The rumours were flying for months over who would be designing Meghan Markle’s dress for the royal wedding.
Many speculated it would be the Suits actress’ favourite Ralph and Russo, while others were certain it would be Canadian designer Erdem.
Kensington Palace have now confirmed, however, that the designer is Claire Waight Keller, Artistic Director of Givenchy.
The design features a boat neck, with a simple a-line and long train.
The train is almost reminiscent of Diana’s from back in 1981, and drapes right over the step at St. George’s chapel.
Who is the designer, who will likely see her popularity grow hugely after such a prestigious job.
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Waight Keller was previously creative director at French label Chloé, and became the first female artistic director at Givenchy last year.
She debuted her first collection for the fashion house in January, showing feminine shapes alongside boxy necklines – of course with boat necklines in there too.
Elle even stated that she had ‘made couture relevant again’.
Waight Keller got her BA at Ravensbourne College of Art, going on to study a Masters in fashion knitwear at the Royal College of Art.
She was hired straight out of university by Calvin Klein, where she remained for four years before moving on to be head designer of Men’s Purple Label at Ralph Lauren.
In 2000, she worked alongside Burberry creative director Christopher Bailey as a senior designer at Gucci.
From there, she became creative director of Pringle, where she was credited with revamping the label and highly praised by critics.
In 2011 she was poached by Chloé, and once again praised for taking the brand to new heights.
In 2016, she bagged the Editors Choice award at the Elle Style Awards, and then moved on to Givenchy.
Her designs are decidedly feminine, but tend to have a slick and modern twist.
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This is certainly evident with Meghan’s dress, which reflects the simplicity of the clothes she normally wears, but has a princess-ey element with the long train.
According to Givenchy sources, the train is ‘five meters long and made from silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers in silk threads and organza.’
Fit for a Duchess indeed.
Statement from Clare Waight Keller
It’s is truly an honour to have been given the opportunity to closely collaborate with Meghan Markle on such a remarkable occasion.
We wanted to create a timeless piece that would emphasise 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 of us here 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.
It has been an immensely rewarding experience to get to know Meghan on a personal level, one I know 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.
