Fittingly, Maxima chose to fly the flag for Dutch design on the day she became queen consort of the Netherlands, all while giving a nod to the Dutch flag in a royal shade of blue. The Argentine-born blonde stepped out for the investiture of the king, her husband Willem-Alexander, in a cobalt creation that had been custom-made by Dutch designer Jan Taminiau.
The gown featured lace detailing on the bust, along with crystal detailing that offered the look a subtle sparkle. She accessorised with a matching blue structured cape and the Mellorio sapphire tiara given to her by her mother-in-law Beatrix. The headpiece was created by skilled Parisian jeweller Mellerio with 655 South African diamonds set in platinum. Thirty three Kashmir sapphires are nestled at the bottom of the diadem. More sparkle was added to the tiara by designer Oscar Martin, who set some of the stones on springs, so that they move with the wearer and create the maximum amount of reflection. The largest sapphire, set in the centre, is a brooch that belonged to Queen Anna of the Netherlands. The tiara was purchased in 1881 by King Willem III of the Netherlands for his wife, Queen Emma. After Emma, it was next worn by her granddaughter Queen Juliana before it was passed to her daughter Queen Beatrix. Maxima is a long-time fan of designer Jan Taminiau, having worn many of his designs before. One of her most well-known outfits by Jan is the military-style, beige suit from a collection that reused old Dutch postal bags to add a patriotic touch. Other outfits have included his white, one shouldered dress and the strapless red and silver gown with a silk organza wrap that she wore to the Luxembourg royal wedding in 2012.
