wedding dress meghan givenchy | See the First Photos of Meghan Markle's Givenchy Wedding Dress

The world held its breath on May 19, 2018, as Meghan Markle stepped out of her car and into St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, ready to marry Prince Harry. But it wasn't just the royal wedding that captivated the global audience; it was the dress. A vision of understated elegance, Meghan's wedding dress, designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy, was a masterclass in minimalist chic, yet brimming with symbolism and hidden details that spoke volumes about the bride and her commitment to her new role. This article delves into the intricate details of Meghan's Givenchy gown, exploring its design, the symbolism woven into its fabric, and the lasting impact it has had on bridal fashion.

Megan Markle's Givenchy Wedding Dress: A Study in Simplicity and Sophisticationwedding dress meghan givenchy

From the moment speculation began about who would design the Duchess of Sussex's wedding dress, the fashion world buzzed with anticipation. Would she opt for a grand, elaborate gown or something more modern and understated? In the end, Meghan chose the latter, selecting Clare Waight Keller, the British artistic director of the French fashion house Givenchy, to create a dress that perfectly reflected her personality and values.

The gown was a study in simplicity. Crafted from a double-bonded silk cady, the dress featured a clean, architectural silhouette with a bateau neckline, long sleeves, and a fitted bodice that flowed into a graceful A-line skirt. The absence of heavy embellishment allowed the impeccable tailoring and the quality of the fabric to take center stage. This choice was a deliberate one, reflecting Meghan's preference for clean lines and timeless elegance.

Tiara: All the Details

While the dress itself was understated, the Queen Mary Diamond Bandeau tiara, loaned to Meghan by Queen Elizabeth II, added a touch of regal sparkle. The tiara, crafted in 1932, featured a central detachable brooch dating back to 1893. The brooch, composed of ten brilliant diamonds, was a gift to Princess Mary from the County of Lincoln upon her marriage to Prince George, Duke of York (later King George V). The bandeau itself is a flexible band of eleven sections, pierced with interlaced ovals and set throughout with large and small brilliant diamonds.

The selection of this particular tiara was significant. Not only did it represent a connection to the royal family's history, but its clean lines and simple elegance complemented the minimalist aesthetic of the dress. It was the perfect balance of tradition and modernity.

Meghan Markle's Wedding Dress Photos: Capturing a Moment in History

The official wedding photos, released shortly after the ceremony, offered a closer look at the dress and its exquisite details. Photographed by Alexi Lubomirski, the images captured Meghan's radiant happiness and the beauty of her gown. The photos showcased the impeccable fit of the dress, the way the fabric draped, and the subtle sheen of the silk cady. They also highlighted the intricate embroidery of the veil, the delicate details of the tiara, and the overall timeless elegance of the bridal look.

Meghan Markle's £100k Wedding Dress: Hidden Details, Rare Craftsmanship

While the exact cost of Meghan's wedding dress remains undisclosed, estimates place it around £100,000. This price tag reflects not only the quality of the materials used but also the exceptional craftsmanship and the countless hours of work that went into creating the gown. The double-bonded silk cady was sourced from a leading European mill, and the dress was meticulously constructed in the Givenchy atelier in Paris.

Beyond the visible details, the dress also incorporated hidden elements that added to its value and significance. These included the intricate construction of the bodice, which provided structure and support without compromising the dress's clean lines, and the meticulous hand-finishing of the seams and edges.

Meghan Markle's Wedding Dress: See the Givenchy Design

The Givenchy design was a departure from the more traditional royal wedding dresses of the past. Unlike Princess Diana's elaborate gown with its voluminous skirt and intricate lace, or Kate Middleton's Alexander McQueen dress with its intricate appliqué, Meghan's dress was a statement of modern minimalism.

The clean lines, the bateau neckline, and the absence of heavy embellishment were all deliberate choices that reflected Meghan's personal style and her desire to create a timeless and elegant look. The dress was not about ostentation or extravagance; it was about understated sophistication and a focus on the quality of the design and craftsmanship.

Meghan Markle's Wedding Dress Designer Shares 'Secretly Emotional' Experience

Clare Waight Keller, the artistic director of Givenchy, described the process of designing Meghan's wedding dress as a "secretly emotional" experience. In interviews following the wedding, she spoke of the immense pressure she felt to create a dress that would not only meet Meghan's expectations but also capture the attention of the world.

Waight Keller emphasized the collaborative nature of the design process, highlighting Meghan's active involvement in every stage. She described Meghan as a strong and confident woman with a clear vision of what she wanted, and she praised her for her grace, intelligence, and commitment to her values.

Meghan Markle Wears Givenchy Wedding Dress to Marry Prince Harry: A Moment of Royal History