Press Association via AP ImagesHere comes the bride...
All dressed in...Givenchy!
Meghan Markle made her way to St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle Saturday afternoon, stunning in a creation by the fashion house's creative director Clare Waight Keller. The bride emerged out of a Rolls-Royce Phantom, which she took with her mother, Doria Ragland, wearing a long-sleeve elegant gown with a shallow boat-neckline. The dress was pared down, featuring little embellishment. However, the A-line silouhette featured clean lines and was tailored to perfection.
As expected the bride wore a long, white, sheer veil over a beautiful updo, which was topped off with a vintage-looking tiara.
Keller is Givenchy's first female artistic director, who had previously led design teams at Pringle of Scotland and Chloé. The designer and bride began working on the custom creation earlier this year, with both wanting to reflect a timeless elegance.
"What a historical moment by Claire Weight from Givenchy!" said stylist Sadaf Razi, who has worked with Meghan in the past. "She looks breathtaking. Its both soft and ethereal but classic and completely regal at the same time. It captures her essence perfectly in a dress that is both strong and feminine."
While the focus of the dress was the graphic open bateau neckline, which frames the shoulders and ever-so-slightly flatters her collarbones, the dress transitions down to a sculpted waistline then a train lined with triple silk organza.
The veil was the real show-stopper! Upon the bride's wishes to incorporate the 53 countries of the Commonwealth, the nations in which the Queen is head, the designer researched and added flora from these locations, including Wintersweet from Kensington Palace and California Poppy, from her home state of California, into the look. The silk tulle veil measured in at five meters long, or about five and a half yards!
Just a day before, Meghan and her mother were photographed entering Cliveden House Hotel, where the mother-daughter duo stayed before the big day. The bride looked sophisticated and chic, wearing a navy blue Roland Mouret draped dress with light gray pumps. The more casual frock was only a hint of what was to come.
In the weeks leading up to the royal wedding, there was wide Internet speculation that the American actress would wear London atelier Ralph & Russo. This particular dress, worth about £100,000, was rumored to feature hand-stitching and heavy beading. However, other designers close to Meghan and the royal family were still in the running. Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen and Christopher Bailey, formerly of Burberry, were also speculated to have a hand in designing the royal's dress.
Now we know who the bride chose!
What do you think of Meghan's wedding dress?