Category: Japan

Hofdame Bits and Bobs
Belgium · Britain · Japan · Netherlands

Hofdame Bits and Bobs

The HandbagLeave a comment

It’s Prinsjesdag week! We will have two Prinsjesdag posts: today we’ll ask the community to post their favorite Prinsjesdag dresses from the past (worn by Max, Oma or the royal of your choice). On Tuesday we’ll follow the action with an open post. We hope everyone jumps in with their favorite comments and photos of the ongoing action. Next week we’ll return to weddings on Tuesdays.

This weeks Hall of Fame vote will be Grand Duchess Stephanie – Evening division. We think you’ll be surprised when you review some of her evening looks. We sure were. The woman has worn some things that just announce “Grand Duchess.”

Working

Look who we found! Princess (always Queen Oma to us) Beatrix attended the Zwaluwen Youth Action event, an initiative to help young athletes to raise money for their peers with muscular diseases. Holy bows, Oma ; ).

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Queen Mathilde attended the Global Summit for Vaccination in Brussels, wearing an ensemble by by Dries Van Noten. I like the color and wish for a bit more shape, somewhere.

I know I keep returning to her tour to Canada, but she’s just so darn engaging. Princess Takamado (Hisako) wore an unusual for Japanese royalty floral dress during her recent visit to Edmonton, Alberta.

The Duchess of Sussex is returning from maternity leave. Last week she debuted her capsule wardrobe collection. Sussex Royal released some photos of thrilled clients trying on some of the pieces.

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Last month, The Duchess of Sussex surprised Smart Works clients during the capsule collection shoot in west London…Today, The Duchess, alongside @SmartWorksCharity – in partnership with @InsideJigsaw, @JohnLewisandPartners, @MarksandSpencer and @MishaNonoo – are incredibly proud to reveal to everyone, #TheSmartSet – a five piece capsule collection that will equip the Smart Works clients with the classic wardrobe pieces to help them feel confident as they mobilise back into the work space. • “Since moving to the UK, it has been deeply important to me to meet with communities and organisations on the ground doing meaningful work and to try to do whatever I can to help them amplify their impact. It was just last September that we launched the ‘Together’ cookbook with the women of the Hubb Kitchen in Grenfell. Today, a year later, I am excited to celebrate the launch of another initiative of women supporting women, and communities working together for the greater good. Thank you to the four brands who came together in supporting Smart Works on this special project – placing purpose over profit and community over competition. In convening several companies rather than one, we’ve demonstrated how we can work collectively to empower each other – another layer to this communal success story, that I am so proud to be a part of” – The Duchess of Sussex The collection – which features a shirt, trousers, blazer, dress and tote bag – will be on sale for two weeks starting today, with the objective of selling enough units to give Smart Works the essentials they need to help dress clients for the coming year! For every item bought during the sale of the collection, one will be donated to Smart Works, this 1:1 model allows customers to directly support the Smart Works women by playing a part in their success story – how they look and more importantly, how they feel. Photo © @JennyZarins

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This and That

The trio of Prince Harry, Queen Letizia and Prince Daniel celebrated their shared birthdays on September 15th. Quick – who is 47? Who is 35? Who is 46? Daniel, of course, was born on the day Carl Gustaf became King. If you ever have to make up a royal trivia game, that day is full of fodder.

If you want to hire out some fantastic replicas of the British Crown Jewels – among various other things – LiL found this for us. Dare I say some of these are an improvement over the genuine article? Or you could call on this company. If you click the link you will see an excellent replica of the Vladimir.

What did I miss?

Hofdame Bits and Bobs
Belgium · Japan

Hofdame Bits and Bobs

The HandbagLeave a comment

Handbaggers, it’s either feast or famine in Bits and Bobs and we are definitely feasting this week. Let’s not waste any time…

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Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako get top billing because they attended an event close to my heart: a national meeting for the promotion of healthy oceans and an exhibition and reception for sea enrichment. Masako is just firing on all cylinders these days – Empressing suits her.

Princess Takamado (Hisako) continues her sunny tour of Canada; stopping here in Mississauga while sporting a jaunty peach ensemble.

