Meghan Markle's wedding dress has a secret feminist statement
Meghan Markle’s wedding dress is just as amazing as you’d imagine. On Saturday, the former actress married Prince Harry wearing a gown from Givenchy.
The public got its first glimpse of the bride’s look for the ceremony as she traveled from Cliveden House, the hotel where she stayed Friday night, in a car with her mother, 61-year-old Doria Ragland.
But it was when she appeared on the West Steps of St. George’s Chapel in Windsor that crowds were finally able to feast their eyes on the design in full.
The custom gown was made by lead designer Clare Waight Keller, an apt choice for Markle, a self-described feminist. According to Kensington Palace, Waight Keller last year became the first female artistic director at the historic French fashion house Givenchy.
“It is truly an honor to have been given the opportunity to closely collaborate with Meghan Markle on such a remarkable occasion,” Waight Keller said in a statement. “As a British designer at a Parisian haute couture house, and on behalf of all us at Givenchy who have been able to experience such an extraordinary process of creativity, I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished and grateful to Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and Kensington Palace for allowing us to be part of this historical chapter.” She added, “It has been an immensely rewarding experience to get to know Meghan on a personal level, one I will forever carry with me.”
The veil, also made by Waight Keller, serves as a tribute to the United Kingdom and has a flower from every Commonwealth country embroidered on it. According to a statement from the palace, Markle wanted to have the family of nations at the start of her journey to becoming a member of the royal family. “Significant time was spent researching the flora of each Commonwealth country and much care was taken by Ms. Waight Keller to ensure that every flower is unique. The veil is five meters long and made from silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers in silk threads and organza,” the Kensington Palace statement read. Markle also included wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), which can be found at Kensington Palace, and the California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), which is the state flower of California, to honor her birthplace.
She’s also wearing the Queen Mary Diamond Bandeau Tiara, which is on loan from the queen and rarely worn. The bandeau was made in 1932 and is made of diamonds and platinum. The detachable brooch dates back to 1893 and was gifted to Queen Mary on her wedding day. Markle accessorized with earrings and a bracelet from Cartier.
Serge Normant, who counts Sarah Jessica Parker and Julia Roberts as clients, did Markle’s hair, while Daniel Martin did her makeup.
For all things royal wedding, from details on Meghan Markle’s dress to cute pictures of Prince George and Princess Charlotte, click here. Want to relive every moment? Watch it all here.
