It’s official: Meghan Markle – the soon-to-be Duchess of Sussex – is wearing a wedding dress designed by Clare Waight Keller, the artistic director of Givenchy.
After months of speculation – and designer names from Victoria Beckham to Ralph & Russo to Erdem, to even the Queen’s own dressmaker, Stewart Parvin, Kensington Palace has just now confirmed that Meghan’s wedding dress has been designed by Clare Waight Keller.
Kensington Palace notes that “Ms Markle chose to work with her for her timeless and elegant aesthetic, impeccable tailoring, and relaxed demeanour. Ms. Markle also wanted to highlight the success of a leading British talent who has now served as the creative head of three globally influential fashion houses – Pringle of Scotland, Chloé, and now Givenchy.”
The design of the dress encapsulates the timelessness of the Givenchy label’s design, calling out the “minimal elegance referencing the codes of the iconic House of Givenchy and showcasing the expert craftsmanship of its world-renowned Parisian couture atelier founded in 1952.”
Meghan’s dress features a bateau neckline that flows into a narrow waist and a train of triple silk organza. Meghan’s veil features a Commonwealth touch, as all 53 members of the Commonwealth of Nations have their flora featured in its design. According to Kensington Palace, great care was taken to research this, and the veil is “five meters long and made from silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers in silk threads and organza.”
Meghan has topped off her Givenchy dress with Queen Mary’s diamond bandeau tiara, which has been lent to her by The Queen. The tiara dates back to 1932, and the centre brooch dates back to 1893.
Her earrings and bracelet are designed by Cartier.