Mathilde visited the Biennale Arte Venice 2019, and I love this soft green hat and overall flowing ensemble from Natan.

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And, why, yes, she is channeling her Benelux Queen sister, Max, again. One day we’ll have to do an entire post on these twin ensembles. Royal Hats has the scoop on the hats here!

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#stylecheck Queen Maxima & Queen Mathilde wearing almost the same dress😍 Which look do you prefer? Please remember to evaluate the outfit not the person. [This was spotted by me & the edit is made by me too,please give credit if you use it!] #royalstylewatch #royalfashion #queenmaxima #queenmathilde (Der “Stylecheck” ist eine Reihe auf meiner Seite die euch vermutlich schon aufgefallen ist. Dort poste ich Royals die sehr ähnliche oder sogar gleich Looks tragen, zum Teil auch Royals und Stars. Dabei liegt der Fokus auf der Mode und nicht auf den Personen. Ich bitte euch wirklich, stets für das Outfit zu stimmen was euch stiltechnisch besser gefällt, abgesehen davon ob ihr die Person total mögt oder auch nicht. Auch ich bewerte hier stets den Stil.)

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Victoria stepped out smartly in this repeat Rodebjer pink suit with a blouse by the same manufacturer. I love the zhuzzed up earrings.

Leisure

The Brits are grabbing some last minute leisure time before the autumn duties close in. The Queen made an appearance at the Braemer Games with the delightful Autumn Philips, both in fabulous hats. Peter, Charles and Cams were also there, but Autumn is just pulling me in here. Megan came back to her home country to see her friend Serena Williams play, and I can honestly say I covet her J. Crew cardigan and dress, but have no event at which to wear them, alas.

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Embed from Getty Images

Handbag Announcement

We are mourning the last of the ROYGBIV posts, but we want to keep the audience participation generated by those posts alive while OC and her typing fingers take a break! Starting this Thursday and continuing as long as we can make it last, we are introducing the Hofdame Hall of Fame.

A hofdame will choose a royal and what they consider that royals best ensemble. We will indicate the category, which will be either day or evening. We will take into consideration the entire look, which includes accessories – tiaras, too, if applicable.

We understand that our commenters may feel very differently, and may even completely disagree with our choice. We invite you please post your own nomination for that royal’s best look in the comments. The top two ensembles will appear in the Hofdame Hall of Fame; one from us, one from the crowd.

Our first Hall of Fame nominee is Crown Princess Victoria, in her best evening ensemble. Start thinking about your nomination now, and we’ll see everyone on Thursday to battle it out.

So, it was a busy back to work week. What did I miss here?

ROYGBIV–Floral jewelry
Albania · Britain · Denmark · Japan · Monaco · Netherlands · Spain · Sweden · Tiaras

ROYGBIV–Floral jewelry

OrangeChiaLeave a comment

A big hello to the community as we land here on Thursday and another extended ROYGBIV category–Floral jewelry! Get a cup of tea or coffee and relive our fun times with Red jewels, Orange jewels, Yellow jewels, Green jewels, Blue jewels, Purple jewels, Pink jewels, and Black-White-Black & White jewels. It’s been a fun series to write and I hope you’ve enjoyed all the categories we’ve explored. On with the show!

Japan

The Imperial Chrysanthemum is a hefty piece, and is only worn by the Empress. I love that the symbol of the entire monarchy is encapsulated in a sparkly piece of jewelry worn only by the leading lady.

Pinterest

Denmark

Mary’s arrangement with Ole Lynggaard means she has exclusive use of the Midnight Tiara. It’s not to everyone’s taste (though it certainly delights me!) but there is no doubt a floral motif was created here and it inspired the brand’s Leaves collection.

A sweet and historical gift from her dear mother Ingrid, Daisy’s daisy brooch delights each time it appears. Just look at the Queen’s wedding ensemble here–my favorite royal wedding gown EVER, historical veil, the Khedive tradition and her mom’s brooch. If you’ll pardon the phrase, this brooch has really grown on me over the years.

