Oviedo is gearing up for the year’s biggest cultural event. On October 24, the Campoamor Theatre will once again open its doors for the 2025 Princess of Asturias Awards ceremony. As always, all eyes will be on the royal family: King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and their daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía. While everyone is speculating about what gown the Queen will choose for the upcoming evening, let’s take a look back. Over the past two decades, her appearances at this event have become a true fashion chronicle, reflecting not only her personal taste but also her changing status—from princess to queen consort. This is a story of style told in the language of haute couture.
The era of minimalism and bold choices: 2020–2024
In recent years, the queen’s fashion choices have clearly shifted. She has begun to turn to new designers and bolder silhouettes, moving away from her long-standing collaboration with a single couturier. In 2024, Letizia opted for a black midi dress from Carolina Herrera featuring an asymmetric neckline. The centerpiece of the look was a giant ruffle on the shoulder—an eye-catching and memorable detail. The outfit was completed with Magrit shoes and clutch, as well as bold De Grisogono earrings adorned with black diamonds. The year before, in 2023, she again chose a Carolina Herrera creation: a fitted black dress, also with an asymmetric top, but this time with a single long cuff. She paired this striking ensemble with Aquazzura heels. In 2022, she selected a textured black dress from the same brand, embellished with voluminous flowers and white sequins. Interestingly, socialite Sassa de Osma had previously appeared in this same outfit. In 2021, the queen supported Spanish designers by appearing in a The 2nd Skin Co. dress, crafted from black taffeta in a New Look style with large bows at the hips. The look was completed with historic jewels from the Spanish royal treasury. The year 2020 marked a turning point: Letizia broke tradition for the first time, forgoing Felipe Varela and instead repeating her appearance in a dark blue Delpozo dress, first worn in 2017.
Finding herself and loyalty to Varela: 2015-2019
This period coincided with her first years as queen consort. Her style became more confident and refined, although she often still entrusted the creation of her looks to her favorite designer, Felipe Varela. The year 2019 was special, as her daughters participated in the ceremony for the first time. For this occasion, Letizia chose her favorite color—red. The silk dress by Varela, featuring a corset-like bodice and a pleated midi skirt, looked royally majestic. A year earlier, in 2018, she showcased one of the most striking outfits in the award’s history. The straight-cut Varela dress was entirely hand-embroidered with blue thread, crystals, and metal, creating a sculptural silhouette. In 2017, the queen opted for a dress with Eastern motifs: white silk georgette adorned with embroidery of herons and flowers—symbols of longevity. And in 2016, her appearance sparked heated debate. The nude Varela cocktail dress with embroidery on “invisible” tulle was considered by many to be too daring. The year 2015 marked the first time the award changed its name from “Prince” to “Princess of Asturias.” Letizia celebrated the occasion in an elegant black dress with an asymmetric skirt, decorated with ruffled gradients from anthracite to pearl gray.
Princess’s First Steps: 2006–2014
In her early years attending the ceremony as Princess of Asturias, Letizia’s style was more reserved and classic. She almost always opted for monochrome looks designed by Felipe Varela. In 2014, she paid tribute to the region by appearing in a sapphire lace dress—a nod to the flag of Asturias. In 2013, she dazzled in an elegant green silk georgette gown with sheer elements and crystal embroidery. The year 2012 is remembered for a chic two-piece ensemble: a black top paired with a white chiffon skirt, topped off with a rare accessory for her—a miniature pillbox hat. In the following years, Letizia chose more understated options: a coffee-toned dress with floral embroidery in 2011, a black lace outfit with a bell-shaped skirt in 2010, and a simple blue lace dress in 2008 that she would go on to wear several times. In 2007, she opted for a white ensemble with silver embroidery and a matching bolero. In 2006, after missing the award in 2005 due to the birth of Princess Leonor, Letizia attended the ceremony while pregnant with Infanta Sofia. She chose a charming maternity look: a soft pink dress and a sequined tweed coat.
