05 pm

Jennifer, your welcome, they are close friends before she became a Queen an she is very loyal to her friends.
Actually, Queen Sofía had a seamstress Margarita Nuez, always the same and she always used to wear a suit and the same hairdo.....I guess as Queen Elizabeth, nowadays it must be very difficult for them in all Europe..

My two cents (of Euro...lol..)...Varela sews very well....but he is a bit too much romantic....with Letizia...I bet he wants to show all his sewing in an outfit....

His web, take a look, different??

http://www.felipevarela.com/

Sandy

15/10/2019 06:47:35 am

Wendy, I took a look at Varela's website. I think he is very creative and innovative. But his designs might be a bit over the top for most people.
Most fashion designers must come up with new and different looks unfortunately they don't always look good to the average person.

Laura

15/10/2019 06:53:28 am

Actually, going on the Varela website I see many outfits that would be perfect for Letizia. Unfortunately this pink dress is not one of them.

Jennifer F

15/10/2019 07:38:16 am

Hi Wendy, I didn't know that they were friends before she became Queen, that's so interesting! I love hearing details about what she is like as a person, it makes me like her even more. As royal ladies age, I can understand why they stick to a small handful of designers whom they trust. I always have so much fun when we re-style an outfit, so I chose the below. (I hope it is okay to put all of these links)

Shortened to below the knee and three quarter length sleeves (if short sleeves would be inappropriate)
http://www.felipevarela.com/en/atelier/3183-vestido-lapiz-galon-crystal.html

Shoes ideas (most likely the blue)
https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/high-heel-pumps_cod2288607848835047.html

https://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/p/manolo-blahnik-bb-105mm-metallic-fabric-pump-prod150580123?parentId=cat50001&icid=&searchType=EndecaDrivenCat&rte=%252Fcategory.jsp%253FitemId%253Dcat50001%2526pageSize%253D120%2526No%253D0%2526refinements%253D&eItemId=prod150580123&cmCat=product

Hair up, diamond wedding earrings and no clutch

Wendy

15/10/2019 08:09:12 am

Oh!! I found the Duchess of Cambridge's one!! IMHO...this one is more beautiful......the blue one, I mean.

https://www-lecturas-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.lecturas.com/actualidad/casas-reales/reina-letizia-se-inspira-kate-middleton-su-ultimo-look_72871/amp?amp_js_v=a2&_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQCKAE%3D#aoh=15710870582299&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&_tf=De%20%251%24s&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lecturas.com%2Factualidad%2Fcasas-reales%2Freina-letizia-se-inspira-kate-middleton-su-ultimo-look_72871

Jennifer you are a genious!!

Wendy

15/10/2019 08:13:37 am

Wow!! Jennifer!! Perfect!! And for a militar parade much more properly..

Wendy

15/10/2019 05:28:52 am

When I say "in Spain"...we mean the media, the press...in Spain 46 millions of people I can't know what all of them think..,and obviously in the Basque Country and Catalonia nobody watch the National Day or the Monarchy, ....so it would be very difficult to say..

Ava Pittman

14/10/2019 05:03:22 am

Though their is a lot going on with this dress I love it. The Queen looks great. The colour is soft and feminine. The sleeves and collar are lovely. The colour choice of clutch is perfect. Never a fan of the plastic strap shoes. Earrings are a rare miss, but her hair not a fan of this up do.

Geneviève

14/10/2019 06:56:08 am

Considering that this look has multiple elements that I dislike in general, it all comes together surprisingly well. I don't usually like QL in light pink nor do I like these tiered skirts, the plastic mules, the bubblegum purse, or the '80s earrings. Somehow the shade of pink looks nice on her here and the dress appears more prim and structured than peasant and rustic. Don't get me wrong, this is not a favourite, I just don't dislike it as much as I would have expected. I actually like the hairstyle, which some might find severe and the sheer sleeves are pretty.

Karen

14/10/2019 10:28:13 am

OMG! Where do I begin? : (

The dress is just too much. It's got lace, and see thru sleeves, and different pattern lace, girly collar, buttons....everything but the kitchen sink! The bubble gum pink colour makes it even worse. It's over designed! Has this designer heard of the phrase, "less is more?" I guess not.

The earrings make the dress look even worse. They're big and overpower her ears. And, look extremely cheap!

Her hair is too tightly done into a bun. And some strands make it look too messy.

( I love the pink purse and shoes. They're wasted on this atrocious dress though. )

I hope to never see this dress and earrings on QL again. Pls!

