The dress is described as a "crepe couture dress with Valentino's signature Gavani embroidery." However, there's a fan theory circulating that Meghan might have opted for a secondhand piece, which was pointed out by a pro-Sussex website. The observation raised some eyebrows because Meghan was attending an event with numerous A-listers where she knew she'd be photographed, yet she chose to wear a dress from two years ago.
While wearing a slightly older dress might seem normal to most people, it's essential to remember that during her time as a working member of the royal family, Meghan accumulated substantial clothing bills, with expenditures of around $59,000 in 2018 and $111,000 in 2019. There has long been speculation that Meghan acquired high-end clothing for free and then billed the full price to Prince Charles, later selling the actual dresses to affluent Middle Eastern housewives—a strong buying demographic for such items. This practice might explain why there were no visible price tags on her clothing and why some outfits, like her pants, were not tailored correctly.
The criticism surrounding Meghan's choice of fashion often revolves around the idea that she tries to present a status she doesn't genuinely possess, leading to a perception of looking poor, cheap, and desperate. Some have commented on her appearance in the dress, noting that it accentuates her body's lack of toning and overall health. Critics have pointed out her "skinny-fat" physique, suggesting muscle loss and residual abdominal fat, which can be challenging to lose even with weight loss efforts.
It's worth mentioning that Meghan has faced fashion-related controversies in the past, such as wearing a white Valentino suit during the 2022 Invictus Games in the Netherlands. This choice garnered negative comments and even led to some fashion brands boycotting her due to plummeting sales. Meghan's fashion choices have been a topic of debate and scrutiny, with critics suggesting that she should be more mindful of her appearance given her high-profile status.