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The Netherlands

Queen Máxima takes Paris by storm at exhibition opening

Queen Máxima stunned in Paris at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, wearing an illusion-cut dress to view an exhibition about Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen.

The Dutch queen was on hand, alongside French First Lady Brigitte Macron, to view the nine themes at play in the dynamic exhibition. According to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, van Herpen’s exhibit “questions the place of the body in space, its relationship to clothing and its environment, and its future in a rapidly changing world” and features over 100 pieces of haute couture.

In a speech, Queen Máxima praised van Herpen, saying that she was at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs with pride to recognise “a very prominent Dutch artist” whose work “gave fashion a new dimension.”

Queen Máxima continued: “Every dress of hers is an experience. You don’t know what you see. Is it fashion? Is it visual art? Is it design? Is it technology?… So many facets come together in her work!”

Queen Máxima received a special tour of the exhibit alongside Mrs Macron, van Herpen, and the museum curators. After viewing the exhibition, she praised van Herpen’s “passion for dance and physical expression. Her interest in science. Her urge to innovate in materials and techniques. Her love for nature. Her craftsmanship. And above all: her incredible creativity. Nothing is impossible!”

Before ending her speech, Queen Máxima said that she hoped many would come to see van Herpen’s exhibit, as it outlines the close ties between France and the Netherlands: “That bond is very dear to me. Thank you all—and especially Mrs Macron—for your warm interest and commitment!”

Iris van Herpen posted on her Instagram account: “A sensational night ~ Hugely honoured that Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and Brigitte Macron have opened ‘Sculpting the Senses’ at musée des Arts décoratifs… last night.”

About author

Jess Ilse is the Assistant Editor at Royal Central. She specialises in the British, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish Royal Families and has been following royalty since Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee. Jess has provided commentary for media outlets in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Jess works in communications and her debut novel THE MAJESTIC SISTERS will publish in Fall 2024.