Sketches of Meghan Markle's Givenchy wedding dress revealed — plus, what Prince Harry told the designer
Meghan Markle’s wedding dress fetched the bride comparisons to Audrey Hepburn and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Now its designer is giving royal-watchers intimate new details about her show-stopping creation.
Kensington Palace has just released sketches of the Givenchy haute couture gown, which was designed by Clare Waight Keller. The sketches offer a closer look at the dress’s clean silhouette, bateau neckline, and lengthy train.
Sketches of The Duchess of Sussex’s #RoyalWedding dress, designed by Clare Waight Keller, have been released.
The Duchess and Ms. Waight Keller worked closely together on the design, epitomising a timeless minimal elegance referencing the codes of the iconic House of Givenchy. pic.twitter.com/A9ZFKVZmUz
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 20, 2018
The palace notes that Markle and Waight Keller sought out a “timeless, minimal elegance.” The 16-foot-long silk tulle veil, meanwhile, paid homage to the British Commonwealth with its floral embroidery.
Ms. Waight Keller designed a veil representing the distinctive flora of all 53 Commonwealth countries united in one spectacular floral composition.
Find out more about the design, the fabric and the veil of the #RoyalWedding dress: https://t.co/flDwgm4LUp pic.twitter.com/0t7MWZ3BpF
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 20, 2018
“It is truly an honor to have been given the opportunity to closely collaborate with Meghan Markle on such a remarkable occasion,” the British-born Waight Keller, who also designed the bridesmaid dresses, said in a press release.
“We wanted to create a timeless piece that would emphasize the iconic codes of Givenchy throughout its history, as well as convey modernity through sleek lines and sharp cuts. In contrast, the delicate floral beauty of the veil was a vision Meghan and I shared, a special gesture embracing the commonwealth flora, ascending the circumference of the silk tulle.
“As a British designer at a Parisian Haute Couture house, and on behalf of all us at Givenchy who have been able to experience such an extraordinary process of creativity, I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished and grateful to Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Kensington Palace for allowing us to be part of this historical chapter,” she continued.
“It has been an immensely rewarding experience to get to know Meghan on a personal level, one I will forever carry with me. The House of Givenchy joins me in wishing her and Prince Harry every wish of happiness in their future.”
In an interview Sunday, Waight Keller told the media that Prince Harry was bowled over by the gown.
“I think everybody saw on television he was just absolutely in awe,” she said. “I think she looked incredible. He came straight up to me and said: ‘Oh my God, thank you. She looks absolutely stunning.’
“She is just exactly what you see on TV,” Waight Keller added of the bride. “She is just so genuine and warm and radiant. She is just glowing. And she’s a strong woman. She knows what she wants and really it was an absolute joy working with her.
“I think she really admired the fact that I was a woman designer and the many companies I have worked for, British companies and international companies and the fact that I am a working mother played into it as well, so that was maybe part of her story.”
For all things royal wedding, from details on Meghan Markle’s dress to cute pictures of Prince George and Princess Charlotte, click here. Want to relive every moment? Watch it all here.
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