Princess Charlene 'A Flat Pancake,' Says Cathy Horyn

Cathy Horyn is just about the most honest person in fashion, which is to say she is most definitely not the nicest. Case in point: a recent remark about the former-Charlene Wittstock.

Commenting on the 2011 International Best-Dressed List composed by Vanity Fair, Horyn applauded the choices of Christine Lagarde and the Duchess of Cambridge.

But as for the inclusion of the newly-crowned Princess of Monaco, the New York Times fashion critic wrote:

"Princess Charlene of Monaco was a stretch. Her style to me is something of a flat pancake, despite (or perhaps because of) the effort she applies."

Ouch. While it may be true that the former Miss Wittstock has a more classic, staid style, Horyn is hitting Princess Charlene where it hurts.

The royal told Vogue in July, "Finding my fashion feet has certainly been the biggest challenge," revealing the very public nature of her fashion choices to be rather anxiety-inducing.

As for Charlene trying too hard? We'd argue the Princess of Monaco tries no harder than the average royal or celeb by working with high-fashion designers for guidance who, for the record, speak highly of her style.

Giorgio Armani, who designed the princess's wedding ceremony and reception dresses, previously told Vogue UK, "Charlene is without a shadow of a doubt very beautiful...Dressing her is such a pleasure -- she knows how to wear my creations with the nonchalance and confidence of youth.

And none other than Karl Lagerfeld has embraced the newlywed, as Charlene explained to Vogue, "Karl took me to his workshop in Paris. He said, 'You are going to be a style icon. You bring a breath of fresh air and modern glamour to Monaco.'"

Not if Horyn has anything to do with it.

At least Charlene is in good company: Penelope Cruz, Lady Gaga and Christina Hendricks are all Cathy Horyn Take-Down Victims.

Read Cathy's full assessment of the Vanity Fair Best-Dressed List at NYTimes.com.

Comments

[cherylstonelmt]

08:12 AM on 08/10/2011

statement "flat pancake" is a very nice way to put it...she shoulders are so wide that anything halter top or strapless should just be remove from her wardrobe...she needs to accept the fact she has no waist,wide shoulders and dress accordingly and for heaven's sake stay away from any black for whatever reason it looks awlful on her

[alchemy]

05:24 PM on 08/08/2011

It is called psychological projection combined with envy. Cathy Horyn is chubby and dresses in shapeless black outfits. Her hair is a boring mess. Charleen is stunning and elegant. Cathy is blind and dumpy.

[cherylstonelmt]

08:16 AM on 08/10/2011

imo i wouldnt call her elegant..her height is nice but the word elegant gives the idea of excellent, refine..hmmmm her choice of clothing leaves a lot to be desired and she has yet to refine her style

[cherylstonelmt]

08:27 AM on 08/10/2011

plus i wouldnt call her envious, cathy has worked hard to get where she is and she does give compliments when deserved

[Jack Daniels Esq]

01:23 PM on 08/08/2011

She looks kinda nothing - like that Charlize woman also - uninteresting, boring - and flat

[edejan]

01:08 PM on 08/08/2011

Princess Charlene's fashion looks geat in pictures I've seen of her, but the problem is her expression. She either looks sad, miserable, depressed, stoned....totally unhappy. Is she really or is it a bad habit of looking "emo?"

[catndryer]

11:44 AM on 08/08/2011

Flat girls just have to accentuate the pokies.

[editboy]

10:53 AM on 08/08/2011

Oh no, a super-rich member of the ruling elite had her feelings hurt about the clothing she wears.... Cry me a river

[alchemy]

10:13 AM on 08/08/2011

Kathy Horyn's remarks are really bitchy. Charleen is the most beautiful and elegant royal today. Her classic French style is a welcome change after the absurd hats worn by British royalty with their dowdy dresses. Charleen looks happy and very sweet. I am sick of the bad press. She deserves better.

[MonthlyBeast]

10:17 PM on 08/07/2011

Just googled Cathy Horyn. If you haven't done so yourself, give it a try. Quite a revelation. Shows you just how convoluted the whole style and fashion industry is.

[edejan]

01:06 PM on 08/08/2011

Just did that. She looks like she just rolled out of bed in her trailer home, threw on her brother's shirt and went off to work. Great fashion icon - not!

[MonthlyBeast]

01:37 PM on 08/08/2011

Bingo!

[cherylstonelmt]

08:21 AM on 08/10/2011

she looks fine,,plain but dresses in a conservative way which is a lesson p charlene should learn..nothing is out of place .imo she looks real

[MonthlyBeast]

10:08 AM on 08/10/2011

You obviously have a definite sense about what is stylish and what is real. I guess that's what drives the industry. To me this just proves the enduring value of the old adage, "De gustibus non est disputandum."

[NevaforLeadership]

10:16 PM on 08/07/2011

I think Princess Charlene looks really great -- no flat pancake.

What does Cathy Horyn look like?

[Margaret Penny Wood]

12:15 AM on 08/08/2011

I also think that Princess Charlene looks lovely. Let this Cathy be held up to the same scrutiny!

[Tomass De]

10:09 PM on 08/07/2011

well kathy..a list whe wear underwar under her royal dress...you stink insted ..since not wearing the smell isn't pretty...so the flat pankake still taste very good..so who ever think that you are a fashion exspert....wear underwear//...

[CharliDenae]

09:54 PM on 08/07/2011

Oh my God! This Cathy person is just one opinion. Who really cares what she says anyway? I looked at some pictures of her and I think her style stinks! No color... just black, black and more black... boring! I think Princess Charlene should wear what she likes and to Hell with what these 'fashion critics' think.

[kzo]

09:49 PM on 08/07/2011

What other kind of pancakes are there? Kinda like Tyson calling his opponent a scared coward.

[Holdon45]

08:56 PM on 08/07/2011

Some of you people need to re read the article or just read it! Flat as a pancake is not in reference to her "ta-tas" but her style and choices in wardrobe!!

[lauratxga]

08:29 PM on 08/07/2011

Ok, so I post replies to people who think this article is about breasts saying it is not about her breasts but style and HP won't post my comments.. You just have to wonder if they enjoy perpetuating ignorance.

[sueb03]

08:19 PM on 08/07/2011

Flat, meaning dull folks! Get your minds our off the breasts for once.