The new Duchess of Sussex didn’t go Middle Eastern in the end, but we’ve got no complaints.
In the lead up to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding, there was so much speculation as to who would design her gown that we’re pretty sure people were just guessing.
One name we didn’t hear a lot of was Givenchy, but that French fashion house is exactly who Markle, who’s now been named the Duchess of Sussex, went for on May 19.
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And while we would have loved to see her in Elie Saab or Zuhair Murad, there’s no denying that the Claire Waight Keller-designed gown was an absolute triumph.
With a five-meter veil embroidered with a flower to represent each nation of the Commonwealth and an elegant open neckline, the gown was timeless, simple and striking.
That photo of Markle climbing the steps of St George’s Chapel says it all.
The Duchess of Sussex chose to work with Keller for her classic aesthetic, Kensington Palace said, and that’s absolutely reflected in her gown.
This isn’t going to be a gown she cringes over in 10 or 15 years.
Keller and Markle worked together on the design from the beginning of the year, Kensington Palace said. The gown is constructed with six seams to create a refined shape, with the open neckline leading to a nipped-in waist and three-quarter sleeves.
Keller, who is the first woman to head up Givenchy and has previously helmed Pringle of Scotland and Chloe, worked with a fabric mill to create an exclusive double-bonded silk cady for the gown. Its weight lent the gown the sculptural feel required, and its soft matte lustre added to the sense of occasion.
It was a “dream day accompaning stunning Meghan Markle on her journey to become the Duchess of Sussex,” Keller wrote on Instagram.
There are countless lovely details about the look—embroiderers working on the veil washed their hands every half hour to keep it clean, for one—but we think our favourite is that Markle’s bouquet included forget-me-nots from the private garden at Kensington Palace.
Prince Harry picked them himself to honour his late mother, Princess Diana, as they were her favourite.
We’re wishing the newlyweds a lifetime of happiness.
Images: Kensington Royal/Instagram, Givenchy/Supplied
