When Meghan Markle tied the knot with Prince Harry at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, in 2018, the world was captivated by her choice of wedding dress. Surprising many, the Duchess of Sussex opted for an off-the-shoulder Givenchy gown designed by Clare Waight Keller, who was the creative director at the time.
Amid speculation that London-based brands Ralph & Russo and Erdem were front runners for creating the royal wedding dress, Kensington Palace announced that the Givenchy gown embodied “a timeless minimal elegance referencing the codes of the iconic house.” This selection also reflected Meghan’s dedication to empowering women through her global platform, as Waight Keller had made history as the first female artistic director of the esteemed French fashion house in 2017.
The decision to collaborate with Waight Keller was made after Meghan met the designer in early 2018. The statement from Kensington Palace revealed that Meghan was drawn to Waight Keller for her timeless and elegant aesthetic, impeccable tailoring, and calm demeanor. Additionally, Meghan wanted to shine a spotlight on the achievements of a prominent British talent who had led three influential fashion houses: Pringle of Scotland, Chloé, and Givenchy.
The Givenchy wedding gown worn by Meghan Markle on her special day was a symbol of sophistication and modernity, perfectly complementing her status as a trailblazing royal figure. The choice of dress not only showcased Meghan’s impeccable sense of style but also highlighted her commitment to supporting and promoting talented women in the fashion industry.
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