Meghan Markle made a stunning appearance at the 2023 Variety Power of Women event in Los Angeles, donning a camel Proenza Schouler dress that exuded quiet luxury.
The dress featured an asymmetric shoulder detail and a thigh-high slit, perfectly complemented by a black clutch bag from the same brand and black slingback heels from Aquazzura.
The minimalist dress was part of Proenza Schouler’s resort collection, which received rave reviews for its workwear-inspired suiting and effortless party looks, according to WWD.
However, amidst the admiration for Meghan’s fashion choice, a source accused her of copying the late Caroline Bessette Kennedy’s style.
The dress in question resembled a bateau-necked long-sleeve evening dress with a front zipper, which was famously worn by Caroline Bessette Kennedy, Meghan’s fashion idol.
It is worth noting that Caroline Bessette Kennedy, who worked as a publicist for 90s-era Calvin Klein, often embraced neutrals, a trend that was prevalent during that era.
Caroline Bessette Kennedy’s fashion choices were not only personal statements but also aligned with the fashion industry’s uniform at the time.
With her tall and slender frame, she effortlessly carried off the minimalist silhouettes she favored.
A closer look at Caroline Bessette Kennedy’s fashion archives revealed a potential inspiration for Meghan’s recent gala dress – the winter white dress she wore to the December 1998 Fire and Ice ball.
According to the source, Meghan specifically requested Proenza Schouler to alter the dress to resemble Caroline Bessette Kennedy’s iconic design.
However, the designer declined, resulting in noticeable differences between Meghan’s gala dress and Caroline Bessette Kennedy’s outfit.
While both dresses featured a bateau neckline, neutral tones, a prominent center seam, and a center slit skirt, Caroline Bessette Kennedy’s dress boasted a non-slouching, well-structured neckline, long sleeves, and a center seam zipper.
The overall balance and elegance of her outfit were unmatched by Meghan’s interpretation.
Despite sharing some conceptual similarities, Meghan’s Variety Power of Women dress falls short in comparison.
The years that separate the two events and their distinct stylistic differences make any direct comparison difficult.
A stylist commented on Meghan’s body proportions, suggesting that the dress she wore to the event did not flatter her shorter frame.
This observation highlights a significant change in Meghan’s style compared to her previous choices, which often featured shorter dresses that exuded a more polished and put-together look.
The accusations against Meghan emerged amidst reports of her naming two members of the royal household who allegedly engaged in conversations about the potential color of her baby’s skin.
These claims, which Meghan made during her interview with Oprah Winfrey, have sparked controversy and further strained the already tense relationship between Meghan and the royal family.
Royal expert Angela Levin has weighed in on the matter, asserting that Meghan’s intentions are to destroy the royal family.
In response to a tweet by royal commentator Niall Gardiner, in which he labeled Meghan a “monumental liar” and criticized her campaign against the British royal family, Levin expressed her belief that Meghan’s actions will not succeed in achieving her desired outcome.
Instead, she argues that Meghan is tarnishing whatever reputation she has left.
In conclusion, Meghan Markle’s fashion choice at the Variety Power of Women event has drawn both praise and criticism.
While some accuse her of copying Caroline Bessette Kennedy’s iconic style, others argue that the differences between the two outfits are significant enough to warrant a distinction.
As Meghan faces ongoing controversies and tensions with the royal family, her fashion choices continue to be scrutinized, adding another layer of complexity to her public image.