Best Dressed of 2011--The Royal Fashion Divas!

Royal Fashion Highness:

Sheikha Mozah of Qatar: Where Does This Turban-ed Diva Belong On my "Best Dressed Royal of 2011" List? Keep Reading...

As you know, I love discussing the royals here on my blog--especially the FASHIONABLE ones. So therefore for the end of this year, here's my List of the Best Dressed Royal Ladies of 2011 as well as an "Honorable Mention Royal Diva" at the end.

Let's begin with...

Catherine Duchess of Cambridge: On Friday April 29th of this past year, Kate Middleton became Catherine Duchess of Cambridge and of course, the wife of Prince William in a fairy tale wedding. The gown was a gorgeous sight to behold; the most anticipated wedding dress since Princess Diana's grandiose David and Elizabeth Emanuel creation. Designed by Sarah Burton for the House of Alexander McQueen, it was magical and Disney Princess-like. And very Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco. Catherine is a Fashion Muse, Icon and Fashionista. Every garment she puts on is dissected like a Chemistry Class experiment. She rarely gets it wrong.

Catherine wore lots of fabulous ensembles in 2011 and for me, this Alexander McQueen lilac chiffon, crystal-waist cinched and gathered gown really stood out as one of the best. The Duchess wore it in Los Angeles to attend the BAFTA Brits To Watch Gala in the Belasco Theater. There were many many stars that night but they all were shadowed completely by Catherine.

Princess Charlene of Monaco: Another royal who makes my "Best Dressed List of 2011" was of course, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe)-born Princess Charlene Grimaldi of Monaco nee Charlene Wittstock. On July 1st, she wed the almost-confirmed bachelor-of-a-lifetime Prince Albert of Monaco. The Princess wore a custom-made Armani Prive Haute Couture off-the-shoulder gown estimated at over $100,000. The column gown really highlighted her statuesque figure and especially those amazing broad "swimmer's shoulders" of hers.

Even though New York Times Fashion Critic Cathy Horyn has called her style "flat pancake" , she has been "stepping it up" as of late. One of my favorite looks on her was this strapless fuchsia gown from the Swiss clothing brand of Akris (one of her favorites) which she wore in August to the 63rd Annual Red Cross Ball in Monte Carlo. It goes without saying that it helps that A) she's gorgeous and B) she accessorized the gown with a custom-made Van Cleef & Arpels necklace made from 88 round diamonds, 10 pear-shaped diamonds and 359 sapphires meant to look like the ocean. A gift from little ol' Albert. Must be nice to have married one of the richest royals in the WORLD!

Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned of Qatar: Sheikha Mozah is the second of three wives of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, but obviously she's the "Number One" in Fabulousness! I am obsessed with her, her style, her elegance, her turbans...all of it! As a result, she ranks as one of my Top, if not MY TOP Best Dressed Royal of 2011. Seriously, take a look at that I-just-got-off-my-First Class Flight from Qatar to Madrid GOWN she wore, as she makes an official State Visit to Spain and the Spanish Royals. It's a creme Stephane Rolland Haute Couture and the jacket is ATTACHED to the gown at the hips. Poor Queen Sofia of Spain (far right) looks like the Mother-in-Law at an afternoon wedding in Bakersfield California, compared to her!

And above (during the same State Visit to Spain in April of this past year), the Sheikha wore a Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2011 completely hand beaded tunic-cape gown with arm slits. This gown probably cost her about $100,000 if not more, which for her, was a "a drop in the (fashion) bucket". Again, she looked radiantly elegant. This woman should give a master class in how to dress. I'd attend it!

Princess Letizia of Asturias: The Crown Princess of Spain, Letizia, is one of the most-watched female young royals. The European press are constantly following her every appearance the way we follow Angelina Jolie or Kim Kardashian (sorry Letizia). If the press isn't talking about her supposed anorexia and saying "mira que flaca esta!" (look how thin she is!), they're discussing her fashion. She has classic yet modern taste in terms of her clothes and usually favors Spanish fashion designers (she kinda has to). Never too edgy, but just the right amount of style to keep us fashion watchers happy. She is the Catherine Duchess of Windsor...for Spain. Above is an example of her Classy, Lady-Like looks, which she incidentally wore to the William & Kate Royal Wedding: head-to-toe blush color, matching hat, veil, gloves, shoes, pumps and delicately embroidered dress.

