At 46, Princess Charlene of Monaco has had some spectacular sartorial moments in the spotlight.
From Olympic swimmer to Prince Albert's royal bride, the Bulawayo native has developed a penchant for impeccable outfits - and an array of unique hairstyles to match.
In 2013, the mother-of-two had one of her most memorable style moments when she and her husband turned heads at the MONAA (Monaco Against Autism) Gala; a lavish mid-winter extravaganza of art, fashion, fundraising and performance held at Monte Carlo's Sporting Club.
Princess Charlene looked breathtaking as she wore a custom Dior couture gown made from rich royal blue velvet.
© GettyThe sleeveless dress, which boasted an elegant scoop neckline, perfectly hugged the royal's athletic silhouette, cascading to the floor in a flattering column-like skirt. Princess Charlene teamed her outfit with Dior heels, dripping in diamond accessories by Graff jewellers.
© GettyAs for beauty, the Monegasque royal opted for classic Hollywood glamour in a timeless red lipstick. She sported her usual platinum blonde pixie cut, but wore her fringe in a dramatic, 1920s style wave.
Prince Albert looked dapper but understated in a smart black tuxedo, letting his wife steal the spotlight in her glittering Dior ensemble.
© GettyPrincess Charlene's eye for velvet didn't end with her royal blue number in 2003. For the Princier family's Christmas card in 2023, the Princess once again wore a sumptuous velvet gown.
The piece was a figure-hugging style with a cowl one-shoulder neckline and ruching around the waist, rendered from a rich olive-hued velvet.
The couple's twin children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, both nine, looked equally sweet in the festive photograph. Prince Jacques twinned with his father in a black two-piece suit and green silk bow tie, while Princess Gabriella channelled her mother in an adorable deep purple velvet dress and sparkly shoes.
© Palais Princier de MonacoDespite her shift from Olympian to style icon appearing so effortless, Princess Charlene told Tatler in 2020 that giving up her former, sporty life to pursue a life of royalty with her husband wasn't an easy decision.
"Giving up competitive swimming was one of the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make," she told the publication.
© GettySpeaking of her first major fashion moment as Prince Albert's girlfriend, the South African royal said her first appearance at the glittering Red Cross Ball was a "baptism of fire".
"'I was used to living in a swimsuit and totally clueless about fashion. The day of the ball, I had been playing volleyball all day on the beach and didn't think about getting ready until late in the afternoon. I borrowed a green dress from a friend, fixed my hair myself and painted my nails red."
