Queen Letizia of Spain welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron to Madrid on September 29 wearing a grey Pertegaz dress.
The Spanish monarch selected the fitted creation by Spanish fashion house Pertegaz for the official welcome ceremony of the French presidential couple in Madrid. The high-necked dress features a prominent bow near the collar line and detailed embossed floral embroidery covering much of the silhouette.
Letizia kept her supporting accessories subtle, allowing the dress to take center stage. She paired the look with neutral or black accessories, small diamond earrings, and two rings from Karen Hallam and Coreterno that she regularly wears. She completed the outfit with slingback heels by Spanish brand Massimo Dutti, which she introduced to her royal wardrobe in 2023.
History of the Pertegaz Dress
The grey outfit has established a clear history within the wardrobe of the Spanish royal household. Letizia debuted the creation in October 2019 in Oviedo, the capital of the northern Spanish region of Asturias, during events surrounding the Princess of Asturias Awards. The annual ceremony honors international achievements in science, humanities, and public affairs.
That 2019 appearance held special significance as the first time since her 2004 wedding that Letizia wore a piece by Pertegaz. Founded by Spanish couturier Manuel Pertegaz, the classic house remains one of Spain's most celebrated fashion institutions.
The queen wore the grey dress again in April 2022 for a formal luncheon at the Royal Palace of Madrid celebrating the Miguel de Cervantes Prize, Spain's highest literary honor for Spanish-language authors. Its third public outing took place at the palace during an official greeting for Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman, making the reception for the French delegation its fourth major royal appearance.
Royal Designer Ties and State Visit Schedule
The choice of Pertegaz reflects a longstanding historical connection between the Spanish royal family and the fashion house. Manuel Pertegaz designed the high-collared silk wedding gown worn by Letizia when she married then Prince Felipe on May 22, 2004, prior to his accession to the throne as King Felipe VI.
French First Lady Brigitte Macron selected a contrasting style from French luxury label Louis Vuitton for the arrival in Spain. She wore a pink midi dress beneath a matching tailored coat, accessorized with caramel suede pumps and fine jewellery.
The official state visit of Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron commenced on September 29 and includes several high-level events across the Spanish capital. The itinerary features the formal welcome ceremony, a luncheon at Zarzuela Palace, the working residence of the Spanish monarch, and an evening banquet at the Royal Palace of Madrid, the primary official venue for state functions.
Queen Letizia is scheduled to complete the evening events wearing a historic tiara from the Spanish royal collection during the formal state dinner at the palace.
