Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex leave St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle after their wedding ceremony on May 19, 2018. Photo: Getty.
She is the New Zealand-born, London-based designer beloved by celebrities and industry insiders across the world, and worn by everyone from Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge to Gwyneth Paltrow. However Emilia Wickstead this week issued a statement involving the newest member of Britain’s Royal Family, the Duchess of Sussex, as well as the maison behind her breathtaking wedding gown.
Wickstead took to her Instagram account on Monday to address reports claiming she had accused Givenchy of imitating one of her own designs in the creation of Meghan Markle‘s ivory dress. Such headlines had started after the designer gave an interview to The Daily Mail, allegedly stating the couture bridal gown “is identical to one of our dresses”.
“Apparently a lot of commentators were saying, ‘It’s an Emilia Wickstead dress,” she said, according to the British newspaper. In a subsequent statement, shared with her 95,000 Instagram followers, Wickstead revealed she was “saddened” by comments in the media, adding: “I do not think [the Duchess of Sussex’s] wedding dress was a copy of any of our designs.”
“Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Sussex looked absolutely beautiful on her wedding day and I have the utmost admiration and respect for her,” the designer continued. “I have the greatest respect for Clare Waight Keller and the House of Givenchy — a huge source of inspiration to me. I wish Their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex a wonderful, happy and love-filled life together.”
Waight Keller, Givenchy’s artistic director, worked with the Duchess on the elegantly classic gown in secrecy for months. “It is truly an honor to have been given the opportunity to closely collaborate with Meghan Markle on such a remarkable occasion,” Waight Keller said shortly after the May 19 nuptials, revealing she sought to create a “timeless piece that would emphasize the iconic codes of Givenchy throughout its history, as well as convey modernity through sleek lines and cuts.” The couture creation also featured an exquisite five-meter veil, delicately embroidered with flora and fauna from the 53 countries of the Commonwealth.
Waight Keller and the house of Givenchy have not responded to Wickstead’s statements, though the artistic director recently opened up about the design process behind the bateau-necked wedding gown. The designer and the Duchess of Sussex held eight fittings in total before the big day, Waight Keller told Paris Match. “We very quickly agreed on the perfect dress,” she said. “I wanted a modern and fresh silhouette while respecting her style.”
Now Read: Meghan Markle Makes Her First Public Appearance as the Duchess Of Sussex
