A royal appearance in Brussels captured the elegance of a princess whose style helped define European high fashion in the 1960s.
In this period, Paola of Belgium was widely regarded as one of Europe’s best-dressed royals.
Known for her refined, polished, and consistently elegant style, she frequently appeared on international fashion lists alongside figures such as Grace Kelly.
Paola’s wardrobe reflected both sophistication and restraint — often colorful yet always modest, balancing royal expectations with modern fashion trends of the era.
One of her most memorable appearances came during the 1966 state visit of Elizabeth II to Belgium.
For the official banquet, Paola wore a Valentino haute couture gown from the Spring–Summer collection of that year, designed by Valentino Garavani.
The sleeveless white silk dress featured an empire silhouette, emphasizing simplicity and elegance while showcasing the craftsmanship of Italian couture at its peak.
To complement the ensemble, she wore the historic Art Deco tiara once belonging to Elisabeth of Bavaria, believed to have been created by Cartier.
The combination of modern Italian fashion with historic royal jewelry created a striking contrast between contemporary style and traditional monarchy.
She further accessorized with pearl and diamond earrings by Altenloh, white silk opera gloves, a diamond necklace, and a gold evening bag, completing a look that was both regal and fashion-forward.
The gown itself reflected the evolving language of post-war couture.
Its structure included delicate embroidery using synthetic raffia, silk trimmings, rhinestones, and decorative elements typical of Italian design in the late 1950s and 1960s.
Designers of the period often embraced lighter, more experimental materials, and Italian fashion houses in particular became known for their innovation and craftsmanship.
Princess Paola’s appearance during this state banquet — and later reuse of the gown at a gala in London — highlighted her influence as a modern royal style icon.
Her ability to merge haute couture with royal tradition reinforced her reputation as one of Europe’s most elegant public figures, bridging the worlds of fashion, diplomacy, and monarchy in a single, unforgettable image.
Paola Margherita Maria-Antonia Consiglia dei Principi Ruffo di Calabria (born 11 September 1937) is a member of the Belgian royal family who was Queen of the Belgians during the reign of her husband, King Albert II, from 9 August 1993 to 21 July 2013.
The Queen of the United Kingdom and the Duke of Edinburgh, the King and Queen of the Belgians, and the Prince and Princess of Liege, attend a state banquet at the Royal Palace in Brussels on 9 May 1966.
📸 Trinity Mirror / Mirrorpix / Alamy
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