Fashion "hermanas": Princess Letizia of Asturias with Queen Rania of Jordan. Above is another of my favorite Princess Letizia looks from 2011--a light plum side pleated dress with three-quarter sleeves which she wore to a State Visit to Amman Jordan with the King and Queen of Jordan. Queen Rania, also makes my list here as one of the Best Dressed Royal Women for 2011. Because 2011 was well, how shall we say, not a good year for that area of the world--and especially for the ruling class and they're showing of conspicuous consumption--Rania has tended to scale down her FABULOUS Fashion Appearances. But she did give you FASHION with a Capital "F"--on that Spanish Royal State Visit. She was very "Business Attire" but with a definite nod to being a fashionista with that front attached "scarf"/shawl collar.

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden Duchess of Västergötland: Victoria joins my list here because she has really "blossomed", fashion-wise. Not really known for her fashion sense but that has changed in the last few years, especially in the run-up to her wedding and even now through her pregnancy. She used 2011 as a "Banner Year" to show all "royal watchers" that she also, could be as stylish as those "other princesses". Above is one of her best looks from 2011: a red side draped, asymmetrical sleeved gown which she wore to the William & Kate Pre-Royal Wedding Dinner.

Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, Duchess of Alba: The Most Titled Woman on Earth, the much-beloved 85-year-old Duquesa de Alba, is a DIVA. She is one of my favorite royals! She's always loved fashion and throughout her entire life, has been a Muse for many Couturiers--from Christian Dior, Cristobal Balenciaga to Emanuel Ungaro. Her style is very eclectic, fun and yes, sometimes verging on a "kooky" Tarot Card Reader from Venice California, but always FABULOUS! This year, she got married for the third time--to "commoner" (and much younger "boy-toy") Alfonso Diez.

She wore a custom-made light pink applique Sevillana-inspired dress from her favorite Spanish fashion designers, Victorio & Lucchino. You gotta give it to her. I hope that by 85 (hopefully I get to live that long), I still have the chutzpah to dress like this! Oh, and did I mention, she broke into a flamenco dance after the wedding and it was all caught on video? LOVE HER!

Charlotte Casiraghi, fourth in line for the throne of Monaco: the second child of Caroline Princess of Hanover and Prince Albert of Monaco's niece. The 25-year-old beauty looks like a Hollywood Star (Hello! Her late grandmother was Grace Kelly!) and looks EXACTLY like her mother did in her younger years. She is also following in her mother's footsteps as a Fashion Mini-Diva (it helps that she can get 5-to-6 figure costing Haute Couture dresses from her "Best Gay Uncle" Karl Lagerfeld any time she wants!) This year, she ascended into "Fashion Heaven" during the nuptials of her uncle, Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock, where she wore this Chanel Haute Couture pink off-the-shoulder dress to the actual wedding above...

And for at the After Wedding Party, she decided to almost upstage the bride, when she appeared in this stunningly elegant Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011-2012 silk cape-gown looking like the ghost of Princess Grace. Her Grandma would be proud!

Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan: In 2011, a new royal fashion diva emerged, Jetsun Pema, the Queen of Bhutan. After her October 2011 wedding, the Hollywood Gorgeous Queen has been making several State Visits in Asia, including Japan and India with her husband, and at every stop, the fashion paparazzi has taken note of her style, grace and elegance. She has become a "Fashion Ambassador" for the tiny Himalayan kingdom, always wearing Bhutanese clothing, textiles and prints. She could easily look like a "Miss Universe Pageant Parade of Nations Costume" contestant but somehow, she doesn't; making her traditional garments look effortlessly chic. She is "one to watch" for 2012!

And Finally, My "Nick V. Royal Fashion Diva of the the Year Honorable Mention" Goes To:

Princess Beatrice of York: Princess Beatrice arguably stole the show, when she arrived in what has now become "The Most Famous Hat in The World" at William & Kate's Royal Wedding this year. When I first saw her on my TV screen in this pale pink Valentino Haute Couture coat-dress and THAT Philip Treacy chapeau, I literally yelled "You Go Girl!" I also think many, many, many other Gays around the World did the same thing--in different languages of course! This hat is as controversial as her famous Mother but there is no denying it made an impact and for that, she gets my "Honorable Mention Royal Fashion Diva of 2011". Keep it up Beatrice!

Royal Fashion Minute: Prince Albert and Charlene Monaco Wedding--The Wedding Dinner Red Carpet!

