What Happens When You Become Meghan Markle's Favorite Designer
Australian designer Martin Grant opens up about the "Meghan effect" after the Duchess wore his cotton trench—twice—and striking striped maxi dress just a couple of days later
Photo: Getty
Meghan Markle
Australian designer Martin Grant has been flooded with orders since Meghan Markle stepped out wearing two of his designs during her Down Under tour with husband Prince Harry.
The Duchess of Sussex’s choice of a Grant cotton trench—worn twice—followed by a striking Grant striped maxi dress just a couple of days later, clearly marked the Paris-based Aussie designer as a favorite of the stylish royal.
The Classic Cotton Straight Cut Trench Coat is made from 100 percent cottonPhoto: Getty
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Made in France, the Martin Grant Pleated Stripe Long Dress features a full skirt with pleated detailingPhoto: Getty
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Related article: Meghan Markle Wore The Perfect Maxi Dress To The Beach
The two designs are currently available for pre-order and, not surprisingly, major retailers, who initially placed orders in July, have been dialing Grant to increase units. Over the last two days, retailers including Barneys, Moda Operandi and Tomorrowland have increased orders.
“There is definitely a huge amount of interest for both of the pieces,” Grant told BAZAAR.com. “I’ve seen around 10 major buyers come through to request more units."
Giving a glimpse into how his designs ended up being worn by Meghan, Grant said the Duchess’s stylist requested samples from his Paris showroom earlier this month. He sent a range of looks and was quickly asked to produce the bespoke designs for the popular royal couple’s Aussie tour.
Martin Grant
modamodaoperandi.com $1,420.00
Martin Grant
modamodaoperandi.com $1,690.00
“They said they loved them, so we asked for a few measurements and turned it around quite quickly—in a matter of five to 10 days,” Grant said. He was unfazed, despite his newest customer’s high profile. “We’re used to doing that for other celebrities,” he said.
Grant's celebrity following includes names Cate Blanchett, Tilda Winton, Emma Stone and Blake Lively.
Related article: See Every Photo Of Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Of Their Australian Royal Tour
The 37-year-old Duchess, whose first pregnancy was announced earlier this week, looked radiant in Grant’s maxi dress on Friday when he and the Prince met the OneWave surfing community support group on Bondi Beach to discuss mental health issues. The couple kicked off their shoes and chilled on the sand, joining in on the colorfully dressed group’s “anti-bad-vibe circle”.
Meghan kicked off her shoes to join OneWave's “anti-bad-vibe circle”Photo: Getty
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Grant, who is coincidentally home in Australia during the royal tour, said the casual and summery dress was a perfect choice for Australia’s most iconic beach.
“The dress is not designed as a pregnancy dress but it’s early on—she’s not really showing—so it works well. I’m very flattered because she’s a gorgeous girl and she’s got good taste and good style.”
As for Grant’s 100 percent cotton trench, the former Suits actress wore it on outings in both Sydney and Melbourne—proving she recycles clothes just like the rest of us.
The former Suits actress wore Grant's trench on outings in both Sydney and MelbournePhoto: Getty
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
"It’s a classic, neutral piece that can be worn with different styles and shoes," Grant told BAZAAR.comPhoto: Getty
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“I love the fact she wore it twice,” said Grant. “It shows a certain reality and it’s a classic, neutral piece that can be worn with different styles and shoes. Australians are relaxed, so this makes her more accessible—and less intimidating.”
The Melbourne-born designer, who has been based in Paris for 26 years, has been enjoying the Meghan Markle buzz while visiting family back home this week. “I do hope to meet her in the near future but nothing is planned,” he said.
This article originally appeared on Harper's Bazaar US.