Meghan Markle just shut down those rumours of a designer feud in the chicest way
When the Duchess of Sussex stepped out in her third outfit of the day in Dublin this week, you'd be forgiven for thinking it was nothing more than another LBD.
With a chic mid-length hemline, wide straps and a modern square neck, it was no doubt beautiful but not immediately groundbreaking.
That was, however, until we discovered the designer.
Cast your mind back to the royal wedding, and Meghan Markle's most highly-scrutinised look yet.
While most of us fell in love with the custom Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy gown, there were a small few who weren't so keen.
And one woman who was particularly unimpressed was English designer - and a favourite of both Markle's and Kate Middleton's - Emilia Wickstead... but not because she didn't like the dress. She, in fact, loved it so much that she has designed one herself. Before, it seems, Waight Keller did.
According to the Daily Mail, Wickstead said: "Her dress is identical to one of our dresses. Apparently a lot of commentators were saying, 'It’s an Emilia Wickstead dress'."
She apparently went on to say: "If you choose a simple design the fit should be perfect. Her wedding dress was quite loose."
Soon after the quotes broke, Wickstead took to her own Instagram page to release a statement.
"I am extremely saddened by commentary that has appeared in the press and online over the past few days," she wrote.
"Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Sussex looked absolutely beautiful on her wedding day and I have the utmost admiration and respect for her. I do not think that her wedding dress was a copy of any of our designs."
"I have the greatest respect for Clare Waight Keller and the House of Givenchy, a huge source of inspiration to me."
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And while many didn't believe the designer's denial, Meghan Markle's seemingly understated LBD this week may have set the record straight once and for all, having been designed by Wickstead herself.
Scroll down to see some more of the Duchess of Sussex's style highlights...
@cbstv/InstagramWhile there was no doubt a lot to discuss when the first trailer for Meghan and Harry's groundbreaking interview with Oprah dropped, the more sartorially-minded critics had their eyes firmly on that beautiful black, £3,300 belted silk dress by Armani. Decorated with a lotus flower across the shoulder - which is a revered symbol in Hinduism of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth - many wondered whether the choice was a deliberate nod to the couple's new outlook on life having stepped down from the Royal Family.
@savethechildrenuk / InstagramGiving us a glimpse of her causal style during isolation, Meghan reminded us all of the power of a denim shirt as she released a video of her reading to son Archie to highlight Save the Children U.K.'s coronavirus appeal, which is providing early learning packs, supermarket vouchers, essential household items and virus protection to vulnerable families. If you're able to, please donate .
Getty ImagesDuring their royal tour of Africa in 2019, Meghan used the couple's now-closed Instagram account to share behind the scene snaps from private events and we're living for the lewks, notably this navy crepe knit Scanlan Theodore dress, which she chose for a talk with students and academics who had won scholarships from the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU).
ShutterstockFor their last event as senior working royals, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arrived at Westminster Abbey for Commonwealth Day service with the Queen and other members of the royal family. Meghan looked sensational in a green Emilia Wickstead cape dress. Talk about going out with a sartorial bang...!
@sussexroyal / InstagramMeghan made a secret visit to the National Theatre during her London trip, wearing a fitted white skirt and puff-sleeved sheer top from Topshop. At £29 - and Meghan Markle-approved - it's not surprising that it's almost entirely sold out for a second time...
Getty ImagesFor her first appearance since #Megxit, Meghan plumped for this stunning £950 T-Shirt Fitted Dress in Turquoise by Victoria Beckham.
Getty ImagesMeghan gave the ultimate lesson in outerwear when she stepped out in an enviable Sentaler blue coat paired with a lavish Philip Treacy hat.
Getty ImagesWhen Meghan returned from her royal hiatus in Canada wearing a camel knit and a satin silk slip from Vince, she had the rest of the world frantically searching for a replica.
Getty ImagesMeghan Markle recycled a £29 Aritzia dress to the One Young World in London and was a purple vision.
PA ImagesMeghan Markle touched down in Cape Town with husband Prince Harry and was donning a £69 dress by Mayamiko and £80 Castaner wedges.