Dinner Outfit Changes...

Bienvenue Prince and Princess: Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco

As we know, there was a "certain" FAB Royal wedding over the weekend, and of course, after any wedding there has to be a BIG Party!!! So, following the glorious Religious Wedding of Prince Albert II and Charlene of Monaco, there was the even more fabulous Wedding Dinner Reception...

Is Saturday Night Available: The Opera Garnier, sight of the Prince Albert and Charlene of Monaco Wedding Dinner Party

Now, not just any "Banquet Room" would do for one of the wealthiest royals in the World, so naturally, this Wedding Dinner and Party was held at the Opera Garnier and catered by the one-and-only French Chef Alain Ducasse. Everyone who was anyone--well who was at least invited--was there! First up, of course were the Bride and the Groom.

Armani Prive Custom: Princess Charlene of Monaco

The bride, Princess Charlene changed from her gorgeous Armani Prive Custom Wedding Gown into another Armani Prive Custom white gown. This time it was silk organza high-neck and sleeveless multi-tiered dress with all-over sequin detail. Just perfect. It wasn't over the top, it was just the right side of subdued elegance and yet still, entrance-making!

The Casiraghi's: Pierre, Charlotte and Andrea Casiraghi--Princess Caroline of Hanover's oldest children. Charlotte evoked images of both her late Grandmother Princess Grace as well as Princess Antoinette (the late Prince Rainer's sister who loved caftans and capes when she attended many a Monaco Ball) in this sublime mint-blue gathered gown with dramatic cape.

The Partners: The Casiraghi children's respective girlfriends and boyfriend were present--US-born Brazilian and Colombian socialite/heiress Tatiana Santo Domingo (Andrea's girlfriend), British-Iranian playboy Alex Dellal and yet anotjher FAB Euro trust-funder, Beatrice Borromeo (Pierre's girlfriend) who hails from the aristocratic House of Borromeo.

Caroline of Hanover: Princess Caroline changed from her Chanel Haute Couture Custom rose-pink Wedding ensemble to this black lace tea-length gown and "comfortable" t-strapped heels. Inquiring Minds want to know: Where is her estranged husband, the Prince of Hanover, Ernst August? The last that was heard of him is the he took off with another woman and was never heard from since...Interesting.

Princess Stephanie: The Groom's other sister, Princess Stephanie wore a white sequined gown to the Wedding Reception. Poor Stephanie, she looks "through"! Too much of a sad life, too much partying in her early days and too much South of France sun...have all taken their toll on the Princess.

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden: Victoria, here with her husband Prince Daniel Duke of Vastergotland, wore a one-shoulder pink and gray gown with sequined waistband detail. She looked "regal"--it helped to have that CROWN!!! Wow! I can only imagine the security that had to travel with these royals to this wedding--just to be "on the watch" of the Royal Jewels! I would have liked the colors to be just a bit stronger. It looks a tad bit "matronly", or "mother-of-the-Bride".

Good Genes: Her gorgeous sister and brother, Princess Madeleine and Prince Carl-Philip of Sweden. Madeleine is one of the "Best Dressed" of the night in this strapless silver-gray organza gown with dramatic train. The choker necklace, diamond tiara and silver clutch are the perfect accessories. She seriously looks like a Finalist in the Miss Universe Pageant in this gown (and with the crown), and I mean that in a good way...

Princess Mathilde of Belgium, Duchess of Bravant: Mathilde changed from an Armani Prive Custom suit which she wore earlier in the day to the Religious Wedding Ceremony, into this GORGEOUS Armani Prive Custom $100,000 off-the-shoulder gown in fuchsia metalized silk. Now this is a GOWN! I think the directional fabrication makes this gown, otherwise it would probably look rather matronly and again--mother-of-the-bride-ish. But it doesn't! Saved by the fabric!!!

The fabrication is from the Armani Prive Spring 2011, as seen above from one of the looks from that collection that could have "inspired" Princess Mathilde's design.

Denmark Meet Belgium: Princess Mathilde's husband, Prince Philippe of Belgium (right) entered the Wedding Dinner Party with Princess Mary of Denmark. Lots of the Royal Guests were actually paired with other royals who weren't their actual partners. I love how his sash (almost) matches her pink/fuchsia one-shoulder princess-seamed gown. The gown is classic, non-fussy and of course, I LOVE the color! Ten Points my dear!