Britain

I love me some pinecones, but in the original version where the round piece is centered. You can’t beat the stones in this piece, but I think the design really suffered when Anne had it shortened.

Betty’s Australian (HOW did I do that?!?) New Zealand Fern is fabulous–both delicate and sturdy at the same time. It goes anywhere with anything.

Betty gets two entries today, because She Is Deserving. The Maple Leaf Brooch has been shared around the family quite a bit. It has presence and is simply pretty at the same time. Be sure to scroll through the pages of the Instagram post for great individual portraits.

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The Maple Leaf Brooch 🍁 This diamond brooch in the shape of Canada's instantly recognizable maple leaf was given to Queen Elizabeth, the future Queen Mother, by her husband George VI in advance of their wildly successful Canadian tour in 1939.The sizeable gem was a particular favorite during the war years, when she'd even perch it jauntily on her hat from time to time. She kept it until the end of her life, when it passed to the current Queen like the rest of her jewels. We now see it pop up in Canada and at Canada-centric activities.The Windsors are not generally a family that does a lot of jewel sharing, which makes this brooch an interesting case. Queen Elizabeth first wore it in 1951, when her mother lent it to her for her first tour of Canada alongside her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, and she's now carried that tradition forward. She loaned the brooch to the Duchess of Cornwall for her first tour of Canada with the Prince of Wales in 2009, and Camilla wore it several times during the trip.The Queen did the same thing in 2011, lending it to the Duchess of Cambridge for her first Canadian visit with her husband and also in 2016. #queenelizabeth #katemiddleton #duchessofcambridge #royals #princewilliam #dukeofcambridge #windsor #westminster #royals #royalfamily #duchessofcornwall #queenmother #brooch #royaljewels #england #kensingtonpalace #buckinghampalace #greatbritain #frogmorehouse #britishroyals #britishmonarchy #followme #followback #tagsforlikesapp #tagstagramers

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Friends, indulge me, please on my very last ROYGBIV jewelry post, would you? I don’t usually post items that are not identifiably royal in nature, whether that be current or historical use. But, I am IN LOVE with this acorn tiara and really want Billy to buy it for Queen Cathy, when their time comes. I’ve chatted about it for years, but what a way to harken back to her Middleton coat of arms in a tiara fit for a queen. She’s even got matching earrings already. Sigh.

Spain

The royal ladies of Spain have a beautiful floral tiara at their disposal, and I look forward to seeing it on Leonor’s head in the coming years. Editor’s note: This particular Instagram link was displaying at huge sizes for some, so a screenshot is now displayed with a link to check out the fantastic photos. Click through the pages of the Instagram post!

Germany

This charming piece was worn by a Swedish princess to marry into the Hohenzollern family. I think it has real possibilities and I’d love to see it fanned out in the current style.

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We’re looking at the Hohenzollern Clover Coronet! It’s a beautiful Family heirloom worn by many a Hohenzollern bride featuring 4 diamond clovers which connect via a diamond base and arches to make a full circlet or coronet. . This bride pictured is HRH Princess Birgitta of Sweden who married into the family via Prince Johann Georg in 1961. She wore this for her German wedding service. I really like it on her! . They remained married until his death in 2016 although they had been openly separated for several years but still attended family events such as weddings together. . Although she may have spent much too much time in the sun in her years, was she not a gorgeous bride? Incidentally her sister Princess Désirée borrowed the dress for her wedding too a few years later ☺️ . . . #swedishroyals #hohenzollern #royalsofeurope #germanroyalty #jewel #jewellery #jewelry #jewelryblog #jewelleryblog #gemsanddiadems #tiara #crown #diadem #diamond #diamondtiara #royal #royalfamily #europeanroyalty #britishroyalfamily #crownjewels #royaljewels #coronet #clover #weddingtiara #wedding #gems #gemstones

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Russia

This very tall piece speaks to me each time I see it. Large, but airy. Full of symbolism. Sparkly.

Sweden

Not. One. Diamond. Amazeballs.

Found in a cupboard. Not kidding.

