2025 Nobel Banquet Highlights: Fashion Revisited and Mobile Etiquette Breaches

The 2025 Nobel banquet was marked by both memorable fashion choices and notable breaches of etiquette regarding mobile phone usage. Crown Princess Victoria garnered praise for wearing a vintage couture dress originally donned by Queen Silvia in 1994, designed by Jacques Zehnder. Fashion expert Lars Wallin lauded the dress for its advanced design and relevance today, noting the event's trend of reusing iconic outfits. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson's vibrant dress sparked comparisons to Sara Danius' 2018 ensemble, receiving mixed reviews.

However, the evening's decorum was challenged by several high-profile guests. Chemist Susumu Kitagawa was seen using his phone while seated beside Crown Princess Victoria, echoing a similar 2003 incident involving Göran Persson. Physicist John M. Martinis and Svantesson were also observed checking their phones during the event, prompting concern over repeated etiquette lapses. An audible phone ring during a speech further disrupted proceedings.

The banquet also featured a first-ever culinary addition: butter served alongside mushroom soup, delighting attendees including Victoria. Notable guests included former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who joined chemistry laureate Omar M Yaghi at the honor table. The evening was rounded off by a tribute performance from Swedish House Mafia, enhancing the cultural atmosphere.

These elements combined to create a unique balance of tradition, contemporary fashion, and evolving social norms at this prestigious Swedish event.