ROYAL COUTURE....New Queen of The Netherlands, Queen Máxima

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands--Investiture Ceremony of Willem-Alexander and Máxima of the Netherlands, April 30, 2013

This past Tuesday, there was a "changing of the crowns" as it were: the world watched as the Netherlands welcomed a new King and Queen, Willam-Alexander and Máxima. This was the biggest royal gathering since Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee last summer. Tens of thousands gathered in the festively decked-out capital of Amsterdam to welcome the country's first king in 120 years and Europe's youngest ruling royals. 

After 33 years in the reign, Queen Beatrix officially abdicated on Monday--signing the Abdication Declaration, and now has officially become Princess Beatrix, handing over the reigns to her oldest son Willem-Alexander and his wife, Queen Consort the Argentina-born Máxima. The gala festivities began with Monday night's State Dinner Gala where they honored Beatrix on her last night as Queen. The following day was the Abdication signing and the Investiture.  

Now, let's get to the good stuff: Máxima's FASHION! She had FOUR outfit changes through the two days--as any future queen should!--so let's get started on Máxima's royal couture:

Let's begin with Monday Night's State Dinner Gala honoring the final day of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands' reign--Outfit No. 1: Valentino Haute Couture Fall 2006

Almost-Queen in Red: Princess Máxima (not Queen yet), at Monday night's State Dinner for Queen Beatrix' last night as Queen. 

Máxima wore a tiered floor-sweeping red strapless gown featuring a plisse "Fortuny pleating" effect. She accessorized the gown with a beautiful rose-cut diamond Bandeau Tiara. The headpiece sparkled with 27 old mine diamonds set on a single graduating row with a light platinum frame.

The gown was from the House of Valentino, from the Valentino Haute Couture Fall 2006 Collection. I speculated HERE that she might wear something from Valentino during the festivities, especially since the Italian Fashion House had designed her all-important wedding gown back in 2001. Máxima had worn this gown before (makes sense since when you pay about $100,000 for a Valentino Couture gown, you should re-cycle it don't you think?)...

Princess Máxima had worn this same gown at the 2008 Gala Dinner Party hosted by Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate the 60th Birthday of her son, Prince Charles.

Outfit No. 2: Custom Natan

The following day for the formal Abdication Signing, Máxima wore a blush-colored ensemble featuring a silk gazar blouse with elbow-length sleeves, silk chiffon sequined skirt and a silk crepe wrapped waistband. It was designed by the Belgian Fashion House, Natan, which is very popular amongst lots of Euro Royal ladies.

 Belgian Fashion House of Natan Creative Director Edouard Vermeulen

This Formal Signing Abdication Ceremony took place at the Moises Room of the Dutch Royal Palace in Amsterdam. All 17 members of the House of Orange-Nassau were seated around a large table covered with a red cloth in the Moses Room of the Royal Palace in Amsterdam for this morning’s simple ceremony.

Tens of thousands of fiercely loyal Dutch citizens thronged the streets of Amsterdam as Queen Beatrix handed over the title of monarch to her son. The crowds in Dam Square, dressed in patriotic orange, cheered as giant TV screens transmitted pictures of the Queen, the new king and his wife signing the official document, which read, "I Queen Beatrix abdicate in favor of my son Willem-Alexander."

She later appeared in the Dutch Royal Palace balcony with her mother-in-law now Princess Beatrix, as well as King Willam-Alexander and their three daughters.

Outfit No. 3: Custom Jan Taminiau 

Later in the same day of the Abdication Signing, the Investiture and Official Crowing took place. For the coronation ceremony at Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), Máxima went with a royal blue column gown with lace and beading at the neckline by Dutch designer Jan Taminiau. She's worn his designs before to the Luxembourg Royal Pre-Wedding Dinner as well as to a recent visit to Brunei.

Queen Máxima looked resplendent in this cape and gown especially standing next to her ermine robed husband, the newly-crowned King Willem-Alexander.

The royal blue color of the gown was of course a nod to one of the colors in the Dutch flag. The gown and cape fit perfectly and was accessorized in UBER Royal style with that fabulous crown, brooch and earrings.

(Left to right): Designer Jan Taminiau with his Queen Máxima creation; Queen Máxima of the Netherlands

I can't help but notice the similarities of Queen Máxima's Jan Taminiau cape-and-gown to...

(Left to right) Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford at the 2012 Academy Awards; Valentino Haute Couture Spring 2013

(Left to right) Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring 2013, Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Spring 2013

Princess Grandma Looks On: Princess Beatrix with Princesses Catharina-Amalia, Alexia and Ariane at the Crowning/Investiture Ceremony

Outfit Number 3: Custom Jan Timiniau

Following the Investiture and Crowning Ceremonies--for the Water Pageant--the newly-titled Queen Máxima of the Netherlands wore a design by Dutch fashion designer Jan Taminiau once again. This time she chose a custom-made wine-red colored lace and sequined applique fitted gown with nude shoulder and "backless" detail. Due to the backless and off-the-shoulder cut of the dress, Máxima had opted to carry a matching wine-coloured shawl to keep out the cold.

Which of the FOUR ensembles was your favorite?

King Willam-Alexander and Queen Máxima, their three daughters and the Royal guests, Dutch Royal Coronation

Click Below for Scenes of the Investiture/Crowning of the new King and Queen of the Netherlands:

****Next Up: The Royal Guests Red Carpet--Lots more ROYAL COUTURE!!!