Princess Sofia of Sweden, alongside her 82-year-old aunt, Princess Christina, inaugurated the “Hat Couture” exhibition at the Royal Armoury in Stockholm on October 23. This one-time-only exhibit charts the evolution of royal fashion. It contains hats worn by Swedish royals from the mid-20th century to the present day.
The “Hat Couture” exhibition features personal creations of Princess Sofia. Among the collection’s highlights are a bright yellow straw hat made by Joanne Edwards and a sweet pink fascinator. The straw hat, in particular the yellow straw hat, represents a unique mix of tradition and modernity. Princess Sofia’s coat at the joint thanksgiving service in 2023, celebrating her father-in-law’s 50th anniversary on the throne. She first turned up in it to the 2015 christening of Princess Madeleine’s son, Prince Nicolas. It sure did turn heads on that unique day and time.
That makes this short, sweet, traveling exhibition a truly landmark event! For the first time ever, Royal hats from the Royal Armoury collection are on view in a special, dedicated display. Princess Sofia and Princess Christina came forward with words of thanks for the generous donations and support which made it possible to organize this exhibit.
All photos by Robin Lane Princess Sofia, who officially opened the exhibition, was dazzling in a bright red lace-covered dress and elegant velvet headband.
“Today Princess Christina and I opened ‘Hat Couture – royal hat fashion in the Livrust Chamber’. There, our hats and creations are displayed along with other royal hats from the museum’s collections,” – Princess Sofia and Princess Christina
The art of the show includes treasures such as Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf’s high grey Derby hat. It’s a treat to see an ornate classic Borsalino hat, on display. Just as happy about the display was Malin Grundberg, museum director at the Livrustkammaren.
“It is fantastic fun to show both colorful retro hats from the Livrustkammaren collection and modern creations from Princess Christina and Princess Sofia. We are very grateful for their generous donations and help in putting the fine hats and hair ornaments in their context,” – Malin Grundberg
Royal opposition Princess Sofia and Prince Carl Philip of Sweden recently opened an exhibition. On top of that, they happily welcomed their fourth child, Ines, into the world in February. Following Ines’ christening on June 13, the royal couple distributed lovely personalized thank you cards. Each card included the cutest family photo that highlighted their new addition to the family.
The “Hat Couture” exhibition, on view through the end of 2026. Join us and discover the fascinating history of royal headwear and its importance to Swedish culture!
