Queen Margrethe in her floral raincoat made from tablecloth material on summer vacation in Grasten,Denmark in July,2017.Credit:Getty
An understated style strategy has allowed Mary’s mother-in-law Margrethe,who has an eccentric and artistic approach to dressing,to remain the focus of Denmark’s monarchy.
Unlike Diana or Catherine,Mary never steals focus from her husband or the queen.
Snatching the spotlight from Margrethe would even be a challenge for Catherine,with the departing queen having expressed her creativity in extravagant gold brocade gowns,romantic florals and even a raincoat crafted from tablecloth material.
“I think it’s intentional,” Brunsdon says of Mary’s reticence to make bold choices.
“Mary’s style has stayed pretty consistent over the past two decades,” Cronan says. “She is polished,unfussy and always elegant.”
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Style signatures
Consistency over couture was an approach used withgreat success by the late Queen Elizabeth and her dresser Angela Kelly,who deftly deployed a monochromic formula of matching hats,coats and gloves. Fortunately,Mary only wears hats on the most formal of occasions,sticking to sleek blow waves or impenetrable up dos for banquets.
“Mary has a go-to look and silhouette which has remained consistent over the years,” Cronan says. “Think neat tailored dresses,wide-leg trouser suits or fit-and-flare skirts worn with a blouse. This works for any occasion for a woman who is on the world’s stage and has her every move photographed.”
This approach extends to a selection of monochromatic suits to wear in professional environments,and white coats worn with dark-coloured dresses to greet members of other European royal households.
Sustainability
One area where Mary is a fashion leader,along with Britain’s Princess Anne,is in keeping favourite outfits on rotation.
At New Year celebrations earlier this week,Mary wore a burgundy velvet gown by Birgit Hallstein that has been seen at major events in 2007,2014 and 2020,and in her official portrait in 2015.
Copenhagen Fashion Week is a leader in promoting a sustainable approach to design,and Mary pays attention,having launched the city’s Global Fashion Summit in July.
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“Mary is a champion for sustainability in the fashion industry on a global stage and is definitely not afraid to re-wear treasured pieces,” Cronan says.
The Carla Zampatti gown commissioned by Cronan for Mary’sAustralian Women’s Weeklycover was also worn at two official events in 2014.
“There is nothing better than seeing her in Australian designs from her archive,” Cronan says. “I don’t think her style will change once she starts her reign as Queen. ”
“It doesn’t need to,” adds Brunsdon.
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