Sandy

15/10/2019 12:57:28 am

Karen, I never want to see this dress again too. I think it's in the top 10 of worst Letizia outfits ever.

Karen

15/10/2019 11:38:44 am

Sandy:

You too? I'm not the only one. Yeah, it's atrocious.

Vickie Townsend

14/10/2019 01:17:16 pm

The little girl Peter Pan collar, which she seldom wears, is not really flattering for her age, or anyone over 12. The dress is extremely "busy" and the plastic shoes look like they cost about 29.99 US. I do like the color and a dress with a moderate amount of the butterfly embroidery would have been lovely. She outfit to me is just extremely juvenile and unflattering, although, of course, she is actually always lovely in some way or another. I personally think she looks best in tailored solid colors or sometimes the print floaty dresses. But that's just me.

Wendy

14/10/2019 06:45:07 pm

In a word..Felipe Varela.....all...an too much.....that's because in Spain they do not like it.
I like the colour, and the sleeves, and the butterflies and the skirt....but not all together.. .

Felipe and Letizia are very close friends...because of that she goes on with him....(Felipe Varela...I mean....lol....)

In Spain has been received badly by El Mundo and Diez minutos, Vogue has said it is romantic though and othes have compared it whith one the Duchess of Cambridge worn at Ascot but blue....maybe you can know better than I.

Bertie

14/10/2019 09:14:12 pm

Oh dear, this is a case of be careful what you wish for. When I hoped for a Verela return I was thinking of the more sleek,form-fitting creations. This however strikes me as more like a party dress than an outfit for a big parade and while well done is too frou-frou for my own tastes. I could cope with much of the sheer fabric, subdued embroidered pattern, and layers of gathered pink tulle, but it's the twee butterflies that finally get me. Apologies for my severity of taste!

Given how full the skirt is I also find such a tight updo looks odd and out of place, making Letizia's head smaller atop all the froth. As a consequence the lovely oval pink earrings seem too pronounced. It's all beautifully made and fitted, but just not for me.

Wendy

15/10/2019 05:47:32 am

Well....The 12 October it is the most important Day for the Spaniards....as I said before in the Basque Country and Catalonia no too much...politics....and I do not want to bore you...
We celebrate the Discovery of America and in all Latin America and some places of US is celebrated also.

Moreover, I can't speak with all Spain, I live in Madrid and I was there in the Lima square watching the parade....

When I say "in Spain" I mean the media, I do not speak with the people about Letizia's clothes.....probably Karana too....there are 46 millions of people in Spain...

It depend on what newspaper it is different...there is not consensous....

1.Carlos-García Calvo, El Mundo, hates Varela.....
2. Telva magazine....they liked it
3.Diez Minutos...."a ballerina"...they did not like it at all...
4.Vogue magazine...."romantic"...
5. Harper Bazar...."espectacular"..

So it is not true that nobody likes it......(

Wendy

15/10/2019 05:56:45 am

There you go: positves.....

https://amp-telva-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/amp.telva.com/celebrities/2019/10/12/5da19f7001a2f1ebb28b45f1.html?amp_js_v=a2&_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQCKAE%3D#aoh=15710791014351&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&_tf=De%20%251%24s&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.telva.com%2Fcelebrities%2F2019%2F10%2F12%2F5da19f7001a2f1ebb28b45f1.html

https://www-diezminutos-es.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.diezminutos.es/familia-real/monarquia-espanola/amp29446908/reina-letizia-look-hispanidad-2019/?amp_js_v=a2&_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQCKAE%3D#aoh=15710791913183&_ct=1571079198047&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&_tf=De%20%251%24s&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.diezminutos.es%2Ffamilia-real%2Fmonarquia-espanola%2Fa29446908%2Freina-letizia-look-hispanidad-2019%2F

https://www-trendencias-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.trendencias.com/moda-famosas/dona-letizia-escoge-uno-sus-looks-impresionantes-dia-hispanidad-2019/amp?amp_js_v=a2&_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQCKAE%3D#aoh=15710792595556&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&_tf=De%20%251%24s&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.trendencias.com%2Fmoda-famosas%2Fdona-letizia-escoge-uno-sus-looks-impresionantes-dia-hispanidad-2019

Negatives...El Mundo..:

https://www-elnacional-cat.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.elnacional.cat/enblau/es/casa-real/reina-letizia-vestido-desfile-12o_429269_102_amp.html?amp_js_v=a2&_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQCKAE%3D#aoh=15710793381272&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&_tf=De%20%251%24s&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.elnacional.cat%2Fenblau%2Fes%2Fcasa-real%2Freina-letizia-vestido-desfile-12o_429269_102.html

