The day started innocuously enough, with the royal couple attending a performance at the National Center for the Arts in Bogotá. Meghan opted for a sleek, sleeveless Veronica Beard suit paired with Manolo Blahnik heels for the official welcome and a subsequent visit to a school. But as the day wore on, Meghan decided it was time for a wardrobe change.
Out went the understated chic, and in came the Navajo Weaver dress by Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz. With its metallic-threaded Navajo pattern, blush pink panel, and burgundy details, the dress was certainly eye-catching. But it was the cutout bodice and daring front slit that caught the most attention—and not necessarily in a good way. Meghan accessorized the ensemble with Loven earrings, a Cartier watch and bracelet, and Jimmy Choo shoes, letting her hair down in a nod to effortless glamour.
However, not everyone was impressed by Meghan's sartorial switch. The Vice President of Colombia was reportedly less than thrilled, especially given that the dress in question was worn to visit a school full of children. "A slit halfway up the front—can you imagine?" was the purported reaction from the Vice President. It seems that Meghan's attempt to honor a Colombian designer fell flat, with her outfit being branded as an "absolute disaster" by the local press.
In a predominantly Catholic country like Colombia, where modesty is valued, such a bold fashion statement can come off as disrespectful instead of dignified. Instead of wearing a light blue suit or a color that represents the country, Meghan showed up in what some have described as "beachwear." It was a misstep that left the Vice President looking on with what could only be described as a mix of disappointment and bemusement. "She always treats these visits like a fashion show. It's so inappropriate and very cringe for a woman over 40," a critic noted. The Vice President's face seemed to echo these sentiments, captured in a snapshot that showed her casting a sideways glance at Meghan's daring dress. The look said it all: buyer's remorse at its finest.
"Why does Meghan so often dress as if she's going to a cocktail party when visiting dignitaries?" another observer pondered. "Oh, I know why—she dresses for attention, not for the occasion or the audience, but for attention." It's hard to argue with that logic when sartorial choices seem to scream for the spotlight, overshadowing the very reason she's in the country.
Day one of the tour, and already Meghan had managed to stir the pot. "The VP thought she could use the Sussexes to boost her own PR," another commentator speculated, "but now she's realizing they're using her instead for their PR." The Vice President's regret at extending the invitation was palpable. Meghan's constant hair touching, her grinning shamelessly, and inappropriate clothing—this wasn't the diplomatic visit the Vice President had in mind.
The outfit changes were just the icing on the cake. "It's one thing to change between a meeting and dinner, but come on now," a critic pointed out. "The VP didn't change—why hold her up while you do an outfit change? It's not hard to pick an outfit to cover a few back-to-back events."
As the day drew to a close, it was clear that Meghan had left a mark on Colombia, but perhaps not in the way she intended. The Vice President's side-eye said it all—day one, and already the Duchess of Sussex had managed to court controversy.
