After joining in the record number of viewers who watched the Royal Wedding, New Zealand-born fashion designer turned to the Daily Mail to criticise the Duchess of Sussex’s choices.
She called out the dress designed by Clare Waight Keller, Givenchy’s first female creative director, saying Meghan’s dress was “identical” to her “Helene wedding dress.”
“Her dress is identical to one of our dresses,” Wickstead said to the Daily Mail.
“Apparently a lot of commentators were saying, ‘It’s an Emilia Wickstead dress.'”
From there, she added on: “If you choose a simple design the fit should be perfect. Her wedding dress was quite loose.”
Then continued on to pick apart Meghan’s hair, saying: “I was like, ‘Hold the wisps [of her hair] back — it’s a Royal Wedding for God’s sake.’”
Emilia Wickstead’s Twitter account was shut down over the weekend for unannounced reasons but yesterday the designer issued a response to the backlash she has been receiving noting she is “saddened” by the comments she has been hearing.
“I am extremely saddened by commentary that has appeared in the press and on-line over the past few days,” the statement started.
It continues: “Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Sussex looked absolutely beautiful on her wedding day and I have the utmost admiration and respect for her.
“I do not think that her wedding dress was a copy of any of our designs. I have the greatest respect for Clare Waight Keller and the House of Givenchy- a huge source of inspiration to me.
“I wish Their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex a wonderful, happy and love filled love together.
“Emilia.”
Emilia Wickstead has previously won the 2014 Red Carpet Designer of the Year Award at the Elle Style Awards and frequently dresses the Duchess of Cambridge. Last month for the Anzac Day service, Meghan wore one of her dresses.
Although it will be a safe bet we won’t see either Duchess in her designs for some time.
