Princess Charlene is high fashion in every sense of the word, and this year we were spoiled with a tiara appearance, a state visit, and so much Grace Kelly cool that it’s almost impossible to narrow down all of the greatest hits.
Here’s a few of my favourite looks this year and there were plenty to choose from. Princess Charlene cemented her reputation as one of the most stylish royayls around.
TIARA ALERT! TIARA ALERT! TIARA ALERT!
Do you know how rare it is to find Princess Charlene wearing a tiara? This must top the fashion hits list by virtue of this fact alone.
If you don’t know the story of the Diamond Foam tiara, briefly, it’s an aigrette design commissioned by Prince Albert for his new bride and Princess Charlene first wore it at her wedding reception in July 2011. Given the royal’s history as an Olympic swimmer, and the Riviera setting of her new life, a tiara mimicking the ocean spray was an inspired choice.
Princess Charlene brought it out for the National Day gala festivities in November; the first time she’s worn it since her wedding!
GRACE KELLY COOL AT MONACO’S CHRISTMAS BALL
To have to follow in Princess Grace’s footsteps must be tough, but Princess Charlene has excelled at carving out her own path as Monaco’s Serene Princess. Their fashion senses couldn’t be more opposed most of the time, but when Princess Charlene channels Grace Kelly, it’s uncanny how suited she is to that Old Hollywood glamour.
This white Jenny Packham evening gown? Pure Grace Kelly as seen in To Catch a Thief.
AN INSPIRED CHOICE FOR MONACO’S ROSE BALL
Interpret that subhead how you’d like, and draw your own conclusions. While what the majority of the Princely Family wears to the Rose Ball year after year is hit or miss (in my opinion), Princess Charlene took a swing with this Dolce & Gabbana Chantilly lace one-sleeved wrap dress. It’s nice that she added the sleek black dress elements underneath too. Gives it an almost mid-century styling that’s so perfectly Charlene.
GRACE KELLY COOL AGAIN AT MONACO’S RED CROSS BALL
At one point I was beginning to think Princess Charlene was doing it on purpose, because this Elie Saab ice blue gown is almost uncannily similar to one sported by Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief. She pulls off Grace Kelly cool so well!
PRINCESS CHARLENE THE TELEVISION STAR
I love how haute couture Princess Charlene’s fashion sense often is. You’re telling me any other royal woman would wear this halter gown with the draped sleeves? Monaco is one of the most glamorous places in the world, and when Princess Charlene showed up to the 64th Monte-Carlo Television Festival in June wearing this, it only added to her own personal glam.
J’ADORE DIOR
It’s rare that Monaco plays host to a state visit, but this summer Prince Albert and Princess Charlene welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron to the principality. I’m choosing to highlight this mint green Christian Dior top Princess Charlene wore to welcome the French couple, it’s so simple, so chic, so Charlene.