Old-School: H.R.H. Swiss-born Karim Agha Khan VI arrived at the Monaco Wedding Reception Dinner Party, with H.I.M. Empress Farah Pahlavi, who once again proved to everyone why is such a Fashion Diva. Pahlavi wore a blush-colored notched-collar "shirt-Gown" with contrast white front and sleeve cuff detail. Definition of Chic! And look at those peep-toe pumps! Seriously, she is 72 years old! She gets "Nick V. At-a-Girl" points!

Ball Gown Beauty: Maria Margarita (left), Venezuelan heiress and wife to Louis Alphonse de Bourbon, Duke of Anjou (the "Royal Social Circle" rumor is that her family has more money that he does!), looked resplendent in this Carolina Herrera strapless silver-gray gown with silk organza overlay and gold and silver sequins. She looks like an actress in a Disney "Princess Diaries" movie. Perfection.

My New Favorite Royal: Grand Duchess Maria of Russia--She may not really have a country to rule over any more, but boy does she always look FAB-u-Lous!!! Her Imperial Highness LOVES her prints and she didn't disappoint in this violet-colored caftan-gown. Her crown looks very similar to the Kokoshnik she wore to the Religious Wedding earlier in the day.

Supermodel Naomi Campbell changed from one gown...to another, for the Wedding Dinner Party. She wore an ivory silk gown with crystal and emerald jeweled sequined details. Of course, she is WORKING IT OVERTIME!!! This isn't Naomi's "First Time at The Rodeo" as we all know. She even took off the feathered shrug-coat...

So the photographers can get to see hers sans the coat! At-a-Girl!

The gown is from Givenchy Fall 2009 Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci. It looks as if in the original Runway Look, the front and sides were covered with skin-colored mesh but of course, for Miss Naomi, they were removed.

Congratulations to Prince Albert of Monaco and his bride, Princess Charlene--And thank you for all the FAB Couture Fashion!!!

Prince Albert and Charlene of Monaco Royal Wedding: The Royal Guest's Red Carpet!!!

Monaco COUTURE Red Carpet...

The Family...

Niece of the groom, the model-stunning Charlotte Casiraghi (seen above with her beau, Alex Dellal)--For the wedding, Charlotte wore a rose pink silk taffeta off-the-shoulder dress featuring crystal center front buttons and black satin "bow" sashes from...

Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2011

Princess Stephanie and her children, including Luis, Pauline and Camille (left to right)--Pauline wore...

Chanel Pret-a-Porter Spring 2011 blue tweed boucle with feathered hem. Pauline added a skinny belt to accent her teeny waist. By the way, I just wonder if Pauline can get to wear a $20,000 Chanel dress at only 17 years old...it's safe to assume she'll NEVER touch Zara or H&M now!

Princess Caroline of Hanover and her daughter Alexandra--Princess Caroline, a strong devotee and client of the House of Chanel (as well as very good friend of Karl Lagerfeld's), wore a rose pink drop-waist dress with sequined silk chiffon jacket from Chanel Haute Couture Custom. Naturally.

Euro Royals...

Denmark: Crown Princess Mary and Prince Frederik of Denmark--I absolutely LOVE the turquoise blue color of this front-wait tied dress on Australian-born Crown Princess Mary of Denmark. The hat is FAB-u-Lous as well!!! Ten "Nick V Fashion Pints" my dear! Well done.

Norway: Princess Mette-Marit and Prince Haakon of Norway--Princess Matte-Marit's drabby blush-colored dress is not one of my favorites I must admit. It just blends in with the rest of her--it's just too close to her own skin coloring. She should have opted from a bolder stronger color. It's a "Monaco Yawn" for me...

England: Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Sophie, Countess of Wessex--The Countess looks nice. But that's all I can say, really. As elegant as she can dress for events such as this, there's still something about some of the British royals (and sub-royals) that well, do not come quite close to the Princess Caroline's of the World. Somehow, they missed the "I-was-born-with-a-silver-Couture-spoon-in-my-mouth" part. However...

England: Prince and Princess Michael of Kent--This is one exception to the British Royal Family (along with Prince William and new Fashion Goddess Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge). These two are always IMPECCABLE!! And naturally so. While I have a feeling Countess Sophie would rather be in jeans and sandals, I think the Prince and Princess Michael of Kent are thoroughly comfortable in "Adult Dress Up" clothes. The Princess is the definition of class in her jewel-blue silk shantung suit with THE MOST fabulous of sleeves (and boy! Is that a Necklace, kids!). And the Prince, well, just look at him! Tailored Perfection!

