Dutch have a new queen of fashion, Maxima

On Tuesday, the Dutch celebrated the coronation of a new king and queen of the Netherlands, King Willem-Alexander and his wife, Queen Maxima.

With her fashion choices for the events in Amsterdam leading up to the coronation, which included the signing of the abdication of Willem’s mother, Queen Beatrix, earlier in the day, and a state dinner on Monday night, the statuesque blond royal Maxima, 41, proved what many in Europe already know: She is a fashion force to be reckoned with on the world stage.

A native of Argentina who worked as an investment banker in New York City before meeting Willem, Maxima seems to have a flamboyant, dare we say maximalist, style.

On Monday night, she wore a red-tiered Valentino gown that hinted at flamenco, while on Tuesday during the abdication ceremony, she chose a pale pink satin gown with an enormous bow on the shoulder by designer Edouard Vermeulen of Belgian couture house Natan. Dressing her three young daughters in matching spring yellow dresses and floral headbands was a charming touch (very Jackie O and Michelle O) and looked especially nice when the family gathered on the flower-bedecked balcony of the Royal Palace to wave to well-wishers.

For the coronation ceremony at Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), Maxima went with a royal blue column gown with lace and beading at the neckline by Dutch designer Jan Taminiau, who shows his opulent collections during the haute couture in Paris. Taminiau has the gown featured on his website, along with the quote (translated from the Dutch): “When I was asked to be allowed to design this dress I felt especially humble. For me it’s a dream come true to be able to dress the Queen of the Netherlands. I feel proud that I can contribute to this beautiful moment.”

And, though not ermine-lined like her husband’s regal red cape, Maxima’s streamlined, matching royal blue cape did create a look reminiscent of the striking white cape-and-gown ensemble Tom Ford created for Gwyneth Paltrow to wear to the 2012 Academy Awards. Though hands down, Maxima’s spectacular diamond and sapphire tiara outshines anything we’ve seen on a red carpet lately.

Royal jewels trump Hollywood jewels any day.

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