Fashion is a language. The black, formal outfits that Máxima wears during National Remembrance Day demonstrate respect and commitment. In this blog you can see her choices from the past ten years.
2014
On Liberation Day 2014, Máxima wears the green and much-discussed dress of Princess Beatrix. The day before, on May 4, she also wears an outfit from her mother-in-law’s closet. This is a wool cape with a Peter Pan collar and a slit at the center front. Gloves and a diamond brooch give it a formal touch, while the hairstyle and large earrings tone it down a bit.
To prevent her from tripping and/or getting stuck between the bricks, Máxima almost always wears a black pump with a wide block heel on May 4. They have now been around for 22 years.
2015
The following year the queen wears a blouse from COS and a pencil skirt that extends over the knee. Her black pillbox with bow is a design by Bettina Thomas. And do you see the shoes? There are the May 4 pumps again.
2016
In 2016 the choice is a black trench coat from Natan and a velvet turban from Bronté. The May 4 pumps also make an appearance, as do leather gloves and diamond stud earrings from Queen Wilhelmina.
2017
In 2017, the Queen wears a thigh-length coat, which is decorated with large pockets and XXL puff sleeves. Bettina Thomas’ black pillbox (also worn in 2015) and the 4mei pumps are back in the picture. In terms of jewelry, pearls were chosen. As you may know, pearls are often worn during sad moments. They symbolize the tear.
2018
The fact that black cloaks are timeless became clear on May 4, 2018. The black cloak that Máxima wore that evening made its debut during the interment of Prince Claus in October 2002. The black hat is two years younger and came into the picture (with a white rose). during the interment of Queen Juliana.
The May 4 pumps are back, just like Máxima’s bow brooch in its most simplified form.
2019
Máxima’s black dress from Natan is difficult to see through the black shawl. Not that that’s a bad thing, because a National Remembrance Day is not a fashion show. As long as the queen’s appearance shows respect and commitment, it is fine. The black bibi (small hat) comes from the studio of Fabienne Delvigne and debuted a few years earlier.
2020
Was it because of the empty Dam Square, the king’s impressive speech, the sturdy boots? I don’t know, but Máxima’s outfit from May 4, 2020 was named the outfit of the year eight months later. The skirt is a design by Valentino, the fedora comes from the studio of Fabienne Delvigne.
2021
In 2021, Dam Square is still largely empty due to corona. The queen wears a black dress by Massimo Dutti and a long, black cape by Natan. The hat is new, the pumps anything but.
2022
On May 4, 2022, the queen will wear the black coat that she also wore on May 4, 2006. It is a design with velvet accents by Natan. The wide slouch hat is new and comes from the studio of Philip Treacy. In terms of jewelry, two diamond bow brooches from Máxima’s private collection were chosen, I probably don’t have to explain the pumps anymore.
2023
Last year, the coat that Máxima bought in 2013 for the memorial service for Prince Friso surfaced. It is a design by Natan, which was combined with a previously worn hat by Philip Treacy. The pearl and diamond brooch comes from the estate of Queen Sophie. Want to read more about the jewel? Then click here.
Tomorrow I hope to go to Camp Westerbork with my family and then to the memorial. Tomorrow my attention will primarily be on the meaning of May 4. As noted earlier, I also hope for beautiful, neat clothing. It shows respect, commitment and dignity. It would not surprise me if the ensemble that Máxima wore during the Queen’s funeral in September 2022 is chosen.
