The Drama Of Meghan Markle's "Identical" Wedding Dress

On May 19, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Wed At St. George's Chapel In Windsor Castle.

Just days after the fanfare of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Royal Wedding, a flurry of commentary about the wedding dress has already swept the internet. Among which, the most scandalous is New Zealand-born London designer Emilia Wickstead’s remarks in the Daily Mail, in which she alleges that Meghan’s dress by Givenchy bore an uncanny resemblance to one of her own designs.

“[Meghan’s] dress is identical to one of our dresses,” says Emilia in the article. “Apparently a lot of commentators were saying, ‘It’s an Emilia Wickstead dress.’”

 

 

A post shared by Emilia Wickstead Bridal (@emiliawicksteadbridal) on May 20, 2018 at 11:09am PDT

 

READ: "The Rumors Aren't True: Meghan Markle Didn't Wear Ralph & Russo To Her Wedding--It Was Givenchy!"

The designer went on to add more criticisms, claiming, “If you choose a simple design, the fit should be perfect. [Meghan’s] wedding dress is quite loose.” Additionally, she remarks, “Hold the wisps [of Meghan’s hair] back—it’s a Royal Wedding for God’s sake.”

 

Officially, the Duke and Duchess Of Sussex

 

Backlash and defenses for Emilia Wickstead and Givenchy have since run amok, with some criticizing Emilia’s unfounded implications of design infringement, to her snide remarks of Meghan’s appearances.

“[Emilia Wickstead] should have limited her comments to the cut and design of the dress. Her comments to the [Daily Mail] journalist were not constructive or meaningful in any way.”, comments on Instagram user. While another responds, “Can you really say that all of your dresses are 100% unique and original?... Because I don’t really see any originality from your work.”

READ: "Bling It On! All The Jewelry Mehghan Markle Wore On Her Big Day"

Emilia Wickstead, who has dressed royals like Kate Middleton and Meghan before, has since issued a public apology, arguing that she never claimed that wedding dress was copied from her.

 

 

A post shared by Emilia Wickstead (@emiliawickstead) on May 27, 2018 at 9:33am PDT

 

Meghan Markle’s haute couture wedding dress was designed by Givenchy Artistic Director Clare Waight Keller, who worked closely with the bride to conceptualize the dress.

 

Sketches for Meghan Markle's wedding dress

 

“It is truly an honor to have been given the opportunity to closely collaborate with Meghan Markle on such a remarkable occasion.”, says Clare Waight Keller in a statement, “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.”

Clare goes on to express her gratitude for the “extraordinary process of creativity”: “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.”

 

READ: "Meghan Markle's Coat Of Arms Reveals Symbolism Of Her New Identity As A Duchess--Here's What Each Element Means." 

 

 

Official portraits by Alexi Lubomirski.
The copyright in the photographs is vested in The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Photos courtesy of Stores Specialists, Inc.