Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern cut a stylish yet suitably sombre figure at Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral on Monday (local time), choosing to showcase New Zealand designers in her classic ensemble.
Dressed in appropriately all-black attire, Ardern opted for a simple yet timeless silhouette; a tailored dress with long sleeves and a high neckline, the work of local fashion designer Juliette Hogan.
She teamed the classic look with black tights, heeled pumps and matching black millinery by Pirongia-based designer Monika Neuhauser, as per the New Zealand Herald, while her hair was swept back in a sleek chignon. For her purse, the Prime Minister opted for a simple clutch by Wellington designer Yu Mei.
As a further nod to Aotearoa, the Prime Minister also paired the dress with a black feathered kākahu, custom-made by designer Kiri Nathan. Speaking to 1News, Ardern acknowledged the traditional Māori cloak brought a "piece of New Zealand" to the grand proceedings.
Ardern was photographed outside a hotel in London as she left to join other world leaders at the state funeral, which was held at Westminster Abbey.
The Prime Minister has had a busy schedule since arriving in the UK, including a brief but "warm" meeting with the new monarch, King Charles III. She has also met with her newly appointed British counterpart, Liz Truss, during which the leaders discussed Queen Elizabeth's death, the ongoing war in Ukraine and the recent free trade agreement between Britain and New Zealand.
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-reigning monarch, passed away at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Thursday, September 8. She was 96.
