It was the gasp heard around the world. And no, we’re not talking about that sermon. It was when Meghan Markle stepped out in her wedding gown in understated celebrity style. The dress was Givenchy by British designer Claire Waight Keller, and people were shocked for a number of reasons.
First, we were expecting a different designer. I personally thought it would for sure be British, and yes, Keller is British but the label British as well. I immediately assumed it would be Burberry, but that was too obvious based on the Burberry garment bag Markle’s mother Doria Ragland was spotted carrying at the airport.
And then word came out that it could be Stella McCartney which just made so much sense. But it was neither. It was a whole lot smarter. Not only is Givenchy a label no one was expecting but the British designer, who is the current head of the label, is the first female head designer for the couturier.
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But wait, there’s more. If you were expecting a statement-making, overpowering dress, you were sadly mistaken. The dress was beautiful in its fabric and its silhouette but it wasn’t the jaw-dropping gown many were thinking of and hoping for. Some called it plain. Some called it underwhelming. Others said it was ladylike and fit right into Markle’s personal style. But it was definitely no Kate Middleton dress. It was understated celebrity style.
More than even the dress, the standouts in this ensemble were the tiara – Queen Mary’s bandeau from 1932 – and the veil, featuring 53 flowers, one for each member of the Commonwealth. Everything was symbolic even more than statement-making. And perhaps that’s what Markle wanted all along.
This wedding, as gorgeous as it was, differed from other royal weddings in a lot of ways. And we’re not just talking about the modern service that had members of the royal family talking (and gawking!). This wedding had a lot more celebrities, Meghan’s “Suits” family and her celebrity friends Priyanka Chopra, Jessica Mulroney and Serena Williams just to name a few. True, it didn’t have too many of Markle’s blood relatives, but maybe it was better that way, as Meghan’s father’s side of the family certainly proved that was the case.
Surprisingly, most of the royal family dressed underwhelmingly, as did Victoria Beckham and a few others. Understated celebrity style reigned at the Royal Wedding 2018. But maybe as it should be, the focus was on the bride. In any case, there were still fashion forward celebs who made us scratch our head as to why they were there (ahem, Amal and George Clooney) but they certainly looked the part.

I applaud Amal for almost never having a bad fashion moment. (I’m trying to forget those leather pants attached to the denim Daisy Dukes.) This color is gorgeous on her, and she has some great accessories, George Clooney included.

I thought these were two of the best celebrity looks, and they were so, so different from each other. I didn’t even know Abigail Spencer and Priyanka Chopra were friends by the way. Abigail is having a 30s fashion moment and I just love that polka dot dress, definitely not something that anyone else wore. And considering Priyanka was worried about what kind of outfit (and fascinator) she was supposed to wear, she put this Vivienne Westwood look together well.

If Meghan hadn’t worn Burberry or Stella McCartney, I would have liked to see her in Christopher Kane or Erdem. Carey Mulligan (again not sure what she is doing there) looks divine in Erdem. It’s soft, but still eye-catching and super elegant and feminine.

So word on the street is that Serena Williams had an Instagram fashion party before the wedding. This Versace number fits her like a glove, even though I’m hating the color. There was a lot of pale pink at this wedding that I just despised.

Victoria Beckham in, you guessed it, Victoria Beckham. While Victoria Beckham could make a potato sack look gorgeous, I do not like the fact that this look is so closely related to the look she wore for Prince William and Kate’s wedding in 2011. Of course, at the time, the fascinator she wore was so much more unique. This one is just blah. I like the pop of color shoes, but they don’t really work here. They just feel like they don’t belong.

A lot of people were talking about this look and it was probably because Gina Torres followed tradition, but gave it her own twist. I love the Afro-Cuban style of the hat and the beautiful fabric of the dress.

While I don’t love that they coordinated colors (his tie and her dress) I do think Jacinda Barrett and Gabriel Macht make a cute couple.
I might be the only one who didn’t know that Patrick J. Adams from Suits was married to the girl from Pretty Little Lies. It’s another underwhelming look but I’m pleased for them. The focus should be on the bride, not the guests.

A lot of people didn’t like this look. They said the dress and fascinator were too matchy-matchy and the print was too winter floral. Well, I personally love winter floral and I love this look.

Red, white, green and blue – Italian Flag, Union Jack or American flag? I’m not sure what she is going for here, but she certainly makes a cool statement. Just wished the hat matched the ensemble a wee bit more.

Again, the pale pink. Not a fan. Also, what’s Oprah’s connection to the royal family? Daily Mail says she spent 6 hours doing a forthcoming interview with Meghan’s mom Doria Ragland.

There were a lot of people who didn’t like Pippa Middleton’s look, because of those strange pleats. But I actually liked it. Pippa looks like she fits right in with British tradition and aristocracy. And there’s something very mature but fashion forward about her look. She’s certainly grown up since her days as Kate Middleton’s maid of honor.

There’s a Jackie O in the 60s moment going on here and I just don’t really like it. The dress is also too short.

Back in 2011, Princess Beatrice was the talk of the wedding for that crazy pretzel fascinator she wore. She has since grown up and while her fashion choices are still a bit loud, this look is nothing compared to that one and the fascinator (or headband in this case) is barely noticeable. I don’t know whether she was understated because she didn’t want people to talk about her as they did then or if she’s just following royal protocol (Princess Harry is 6th in line where Prince William was 2nd.)

I’m really impressed with this women. Doria Ragland seems humble and kind and like a great role model.

The queen definitely gets noticed in a crowd.

I know Kate’s big into the whole recycling thing and I know she’s smart and humble enough not to take away from Meghan’s big day, but did she have to wear the same look all over again, even if it’s with a different fascinator?
– Simona Shemer
Photos: People.com, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour
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