It’s not news that the sartorial taste of the royal family has a far-reaching impact on royal fans everywhere. And now, with the kick-off of Bridal Fashion Week, all eyes are glued to gowns that have undeniably been influenced by the biggest wedding of the year: that of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.
Markle’s Givenchy gown, designed by Clare Waight Keller, stood out for its clean lines and bold silhouette, with a unique bateau neckline and an overall fabric comprised of a double-bonded silk cady and triple-silk organza underskirt.
Her second dress of the evening, an elegant design by Stella McCartney, had a similar eye-popping wow factor made especially unique by its simple and sleek silhouette.
Now, designers are showcasing designs on the runway of their fall 2019 collections that are reminiscent of Markle’s two memorable gowns, with structured, quarter and full-sleeve wedding dresses making a comeback, and high-neck gowns that show off the bride’s toned arms also cropping up throughout.
Designer Theia sent several looks down the runway that look noticeably influenced by Markle’s gowns, including one with a satin sheen, high neck and body-hugging fit, and another with a more matted look and similar silhouette.
Theia Fall 2019 Collection. (Photos by Kurt Wilberding)
Theia Fall 2019 Collection. (Photos by Kurt Wilberding)
Another Theia design, featuring a long-sleeve crepe gown with lace overlay, is undeniably inspired by Markle, with its flowing sleeves, long train and textured bodice. A boat neck, structured long-sleeve gown is also undoubtedly a Markle influence.
Theia Fall 2019 Collection. (Photos by Kurt Wilberding)
Over at Naeem Khan, long-sleeved gowns and capes were prevalent throughout the collection, with textured, sheer lace playing a large part in the season’s looks.
Designer Lela Rose also released a gown remarkably similar to Markle’s evening reception look by McCartney.
Lela Rose Fall 2019 Collection. (Photos by Kurt Wilberding)
Not that Markle’s effect and influence is only cropping up now. Earlier this year, David’s Bridal stores saw a sudden uptick in interest in two specific wedding gowns that nearly mirrored Markle’s two wedding looks: White by Vera Wang, a high neck halter dress from fall 2015, and a similar style in lace from Melissa Sweet, which they’d been carrying since April.
WINDSOR, UNITED KINGDOM – MAY 19: Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex leave Windsor Castle after their wedding to attend an evening reception at Frogmore House, hosted by the Prince of Wales on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Steve Parsons – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
By the end of May, following Markle’s much-anticipated wedding to Prince Harry, sales of Vera Wang had increased by 100 percent and Melissa Sweet’s sales had increased by a whopping 200 percent.
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