ShutterstockMeghan Markle made a surprise appearance at Wimbledon to cheer on her pal Serena Williams - and wore a casually chic ensemble consisting of a white £168 L'Agence jacket and a black top, which she accessorised with £120 Finlay sunglasses and a trilby hat. The best part of her outfit, however, was an adorable 'A' necklace in honour of her newborn son, Archie. The necklace is reportedly by Jennifer Meyer and costs £278 - a price tag that won't break the bank (hallelujah!).
Getty ImagesThe Duchess opted for young British designer, Grace Wales Bonner, for her baby reveal dress.
Getty ImagesThe glowing mother-to-be showed us how to colour block in an emerald green Erdem coat with Aquazzura heels and a Givenchy clutch for a visit to Canada House on Commonwealth Day
Getty ImagesMeghan arrived at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey wearing a Victoria Beckham midi dress paired with a white pill-box hat.
Getty ImagesThe Duchess of Sussex opted for a show-stopping Carolina Herrera gown to meet The King of Morocco.
Getty ImagesMeghan sure knows how to look chic in cream, working a roll-neck Calvin Klein dress and Amanda Wakeley cream coat for a visit to the Natural History Museum.
Getty ImagesMeghan has employed some seriously savvy styling hacks since joining 'The Firm' - including nailing tonal dressing. A style she returns to again and again, Meghan is well aware of how flattering teaming a matching colour palette throughout her entire outfit is. On this occasion, she donned a nude A-line dress and complementary blazer from Brandon Maxwell, which she offset with a Carolina Herrera and nude Aquazurra heels. The styling hack is so easy to emulate and will add some serious sophistication whatever the occasion.
Getty ImagesMeghan joined Prince Harry for a performance of Cirque du Soleil at the Royal Albert Hall wearing a £3,495 Roland Mouret sequin gown. swoon
Getty ImagesMeghan stepped out in London to visit an animal charity she's now supporting as patron in a head-to-toe tonal look that we can't get enough of. Wearing a £25 H&M dress and Armani coat, she absolutely nailed high-low dressing.
Getty ImagesMeghan Markle stunned the crowds as she made a surprise appearance at the Fashion Awards to present an award to Givenchy’s Clare Waight Keller donning a one-shouldered gown by the designer. Despite looking sensational, pregnant Meghan apparently broke royal protocol by donning dark nail varnish. According to sources, the Queen deems deep-hued polishes 'vulgar'. Either way, we think she looked incredible.
Getty ImagesThe Duchess of Sussex shielded herself from the cold in a stylish maroon Club Monaco coat on a visit to the Hubb Community Kitchen. Does she ever get it wrong?
Getty ImagesMeghan showcased her baby bump at the Royal Variety Performance in London. The 37-year-old dazzled in a sparkling £895 top paired with an £850 black maxi skirt by London-based designer Safiyaa. She's glowing!
Getty ImagesThe Duchess of Sussex donned a bespoke navy crew neck sweater by Givenchy with a bespoke navy pleated skirt, also by the designer, during her royal tour of New Zealand. Those who follow Meghan's style may well recognise the look because she has the exact same top in green. Once again, Meghan opted for that boatneck style that suits her SO well.
Getty ImagesMeghan proved she's as thrifty as us by snapping up this purse-friendly maternity dress from ASOS for £44. The classic LBD has a boat neck (Meghan's failsafe neckline) and a high-rise empire line. Finally, royal fashion we can all afford!
Getty ImagesMeghan was a vision in pink as she stepped out in Fiji wearing this ruffled printed dress embellished with pompoms from the bohemian-inspired label, Figue.
Getty ImagesMeghan shows off her pregnancy glow in a striking blue Safiyaa gown at a state dinner in Fiji and we'd argue its her best look yet.
Getty ImagesThe Duchess of Sussex touched down in Fiji in a stunning white long-sleeved Zimmerman dress.
Meghan stepped out during her and Harry's Australian tour looking super chic wearing a striped maxi dress by Martin Grant on a visit to Bondi Beach.
Getty ImagesMeghan is absolutely nailing pregnancy style, arriving in Melbourne in a smartly tailored navy dress by Australian label, Dion Lee, offset with classic court shoes. Fashion fans were so desperate to get their hands on the dress that the designer's website totally crashed - even though the dress isn't even on sale yet.
Getty ImagesMeghan stepped out in Australia in a low-key look with hairstyle to match. The pregnant royal donned a pared back top from Maison Kitsune, skinny jeans by Outland, boots from J.Crew and a grey blazer designed by her best pal, Serena Williams.
