Royalty, elegance, and a touch of sparkle: Queen Letizia's Beijing visit was a masterclass in diplomatic chic! Last week, the world watched as the King and Queen of Spain embarked on a state visit to China. But it wasn't just the diplomatic talks that caught our eye; Queen Letizia's fashion choices, particularly her jewelry, stole the show.
On Wednesday, the royal couple, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, joined President Xi Jinping and his wife, First Lady Peng Liyuan, for a special orchestra concert at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing. Before the captivating performance, the two couples enjoyed a meal at the Great Hall of the People.
The concert itself was a special event, featuring the orchestra of the Royal Theatre of Madrid, a familiar and beloved ensemble. This marked the orchestra's debut performance in China, adding a layer of significance to the evening. The orchestra was conducted by Gustavo Gimeno, the Royal Theatre’s new music director, and the program showcased the talents of soprano Sabina Puértolas.
For the gala dinner and concert, Queen Letizia selected a stunning black-and-white dress from Carolina Herrera, one of her go-to designers. The dress featured a structured bodice with a white chiffon panel, exquisitely embroidered with sequins, beads, and pearls. It's a classic choice, perfectly suited for the occasion.
But here's where the details truly shine: Queen Letizia kept the rest of her jewelry relatively simple, opting for a pair of diamond and pearl earrings that have been a staple in her collection for over a decade.
These earrings, crafted by the renowned Spanish jewelry firm Ansorena, feature bezel-set diamonds in white gold and elegant, creamy cultured pearl drops. The stud portion of the earrings is also designed to be worn separately, offering versatility. This choice highlights her understanding of balancing statement pieces with understated elegance.
Interestingly, Queen Letizia has worn this Carolina Herrera dress before. At the Princess of Asturias Awards in Oviedo in October 2022, she styled the dress in a similar fashion, but with a very different pair of earrings.
Instead of the pearls, she chose a gorgeous pair of diamond floral earrings with a girandole-style design. These dazzling earrings were a gift from the Emir of Qatar during his state visit to Spain in May 2022. This shows her ability to reuse and refresh her wardrobe while still looking fresh and elegant.
And this is the part most people miss... The choice of jewelry can subtly communicate messages of diplomacy and personal style.
Which style of earring do you prefer with the dress: the all-diamond pair or the diamond and pearl drops? Do you think the choice of jewelry is important in these diplomatic settings?
