Givenchy's Clare Waight Keller Is Meghan Markle's Wedding Gown Designer
Meghan looks absolutely incredible
Photo: Getty
meghan markle clare waight keller givenchy
Clare Waight Keller, the new artistic director at Givenchy is the official designer of Meghan Markle's wedding gown.
The news was confirmed as Meghan stepped out of her car and prepared to walk down the aisle. In a statement on Twitter, Kensington Palace said: "Ms. Meghan Markle’s wedding dress has been designed by the acclaimed British designer, Clare Waight Keller. Ms. Waight Keller last year became the first female Artistic Director at the historic French fashion house Givenchy."
The designer remained a closely-guarded secret until a rumor emerged on Twitter this morning as guests began arriving at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.
Waight Keller, who is British and known for her feminine, romantic asthetic, is nonetheless a controversial choice because Givenchy is a French fashion house. Givenchy does however have a rich history of haute couture. Waight Keller debuted her first couture collection for the house to critical acclaim in January, and has been praised for "making couture relevant again."
Waight Keller, who was previously Creative Director at French fashion house Chloé, beat several top British designer names to the job.
Ralph & Russo, the design duo behind the dress in Meghan's engagement photos, was widely rumored to have designed the dress, however Page Six reported yesterday that Stella McCartney is believed to be the designer. With Oprah Winfrey and Amal Clooney arriving in McCartney however, this looked less likely to be the case.
A gown from Clare Waight Keller’s debut Givenchy Couture show in January. Photo: Getty
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Former Burberry Chief Creative Officer Christopher Bailey was also among the rumored designer names, as was London-based Canadian label Erdem.
Alexander McQueen designer Sarah Burton famously designed the Duchess of Cambridge's wedding gown in 2011, and while she would undoubtedly rise to the occasion, it seemed unlikely that Meghan would opt for the same designer as Kate.
According to royal protocol, Meghan's dress must also be less expensive than Kate's, which cost £150,000. Per reports surrounding the cost of Meghan's bridal look, Meghan's dress is believed to have cost £100,000.