Getty ImagesMeghan Markle looked ethereal as she stepped out for the first since announcing her pregnancy. She was a vision in this £973 white figure-skimming dress by Australian label, Karen Gee.
Meghan opted for a loose-fitting navy coatdress by Givenchy as she made a stunning entrance at the Royal Wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank.
Getty ImagesMeghan just gave her a lesson in how to do head-to-toe green on a trip to the University of Chichester's Engineering and Digital Technology Park. While her skirt was a £369 number from Hugo Boss and her Gabriela Hearst tote set her back £1,695, fashion fans on a budget will be delighted to know that her shirt was £39 from & Other Stories; get it while you can! We're also v into these Stuart Weitzman heels.
Getty ImagesFor her first royal solo engagement at the opening of the 'Oceania' at the Royal Academy of Arts, Meghan donned this divine £2,510 Givenchy gown, offset by this small black box clutch, which she also snapped up at Givenchy for a cool £1,390.
Getty ImagesThe Duchess of Sussex attended the Coach Core Awards held at Loughborough University wearing a £1636 navy peplum top by Oscar de la Renta, and trousers by Altuzarra. So. chic.
Getty ImagesMeghan looked super chic in this royal blue Jason Wu dress, which she had custom-made for her (naturally). Meghan offset the ruffle front dress with satin sling-backs from Aquazurra.
Getty ImagesMeghan joined her husband, Prince Harry, at the WellChild Awards and looked effortlessly chic in this incredibly classic black Altuzarra jacket-and-trouser combo teamed with a £173 pared back black blouse by Deitas. The leg-lengthening trousers worked wonders for the royal and it's a style we can't wait to copy this season.
Meghan celebrated her 37th birthday as Prince Harry's date for his best friend's wedding. Donning a black Club Monaco dress and Philip Treacy hat, Meghan was the epitome of chic. However, the trolls were out in force (as per usual) and rushed to comment on the fact that Meghan's bra was ever so slightly on show. Have they really got nothing better to talk about? We think she nailed the wedding guest look and hope she enjoyed her first birthday as a royal.
Getty ImagesMeghan looked to best friend and unofficial stylist Jessica Mulroney to help pick her outfit for an outing with Harry to the Nelson Mandela centenary exhibition in London. The choice? A stunning sleeveless trench coat dress by Canadian label House of Nonie.
Meghan kicked off the day in London wearing a black fit-and-flare Dior dress to attend a thanksgiving ceremony for the RAF at Westminster Abbey before jetting off to Dublin that afternoon...
For her visit to Ireland, Meghan stepped out wearing a green Givenchy top and pencil skirt with a tan tote by Strathberry as she arrived alongside her husband.
She later changed into her third outfit: a chic black midi dress by Emilia Wickstead to attend a garden party at the residence of the British Ambassador to Ireland. Meghan offset the look with a Givenchy clutch bag and Morganite Drop Earrings from Birks.
Getty ImagesHaving worn so many muted hues recently, we were thrilled when Meghan stepped out in this zesty little Brandon Maxwell number. Did you know, Brandon has worked as Lady Gaga's stylist since 2012. That's what you call versatile...
Getty ImagesContinuing her neutral-wardrobe theme, Meghan opted for a pale pink Prada dress as she joined Prince Harry and Queen Elizabeth to meet 'The Queen's Young Leaders' at Buckingham Palace.
Meghan continued to channel her bridal look as she attended Ascot wearing another white Givenchy dress. This one featured shirt-style centre buttons and a black belt, which she matched with Balenciaga knife pumps and a monochrome Philip Treacy hat.
ShutterstockMeghan makes her first outing as the Duchess of Sussex. The newlyweds stepped out to celebrate Charles' 70th birthday at Buckingham Palace. Meghan chose a rose-hued dress from Goat, paired with a Wilbur & Gussie bag and a Philip Treacy hat.
REXMeghan put a spring in her sartorial step as she opted for this punchy green floral dress with a plunging neckline at the Invictus Games Reception in London.
Getty ImagesSun's out and we finally got a glimpse of Meghan's spring style - and guys, it is good. The first summer dress she debuted was an absolute hit and now people are saving up their pennies to splash out on the pinstriped Altuzarra midi dress she donned, which retails at £1,450. Meanwhile, we'll sit and wait for a high street version of the frock, which will certainly happen.