Sweden: HM Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden and Queen Silvia of Sweden--Queen Silvia chose a lilac-colored mini-side gathered dress with matching colored hat. She looks like a Queen should look. And once again, King Carl Gustaf forgot how to smile...

Sweden: H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Prince Daniel, Duke of Vatergotland--The King and Queen of Sweden's daughter, Crown Princess Victoria is becoming quite the fashionista of Scandinavia and we see why here. I like the entire look; the sequined cap-sleeved dress is rich, impressive and still young-looking. And the matching chignon "snood" covering her hair bun is GENIUS! She gets another one of my "Nick V Royal Ten Points"...Now, her husband, once again, still looks like a Computer Analyst who was forced to put on a Morning Suit...because his wife told him so! Poor thang...

The Netherlands: Princess Maxima of the Netherlands and Willem-Alexander Prince of Orange and heir to the Dutch throne--Argentinian-born Maxima chose a bright stand-out color for the Monaco Wedding in this orange-yellow diagonally pleated dress with a raw-cut oversized flower detail at the shoulder. I'm sure the color was no accident sine in fact, it goes perfectly with her husband's sash.

Luxembourg: Cuban-born Maria Teresa Grand Duchess of Luxembourg and Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg--Maria Teresa chose a nude side gathered crepe dress and stunning sequined cropped jacket. She does look much better than what she wore to the "William and Kate" wedding--yet still, she is having some wrinkling issues...

Belgium: Italian-born H.R.H. Queen Paola of Belgium and King Albert II of Belgium--The Queen is wearing Armani Prive Custom hand-beaded degrade cocktail dress, and taupe jacket with sequined edge trim.

Belgium: Princess Mathilde Duchess of Brabant and Prince Philippe Duke of Brabant--He is the eldest son of the King and Queen of Belgium (previous photo). Princess Mathilde is also wearing Armani Prive Custom, a violet princess-seamed sheath dress with attached capelet...

Inspired from this Armani Prive Spring 2011 look above. The Princess, of course, had it customized to her specific design standards and choosing. That's what one can do when A) You're a Princess, and B) Can afford a $40,000 Couture Suit.

Italy: Emanuele Filiberto, Prince of Venice and Piedmont, heir of Vittorio Emanuele Prince of Naples, and his wife French actress Clotilde Courau--Love her bright coral organza ruffle accented sheath dress by Giambattista Valli.

France: Madrid-born H.R.H. Louis Alphonse de Bourbon, Duke of Anjou and claimant to the French throne and his Venezuelan-born wife Maria Margarita Vargas Santaella...

Who wore a design from fellow Venezuelan-born American designer Carolina Herrera and her Pre-Fall 2011 Collection.

Russia: H.I.H.Grand Duchess Maria of Russia--DIVA with a Capital "D"--I absolutely LOVE this woman!!! Babushka Who???? Nope, not so much. She looks IMPERIAL in this flower-printed caftan-and-dress ensemble with a matching Kokoshnik (headdress). Something tells me I would find Maria, the Grand Duchess, at the Vodka Bar, having a gay old time!!!

Persia/Iran: Her Imperial Majesty Empress Farah Pahlavi--always one of the Best Dressed women in the World, impeccable style, refined elegance, as seen here in this lemon suit with satin piping and box-pleated skirt. The Turban-scarf is so Sheikha Mozah of Qatar by the way!

Morocco: Rome-born Princess Lalla Meryem, the eldest daughter and child of the late King Hassan II if Morocco and her daughter Princess Lalla Soukaina--both went the "traditional Moroccan dress" route wearing stunning takchita. The mother's (left) is of course, the most elaborate of the two while the daughter's is more "subdued" and understated.

Thailand: Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana of Thailand--looking beautiful and very chic in a traditional Thai dress--albeit, a very COUTURE version of one. Here's some DISH: After the divorce of her mother, she moved to United Kingdom with her mother and siblings. However, she later was taken by her father from England and brought back to Thailand. Besides the fact that she comes from one of the wealthiest Royal Houses in the World, she also studied Fashion and Textile and is an aspiring fashion designer and has shown collections in Bangkok and Paris fashion weeks.

Stay tuned for Fashion "Royals" at the Prince Albert and Charlene Royal Wedding in the next post...