Gorgeous in Givenchy!

Meghan’s wedding gown was beautiful, but the woman wearing it was unforgettable.

The dress isn’t everything but it is a lot. And the Givenchy haute couture gown chosen by Meghan Markle for her marriage to Prince Harry told a story about contemporary romance, geopolitical history and the institution into which she has married. But mostly, most importantly, it offered a bit of insight into the bride herself.

NEIL HALL/Pool via REUTERS

The sleek white gown, with its six strategically placed seams, was stitched from a heavy silk with a subtle sheen. A simple bateau neckline gracefully framed her face. The body of the dress subtly outlined her waist and flowed into a full train. But what was most noticeable were all the things that the dress was not. It was not a Hollywood red carpet statement. It was not a Disney princess fantasy. It was not a mountain of camouflaging tulle and chiffon.

NEIL HALL/Pool via REUTERS

The dress, designed by Clare Waight Keller, was free of extravagant embellishments. It was not covered in yards of delicate lace. It did not have a single ruffle – no pearls or crystals. Its beauty was in its architectural lines and its confident restraint. It was a romantic dress, but one that suggested a clear-eyed understanding that a real-life romance is not the stuff of fairy tales. The dress was a backdrop; it was in service to the woman.

NEIL HALL/Pool via REUTERS

The woman. That’s what the dress emphasised. Not bridal whimsy. Not princess tropes. Not royal pomp.

It was the veil, five meters of delicate silk tulle embroidered with flowers representing the 53 countries of the British Commonwealth, Kensington Palace and her home state of California, that carried the weight of history, duty and tradition.

Handout picture issued by the Royal Household of Queen Mary’s Diamond Bandeau, which is being worn by Meghan Markle for her wedding to Prince Harry, in Windsor, Britain, May 19, 2018. Royal Collection Trust/handout via REUTERS NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES

She wore it with Queen Mary’s diamond and platinum bandeau tiara, which had been lent to her by her new mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II. The tiara, created in 1932, is dominated by a central brooch that dates to 1893.

 NEIL HALL/Pool via REUTERS

Prince Harry wore frock-coat uniform of the Blues and Royals. He thankfully did not shave his beard.

Keller is a British designer who has previously worked for Pringle of Scotland and Chloe. She is the first woman to lead the French fashion house Givenchy, one of most venerable names in the industry and closely associated with the sleek and sophisticated style of Audrey Hepburn.

Britain’s Meghan, Duchess of Sussex departs the St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle after their royal wedding ceremony, in Windsor, Britain. NEIL HALL/Pool via REUTERS

Keller is one of a small group of female designers who have led some of fashion’s most influential houses – women who have approached their job as one aimed at empowering their female customers rather than merely decorating them.

Britain’s Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and her daughter Princess Charlotte leave St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle after the royal wedding ceremony.NEIL HALL/Pool via REUTERS

AUTHOR: ROBIN GIVHAN, The Washington Post

Best dressed guests at the #RoyalWedding


Categories: Celebrity