Getty ImagesWearing a coat by Babaton for Aritzia as she joined Prince Harry at the UK Team Trials for the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 at the University of Bath Sports Training Village in Bath.
REXThe royal couple landed in Belfast to make their first official joint visit to Northern Ireland. Meghan opted for a spring coat by Mackage, a Greta Constantine emerald skirt and a jumper by Victoria Beckham.
Getty ImagesFor her visit to the Edinburgh Castle while in Scotland, Meghan chose a long Burberry tartan coat that oozed winter chic, paired with a delicate cross-body bag.
Getty ImagesMeghan stepped out in another black ensemble - and we're pretty obsessed with this look. For her first red carpet event with Prince Harry, the royal-to-be ditched the dress protocol and chose to wear a tailored pantsuit by Alexander McQueen. The look was accessorised with a small clutch and suede Manolo Blahniks.
Getty ImagesWearing a black coat by Stella McCartney and trousers by the Welsh fashion house, Hiut Denim as she arrives at Cardiff Castle for her third public engagement with Prince Harry.
Getty ImagesMeghan and Prince Harry visited the POP Brixton radio station. For the occasion the royal-to-be wore a long off-grey coat, flared black trousers and leather boots. Under the coat she had a simple black M&S jumper.
REXSurely one of the outfits that will cement Meghan Markle as a future royal style star, the newly engaged actress stepped out for Christmas Day celebrations wearing a camel wide collar wrap coat from Sentaler, a Chloé Pixie Suede Crossbody Bag, brown Stuart Weitzman heeled boots, and an incredible brown hat from Philip Treacy.
Getty ImagesFor their official engagement appearance, Meghan stepped out in a chic, white trench coat by Line the Label, which she wore over a forest green dress with tie-up, nude heels and earrings by Birks.
MEGAMeghan hit The King's Road in London for a spot of shopping looking chic (as per), in a chunky black Smythe knit, a grey jacket, scarf, black flared jeans from Mother and black boots.
Getty ImagesMeghan attended the Invictus Games wearing the Wilfred Beaune Dress by Aritzia.
Rex FeaturesFor her first joint appearance with her Prince, Meghan wore a white Misha Nonoo shirt, interestingly named their 'Husband Shirt', and Mother jeans.
Getty ImagesTo the Invictus Games, Meghan looked gorgeous in plum hues wearing a Mackage leather jacket and burgundy dress.
Getty ImagesFor an appearance on The Today Show, Meghan opted for a summery striped short suit with a white camisole. She completed the look with nude heels - been taking style cues from The Duchess, Meghan?
Getty ImagesForget Wimbledon whites, it was all about black at the tournament for Meghan.
Getty ImagesFor another appearance on The Today Show, Meghan wore a bold and bright red dress.
Getty ImagesAt the ARTs 25th Anniversary, Meghan proved her undying love for short suits in this Veronica Beard combo.
Getty ImagesAt an AOL event, Meghan went chic in a black blazer and leather look trousers.
Getty ImagesAt an Instagram dinner in 2016, Meghan looked demure in a navy silk dress and fun strappy heels.
Getty ImagesAt a Sephora launch in 2016, Meghan went back to black in an LBD and leather jacket.
Getty ImagesMeg worked the off-the-shoulder trend expertly at the Roland Mouret dinner in 2016.
Getty ImagesAt the CFDA Awards back in 2015, Meghan was a silver siren in a metallic mini dress by Misha Nonoo.
Getty ImagesAt the 2015 NBC New York Summer Press Day, Meghan opted for a white top with wide-legged white trousers.
Getty ImagesAt another NBC event, the actress wore black trousers with a pink tulle wrap top with black floral detail.
Getty ImagesAt a MasterCard Fashion Week event in autumn 2015, Meghan looked chic in all white.
Getty ImagesAt the Wes Gordon fashion show during MADE Fashion Week, Meghan wore a long blue skirt and fluffy coat.
Getty ImagesMeghan mixed her prints in check trousers with a striped jumper. LOVE the shoes.
Getty ImagesMeghan wore a Roland Mouret mermaid gown to Elton John's AIDs Foundation's Benefit in 2014.