Monaco

Charlene wore these lovely diamond flowers on her wedding day, on loan from Caroline. I’d really like to see them make another appearance, on anyone. Ever. In my lifetime, please.

Netherlands

I beg forgiveness again as I present a repeat! You simply cannot beat the Dutch Laurel Wreath tiara. Magnificent.

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In ancient Greece, victorious athletes were crowned with wreaths of laurel leaves. Laurel wreaths have been Western cultural symbols of victory for centuries since, so it shouldn't be surprising that the wealthy and powerful have often commissioned their own diamond versions of laurel wreaths. The style is still so associated with ancient Greece that, in French, these tiaras are often called bandeaux à la grecque.The laurel wreath tiara is one of the oldest pieces in the Dutch collection, but there are two competing theories about its arrival in the family’s vaults. One posits that the tiara originally belonged to Princess Louise of Orange-Nassau, the sister of King Willem I of the Netherlands. The other theory suggests that the tiara was made in the early nineteenth century but purchased by the Dutch royals much later. According to this narrative of the tiara's history, it was acquired in the 1950s by Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard and given to Princess Beatrix to celebrate her eighteenth birthday. Whether it was newly purchased or dug out of the depths of the family’s collection, Beatrix did indeed receive the tiara as a birthday gift, and she wore it regularly as a young princess. She also shared the tiara with two of her sisters, Princess Margriet and Princess Christina.In recent years, however, the focus has been on the Dutch brides who have worn the tiara. Laurentien Brinkhorst wore the diadem at her wedding to Beatrix’s son, Prince Constantijn, in 2001. And Princess Irene's daughter, Princess Carolina of Bourbon-Parma, wore it at her 2012 wedding to Albert Brenninkmeijer. #dutchroyaljewels #tiara #diadem #diamonds #diamond #wreaths #leaves #greekstyle #bandeaux #dutch #royals #foundation #vault #historical #jewels #jewelry #queen #queenmaxima #beatrix

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Who doesn’t need a giant convertible piece of jewelry for all occasions? This aigrette is ready for duty.

Albania

Now, you didn’t think I’d get through all of these posts without the GOAT, did you? Here it is in all it’s glory. It’s got the goat, yes. But it also has some lovely floral elements that help to soften the fact a medium sized milkable mammal is in the top spot.

And with that, I bid you a fond adieu from ROYGBIV-land. I hope you have enjoyed yourself and please show me your favorite floral pieces in the comments below!

Hofdame Bits and Bobs
Britain · Denmark · Japan · Jordan

Hofdame Bits and Bobs

The HandbagLeave a comment

It is Labor Day in the United States, so many of our readers are off and enjoying not laboring. The royals, however, are not pausing. Let’s jump in.

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Queen Rania turned 49 last week and sent out a lovely message to the people of Jordan.

Surprise! Daisy, on vacation, is still working. She attended the opening gala of the 2019 Aarhus Festival, and I am firmly averting my eyes from her shawl. She also unveiled  a statue of Bernhard Arp Sindberg at Memorial Park in Aarhus, wearing a lovely hat with a brim. 

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako hosted African leaders who attended the Tokyo International Conference on African Development to a tea party at the Imperial Palace. Unfortunately we don’t have access to the photos of the gorgeous kimonos and national dress on display, but you can see them here and here.

But we do have a glimpse of Princess Hisako in Vancouver and her red and white is giving me life.

Playing

The York women attended the”star-studded” wedding of Ellie Goulding and sported three very different looks. I love Eugenie’s Peter Pilotto floral dress, find Sarah’s solid dress flattering, albeit a bit tight, and the jury is way out on Beatrices goth-inspired “The Vampire’s Wife” dress. A bit much for a daytime wedding, but one thing I will say is that designer is never dull.

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Bagger takes on the Blogosphere

If you haven’t been over to Royal Hats lately, head over and check out their guest posts on men’s millinery, it’s fascinating. You can’t say they ignore the men there!

She’s played three English Queens – that I am aware of – and now honorary Queen Dame Helen Mirren is taking on Catherine the Great. More information on the release of the movie over at History of Royal Women.

