Meghan Markle arrived at St. George’s Chapel for Saturday’s royal wedding wearing a dress by British designer Clare Waight Keller, who last year became the first female artistic director of French fashion house Givenchy.
According to Kensington Palace, Markle worked closely with Waight Keller on the design of the dress, which features a shoulder-framing open bateau neckline, or boatneck, along with slim three-quarter-length sleeves and six carefully placed seams throughout.
Markle wanted to have all 53 countries of the Commonwealth with her on her wedding day, so Waight Keller created a five-meter-long veil with hand-embroidered flora from each Commonwealth country, per the palace. Also represented are Wintersweet, which grows on the Kensington Palace grounds, and the California Poppy, a nod to Markle’s birth state.
Markle’s veil was held in place by Queen Mary’s diamond bandeau tiara, on loan from Queen Elizabeth II. The diamond band itself was created in 1932, while the centerpiece — a detachable brooch featuring 10 brilliant diamonds — dates back to 1893. The brooch was originally a wedding present for then-Princess Mary when she wed Prince George, Duke of York.
Markle also wore earrings and bracelet from Cartier, and silk duchess satin shoes by Givenchy. Waight Keller also designed dresses for Markle’s six young bridesmaids, including Princess Charlotte.
Prior to joining Givenchy in 2017, Waight Keller was the creative director for both Pringle of Scotland and Chloé.
“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,” Waight Keller said in a press release. “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.”
Frantic speculation regarding the designer of Markle’s dress had been swirling for months, with a number of couturiers considered to be top contenders. Roland Mouret, a longtime friend of Markle’s who’s dressed her many times in the past, was an early pick. Victoria Beckham, who’s also friendly with the actress, was similarly considered until she shut down the rumors during a “Late Late Show” appearance in early April.
Around that same time, luxury label Erdem moved its PR in-house and hired a new PR manager, leading some to believe it was prepping for an onslaught of royal wedding-related press. British brands Burberry, Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen, the latter of which provided Kate Middleton’s wedding dress in 2011, were also believed to be in the running.
By early May, many were betting on Ralph & Russo, the same label Markle wore for her engagement photos in December. Following the Daily Mail’s report that Markle would wear a $135,000 custom gown by the brand for her walk down the aisle, however, a source told Page Six that Markle had chosen a different British brand.