Who is Clare Waight Keller, the designer who made Meghan Markles dress?
The rumours were flying for months over who would be designing Meghan Markles dress for the royal wedding.
Many speculated it would be the Suits actress favourite Ralph and Russo, while others were certain it would be Canadian designer Erdem.
Kensington Palace have now confirmed, however, that the designer is Claire Waight Keller, Artistic Director of Givenchy.
Ms. Meghan Markles 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.— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 19, 2018
The design features a boat neck, with a simple a-line and long train.
The train is almost reminiscent of Dianas from back in 1981, and drapes right over the step at St. Georges chapel.
Who is the designer, who will likely see her popularity grow hugely after such a prestigious job.
Waight Keller was previously creative director at French label Chloé, and became the first female artistic director at Givenchy last year.
Advertisement
Advertisement
She debuted her first collection for the fashion house in January, showing feminine shapes alongside boxy necklines – of course with boat necklines in there too.
Elle even stated that she had made couture relevant again.
Waight Keller got her BA at Ravensbourne College of Art, going on to study a Masters in fashion knitwear at the Royal College of Art.
She was hired straight out of university by Calvin Klein, where she remained for four years before moving on to be head designer of Mens Purple Label at Ralph Lauren.
In 2000, she worked alongside Burberry creative director Christopher Bailey as a senior designer at Gucci.
From there, she became creative director of Pringle, where she was credited with revamping the label and highly praised by critics.
In 2011 she was poached by Chloé, and once again praised for taking the brand to new heights.
In 2016, she bagged the Editors Choice award at the Elle Style Awards, and then moved on to Givenchy.
Her designs are decidedly feminine, but tend to have a slick and modern twist.
This is certainly evident with Meghans dress, which reflects the simplicity of the clothes she normally wears, but has a princess-ey element with the long train.
According to Givenchy sources, the train is five meters long and made from silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers in silk threads and organza.
Fit for a Duchess indeed.
MORE: First picture: Stunning Meghan Markle arrives at Windsor Castle to marry Prince Harry
MORE: All the best outfits from the royal wedding
Advertisement
Advertisement