Not a blog, but an old school publication. It’s behind a paywall, but if you are lucky enough to be a subscriber to the Telegraph, Lord Snowdon talks about antiques, and selling the Politimore. It wasn’t an easy decision, but the Snowdons realized they weren’t going to live that kind of life.

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Bits and Bobs Hofdame Bits and Bobs
Bhutan · Britain · Denmark · Japan · Sweden

Hofdame Bits and Bobs

The HandbagLeave a comment

A major summer storm blew out my electricity for two days so this Bits and Bobs may be Bit -tier than usual. Onward!

Vacationing

I suppose that Daisy considers her whirlwind of activity a vacation, but it’s hardly disappearing from the world. They have caught her relaxing here, and I want a better glimpse of that watercolor.

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Sommerhilsen fra Château de Cayx, hvor Hendes Majestæt Dronningen opholder sig i disse uger. I år er det 45 år siden, at Majestæten og Prins Henrik købte det franske vinslot. Købet kom i stand under et sommerophold i Prinsens barndomshjem Le Cayrou i 1974, da Regentparret hørte, at slottet var sat til salg. Kort tid efter kunne Dronningen og Prinsen kalde sig for slotsejere i Frankrig. Med en beliggenhed på blot 15 kilometer fra Prins Henriks barndomshjem har Château de Cayx en helt særlig placering, og om købet af slottet har Prins Henrik i en bog fra 2004 sagt, at ”i løbet af meget kort tid var vi derfor blevet de lykkelige ejere af et smukt lille vinslot i et af Frankrigs skønneste områder, tæt på min familie.” Gennem årene har Château de Cayx været den kongelige families base i Frankrig. I Prins Henriks levetid tilbragte Dronningen og Prinsen flere uger på det franske vinslot hver sommer, og denne tradition har Hendes Majestæt fortsat efter Prins Henriks død. 📸 Jacob Jørgensen, Kongehuset ©

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Working

Talk about working, Bhutan has been hopping. Both a visit from the Indian Prime Minister and a private, official visit from Prince Akishino, Princess Kiko and Prince Hisahito began last week. Because there can never ever be enough Bhutan, we’ll put all the photos here. Kiko had a great arrival suit, which you can view more closely at New My Royals.

Fabric swooning.

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19 August 2019: His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen granted an Audience to Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino and Prince Hisahito of Japan at the Golden Throne Room of the Tashichhodzong this morning. The Imperial Family were escorted in a ceremonial Chipdrel procession to the Dzong. Following the Audience, the Japanese Imperial Family were invited to lunch at the Lingkana Palace. The Imperial Family arrived in Bhutan on Saturday for a private visit on the invitation of His Majesty The King. #KingJigmeKhesar #KingofBhutan #QueenJetsunPema #QueenofBhutan #PrinceJigmeNamgyel #Bhutan #CrownPrinceAkishino #CrownPrincessAkishino #PrinceHisahito #Japan

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The heirs have a play date.

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19 August 2019: His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen granted an Audience to Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino and Prince Hisahito of Japan at the Golden Throne Room of the Tashichhodzong this morning. The Imperial Family were escorted in a ceremonial Chipdrel procession to the Dzong. Following the Audience, the Japanese Imperial Family were invited to lunch at the Lingkana Palace. The Imperial Family arrived in Bhutan on Saturday for a private visit on the invitation of His Majesty The King. #KingJigmeKhesar #KingofBhutan #QueenJetsunPema #QueenofBhutan #PrinceJigmeNamgyel #Bhutan #CrownPrinceAkishino #CrownPrincessAkishino #PrinceHisahito #Japan

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Queens in Training

Princess Estelle has started first grade. Or grade one, depending on your country and point of view. She looks very Swedish, very mature and very happy, doesn’t she? May her school days continue in this way.

Bagger Mailbag

From our geogirl, a fabulous dress actually worn by Queen Elizabeth I.

Are you interested in old school dentistry? You are warned, this gets a tad creepy: Marie Antoinette and her teeth. Also courtesy of geogirl!

What did I miss?