The "Kate" of the Himalayas...


Well, well, well, looks like we've got a new Royal Fashion Muse in the World. Particularly, within the continent of Asia--or "the Orient" as the Euros still like to say. Yes, kids, it's one of my new favorite Royals, the newly-betrothed (and crowned) Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan. This past week, Jetsun and her husband, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, made their first state visit as a couple to Japan.


They arrived on Tuesday and left today, Friday. Now, as you may now: A) I love me some Royals, B) I also have a tendency to discuss the fashions of the International Royals, and C) I also love anything international--especially FASHION & culture (blame that on my former Diplomat dad!). So of course, I am enthralled by Queen Jetsun.


Not only is she STUNNING but also a FAB Ambassador (little did Jigme know--or did he??) for the small Himalayan Kingdom. I hope the government of Bhutan had increased their "Marketing/PR" budget. Because these two can certainly be the "William and Kate" of Bhutan. The newlywed royal couple of the Himalayan kingdom made their visit truly official as the duo were dressed in the Bhutanese national dress. Bhutan has a dress code for its citizens, who have to wear it in public every day. The national dress code, known as Driglam Namzha, was introduced in the 17th century.

King Wangchuck (above) 31, participated in the greeting ceremony in Tokyo in the traditional gho, a knee-length robe for men. A gho is tied at the waist by a cloth belt known as the kera. Wangchuck, often called "Prince Charming' for his Elvis Presley looks, wore the traditional dress with a kabney, a silk scarf usually worn with gho, wrapped around the left shoulder.

The 21-year-old Queen looked elegantly dressed in vibrant yellow attire as she made the rounds during her official trip to Japan. She sported a long-sleeved, short silk jacket, called toego, over an ankle-length hand-woven kira bound around the waist. Kira and toego form the national costume for women in Bhutan. Hers, of course, is taken to a "Royal" level--very "Haute Couture"--hand made, special silks and prints, etc. Lets discuss more of her "Japan Visit" fashions:

Queen Jetsun Pema with Princess Kiko (wife of Prince Akishimo of Japan, the younger prince)--This is her "Arrival" ensemble and of course, she looks regal and fabulous. In contrast to Princess Kiko--who yes, looks very elegant but could double as a Flight Attendant for Asiana Airlines...or the Japanese Jacqueline Kennedy during an Inauguration Speech.

Queen and Empress: Here is Queen Jetsun Pema (left) and her husband, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel (right), with Empress Michiko of Japan (middle). The Empress is a FASHION DIVA!!! Just look at her! Love that ivory silk ombre dyed ensemble. It's wonderful that the King and Queens colorful looks were great "bookends" to the Empresses serene yet chic look. I'm sure that was planned out. Nothing "just happens" kids.

Here--on the far right, is Queen Jetsun Pema (with her King) greeting Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and his wife Hitomi at the Akasaka Guest House. Love the lilacs, purples, lime green colors, and of course, the very contrasting pink collar and fold-up sleeve cuffs.

Purse Queen: Queen Jetsun Pema arriving for a ceremony where her husband was receiving an honorary degree from Keio University in Tokyo Japan. Besides the fabulous colors of her ensemble (as well as the King's!), I just LOVE her vintage-like purse.

Let's not miss her HEELS: Nicely done Queen Jetsun! Love the ivory moderate-platform and heel shoes. They go perfectly with the rest of her ensemble and still remain almost invisible. But...give her great stature and height!

Saying Sayonara: King and Queen of Bhutan say "Until Next Time" to Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan (right). His wife, Radcliffe College and Harvard-educated Crown Princess Masako, was absent the entire time because of her ongoing "stress-related" illness. It would have been wonderful to see both Masako and Jetsun together. Oh well. In this final "Japan Visit" ensemble, the Bhutanese Queen wore red, gold and horizontal-striped printed ensemble. Fab!