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The historic day of the celebration of Princess Leonor's coming of age has had an unexpected protagonist: Sastrería Serna, in charge of the process of designing and making the white suit that the heir to the throne wore during the swearing in of the Constitution. It is an elegant two-piece design made to measure that stands out for its clean lines, evoking the one that Queen Letizia wore when announcing her engagement to King Felipe VI.

From the emblematic workshop located on Calle General Pardiñas in Madrid, few could have imagined the media stir that the suit in question would unleash, or perhaps they could, when such extraordinary orders are accepted and the secret is jealously guarded until the last moment. "The phone hasn't stopped ringing all day," they told Yo Dona, without providing further details of what is surely the most immortalized costume of the year.

"Do you know that you've created a design for the story?" Ignoring the question, Sastrería Serna replied with courtesy and caution: "We are very happy that Princess Leonor has chosen us for such a special moment." Then they added a phrase that gives meaning to a respectable trade that is in danger of extinction: "It is a source of pride that this choice highlights tailoring and craftsmanship." After that, no further statement.

This is not the first time that Sastrería Serna, one of the oldest in Spain, has made headlines in the fashion world. This historic Madrid workshop, which specialises in both military and civilian tailoring, has consolidated its position thanks to its excellence in the trade and has become a seal of trust for the royal family. In addition to its prominent role in the making of Princess Leonor's costume, Sastrería Serna has also been responsible for the military uniforms of King Felipe VI.

One Business, Three Generations

Maintaining tradition, but with new winds of change, the former Serna Tailor Shop is today run by a powerful creative tandem that stands out for its youth: Agustín García Montero and his partner, Lucía Serrano. They represent the third generation at the helm of this business, which was founded by Martín Arana in 1954 and later passed into the hands of Cecilio Serna, who was his apprentice.

Today, the tailor shop retains its name, as its current owner, Agustín García Montero, acquired his knowledge in a trade in which the technique of making tailor-made suits is passed down from masters to apprentices. This noble art is committed to uniqueness and exclusivity, fighting to survive in Spain in an era of homogenization and mass production. In fact, the creation of a completely handmade suit, from start to finish, offers the most exclusive experience that can be found in the world of fashion.

To this day, Sastería Serna continues to bet on exalting the craft with an extraordinary vision of the future to exceed the expectations of the client, challenging its limits through experimentation. According to their website, this artisanal emblem continues to pioneer some of the newest techniques in European tailoring. Among their most unmistakable pieces is the Teba jacket, which was born more than 100 years ago, but which, with the help of Agustín and his team, has become one of the most contemporary garments offered to their customers.

Princess Leonor's Costume, A Change of Style or a Symbol of Power?

In the last century, the suit has been a historical piece that has embodied elegance, blurred the codes of gender and symbolized power. The two-piece design – generally composed of a blazer and trousers – is the most visible outfit of women leaders who are leaders in their respective fields. Princess Leonor, who has just come of age, follows in the footsteps of Queen Letizia, on the list of the most influential women in Spain, which Yo Dona presented a few days ago.

The style of the Princess of Asturias has evolved by leaps and bounds in the last year of preparations and so far, it has not been usual to see her wearing tailored suits at official events. The firstborn used to opt for classic dresses on more formal occasions and light dresses in her more casual looks.

The choice of a white suit at the start of his adult life could simply be an aesthetic formality or a stylistic nod to his mother, Queen Letizia. Or perhaps, if we're talking about symbolism, the costume could become the iconic piece that conveys power to the heir to the throne. Time will unveil this mystery.

  • Queen Letizia
  • Princess Eleanor