Dutch queen draws attention with 'vertical garden' dress

The sleeveless, long green dress with 3D leaf patterns made the Dutch queen stand out during the reception for the Japanese emperor.

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, long known for her unconventional fashion sense, garnered mixed reactions for her choice of a green dress adorned with 3D leaf patterns from neck to hem, creating a unique textured effect. She wore it during the reception for Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako in Amsterdam on 17/6.

(From left) Dutch King Willem-Alexander, Japanese Empress Masako, Emperor Naruhito, and Dutch Queen Maxima at the reception in Dam Square, Amsterdam on 17/6. *Photo: AFP*

Standing beside Dutch King Willem-Alexander at the event marking 400 years of Netherlands-Japan relations, Queen Maxima chose a sleeveless dress with a fitted bodice and a flowing A-line skirt, featuring a hemline that was shorter in the front than in the back.

"This is one of the queen's most memorable outfits this year", Hola newspaper commented.

She paired the dress with cream accessories: pointed high heels, a box-shaped handbag, and a stylized headband. The queen also draped a cream jacket over her shoulders, adding elegance and practicality for the outdoor ceremony.

Japanese Empress Masako and Dutch Queen Maxima at the official reception in Amsterdam on 17/6. *Photo: AFP*

Her jewelry followed a botanical theme. The earrings, made of green stones and pearls, matched the dress, complemented by a delicate bracelet and a white gold watch featuring a diamond-set mother-of-pearl dial.

The Dutch queen opted for light, natural makeup with pink blush and pink lips, allowing the dress to be the focal point. Her hair was side-parted and flowed to her shoulders.

Images of Queen Maxima's dress were widely shared across fashion accounts and forums.

"The fabric of this dress is very unique and truly Maxima!", a user named Klcob commented on RoyalFashionPolice's Instagram account.

"She looks like a vertical garden", commented a user named Maxirondo.

"For a meeting with Japanese leaders, she should have dressed more modestly. The dress was not suitable", another person expressed.

"Either love it or hate it. But one thing is certain: only Maxima could wear that dress without looking like she was in costume", another person concluded.