The bride surprised everyone, defying bookmakers' predictions: the dress isn't from a UK brand, but was designed by Givenchy, a Birmingham-born designer, Clare Waight Keller, the first woman to lead the French fashion house, where she arrives after leading Chloé and, before that, Pringle of Scotland. "It was a true honor to have the opportunity to collaborate so closely with Meghan Markle for such a momentous occasion. We wanted to create a timeless gown in keeping with Givenchy's iconic style code," the designer stated in an official statement from the house.
"The delicate beauty of the floral embroidered veil was a 'vision' that Meghan and I shared, almost like an embrace of Commonwealth flora." All 53 Commonwealth countries are represented on this veil, thanks to the different flower species depicted in a spectacular composition that Waight Keller personally crafted. The dress is valued at just over €229,000.
Let's get to the details of Meghan Markle's wedding look: the dress has a flowing cut, which falls softly on the bride's curves, three-quarter sleeves ("a touch of modernity," says the designer), and a bateau neckline that's very flattering. The veil is incredibly long, fit for a true princess (even though Meghan is 'only' the Duchess of Sussex): almost 5 meters long, it's made of silk tulle with flowers hand-embroidered with silk and organza thread. It's said that the tailors spent hundreds of hours making it, partly because they were forced to stop every half hour to wash their hands, so as not to ruin the fabric. The tiara isn't what was expected: not the Spencer Tiara, worn by Lady Diana at her wedding, but a jewel lent directly by Queen Elizabeth.
The shoes match the dress, also by Givenchy. The jewelry is by Cartier, including earrings and a bracelet, while the wedding rings are Welsh gold, by Cleave and Company. The only additional piece of jewelry worn by Harry's bride is the engagement ring.
Elegant and sophisticated in its simplicity: Meghan chose an outfit that suits her and leaves no room for criticism. This choice was also confirmed in her makeup: the bride did her own makeup on the morning of the wedding, to appear as natural as possible. Fond of her freckles, she used nude foundation sparingly and played with a bronze-toned blush, without contouring.
The focus was on her eyes, highlighted with black pencil and a light smokey eye. Her super-defined eyebrows were designed in Audrey Hepburn style by Nails & Brown in London, a beauty salon frequented by Meghan and specializing in "The Audrey" facial treatment.
Finally, the hair: known for her messy buns, Meghan opted for a very neat low updo with a center parting, necessary to support a tiara that was definitely... heavy.
