On Budget Day 2022, Máxima wore a small, teardrop-shaped hat with her original Benchellal dress, which also served at the opening of an exhibition last week. Where does the accessory come from?
The origin remained a mystery for a long time, but after some searching I think I have cracked the ‘code’. As I have mentioned before on this website, Máxima’s maid Jolanda took a hat course with the Dutch milliner Berry Rutjes. She regularly makes headgear for the queen and altering existing designs is also part of her work. The latter seems to be the case with Máxima’s gray hat on Budget Day 2022.
In 2010, Máxima introduced a black, teardrop-shaped hat by the Dutch milliner Irene Bussemaker. The design was covered with light voile, which provided a nice contrast.
After the hat appeared two more times, it disappeared from view.
Or well, off screen…;. Since the model exactly matches Máxima’s hat from Budget Day 2022, I suspect that Jolanda has covered the black hat with gray fabric. So: take off the voile, put the gray fabric around it, and voilà: the hat is ready for a second round. This sustainable trick is also regularly used on Princess Beatrix’s hats.
Of course I contacted Irene Bussemaker. She confirmed that the model indeed matches exactly, but that the upholstery was not done in her studio. If she had had to reline the hat, she would have placed the fabric at an angle with wire. Of which deed.