Karana

15/10/2019 08:36:22 am

Wendy, I think this ourfit has had more negative impact than others with bad critics in the last months. Of course this is my impression and of course there will always be different opinions in different newspapers and magazines, with different a priori positions.
For example, Hola is always going to praise her whatever she dresses. And Carlos G.Calvo, in El Mundo, is almost always going to put her down in every case, saying that Letizia is the worst dressed royal in the Gotta...
It is a shame for me when I see, here in Spain, that she is not loved as our Queen. Not even liked as our Queen. Maybe because her strong personality, maybe because she did not belong to the aristocrazy... she always causes more negative comments among normal people than positive. In my experience this is a fact. People dont forgive her for being the Queen of Spain. And she has a big big magnifying glass over her each moment, each movement she makes, every gesture, each word... and that glass is not friendly: is a judging one, a severe one.
It is not easy been Letizia in Spain.
Many times I think she would be much happier as a journalist...

Wendy

15/10/2019 09:40:15 am

Karana, obviosly it is very difficult to know it....Lately I only speak for myself...
Carlos G. Calvo is the new Peñafiel. Hola! is what it is...

Varela has been criticised for years...even at the first communions...

In my opinion she is weakest part of the Monarchy......and people is not accustomed to a empodered woman after Sofia....the republicans one way and tbe monarchist would have liked Tathiana of Leinchestain...(or someting...very tricky))....as Queen

In fact I am agree with you..

Laura

15/10/2019 12:07:32 pm

It makes me sad to learn that many people in Spain do not support Queen Letizia. As someone living in Canada, I view her as a lovely, gracious woman. I don't like every outfit that she wears and this pink dress is an example of one I dislike, but generally speaking, I think she is the most consistent Royal in wearing stylish, flattering and beautiful outfits. Kate, Meghan, Maxima, Mary often look great, but Letizia tops them all in my books. There is nothing wrong with a woman being empowered, it is the way of the modern world and the way of getting total equality for women. If the Spanish people do not recognize and respect her hard work, sense of duty and interest In her county and its people, then they are being ungrateful and unkind.

Wendy

15/10/2019 04:58:44 pm

Laura, I so agree with you. This country is very complicated. Sofia was not loved in the begining and was called "La Griega".
It is because she was a comnoner as Karana said. The republicans in fact like her, but they don't support the Monarchy...and the monarchist do not forgive..

I thought it was going to be a gold cage when she was married....she was very free.

And Queen Sofia does not help her, she is supporting her daughters....and do not get me started with them...

Simone

15/10/2019 06:42:31 am

This parade is even watched on TV, the mayor of Madrid invited the population to asist to the Fiesta Nacional, it is a holyday day, this year it has been Saturday though.

In Iberoamerica and US they celebrate Columbus day also. This one and the Princess of Asturias Awards is when Letizia is going to be watched....the rest of the year she can be more relaxed.

I only can speak of myself, I live in La Rioja and we watched it on tv.....my mother 78 years old loved it.....I think it is a bit too much.....I can't speak for all Spain.

Zoe link

15/10/2019 06:57:30 pm

Creatively speaking, there did seem to be a lot going on, but the idea of removing the collars and putting the little buttons at the back has merit. (Varela and CH still offer the best fit for her silhouette). It is true that the shoes do not coincide with the era that the dress represents, but with the family as a group, we can see the color palette that she was striving for. The hair worn loose or in a low but would have been either too aging or, discordant. The bun actually shows to good effect her facial contour.
The reception the dress received is predictable from each of the rags mentioned earlier. Their beliefs are set. The cries to the sky over each outfit range from silly to ridiculous. Of course there are misses, but for some columnists/bloggers (they should not be confused with journalists) these writings are aimed at a specific level of consumer.
@Laura, I agree, totally. No sense of community or shame is on display if one of your own is consistently treated poorly in front of the international community.

Wendy

15/10/2019 11:18:48 pm

It is more complicated than that....3 more girlfriends were banned., one of them attended the Norweian wedding, she was Norway....Eva Sanum...Felipe got married at 36.....Juan Carlos and Sofia are not "easy" people, the have been grown up into the royalty.....they wanted a princess....Madeleine of Sweden or Tatiana of Leinchestain, he was so tall, handsome and educated....
And more political issues.....it would be too long....

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Something new from Felipe Varela on National Day

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