When it comes to weddings, there is nothing quite as magical as a royal wedding.
The grandeur, the fashion, the guests – it’s a spectacle that captures our hearts.
However, even the most magnificent events can have their flaws.
Today, we delve into the captivating world of royal wedding dresses, focusing on the recent nuptials of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Over the past few decades, royal weddings have never failed to disappoint.
The sheer joy of witnessing two people deeply in love tying the knot is truly blissful.
We are mesmerized by the glamour and pageantry, while the streets of London come alive with celebration.
One cannot forget the iconic dresses worn by the brides, particularly those of Princess Diana and her sister-in-law, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
These women looked absolutely stunning, leaving an indelible mark on our collective memory.
Princess Diana’s choice to dress her sister, Pippa Middleton, in white was a subtle nod to her humility.
The dress she selected for Pippa was simply glorious, showcasing her selflessness and consideration for her entourage.
But it was Princess Diana’s own show-stopping dress that truly stole the show.
Designed by Sarah Burton from the Alexander McQueen House, it allegedly cost a staggering £250,000.
The silhouette of the neckline mirrored that of Princess Margaret’s dress, while the embellished bodice drew inspiration from Queen Elizabeth’s wedding gown, albeit using delicate lace instead of pearls.
Now, let’s turn our attention to Meghan Markle’s wedding dress.
While the concept behind it was divine, there were a few missteps along the way.
In 2018, one would expect fewer errors, but alas, they occurred.
One glaring issue was the fit of the dress.
Meghan, known for her preference for slightly oversized attire, seemed to have missed the mark this time.
Twitter was abuzz with comments about how the dress didn’t quite fit her well.
Some speculated that she may have skipped her last dress-fitting appointment.
Credit must be given where it’s due.
From certain angles and in specific lighting, the oversized nature of the dress isn’t immediately apparent.
However, upon closer inspection, the creases running down the sleeves and bodice become glaringly obvious, resembling desert dunes.
Perhaps Meghan wanted a little extra room to indulge in the wedding banquet, but even a food lover like myself would have made an exception on such an important day.
Another issue lies in the neckline.
Was it intended to be off-the-shoulder or a wide boat neck?
The dress seemed to fall somewhere in between, leaving us with an awkward cut that neither exuded sexiness nor chicness.
Instead, it accentuated the chest area and had a slight lift in the fabric under the chin.
Furthermore, the material didn’t sit close to her skin, giving the impression that it was peeling away.
This style, which is becoming a Meghan Markle signature, has been aptly dubbed the “baggy boat neckline.”
In comparison, Princess Mary and Queen Margaret of Denmark both successfully pulled off a similar boat neck line, highlighting the importance of a well-executed cut.
Unfortunately, Meghan’s dress missed the mark.
Adding fuel to the fire, there were rumors of tension between Meghan and the late Queen Elizabeth regarding her choice of color.
Meghan insisted on wearing white, despite it being her second marriage.
The Queen politely suggested selecting a different shade, following the example set by Camilla Parker Bowles.
However, Meghan seemed determined to assert her own desires, disregarding tradition.
It is worth noting that soon after Meghan’s wedding, Claire Waight Keller, the artistic director at Givenchy, the fashion house responsible for the dress, left her position.
Rumors circulated that Meghan was difficult to work with, and the dress itself took nearly 4,000 hours to make.
Meghan herself spoke about working with Givenchy, emphasizing that she had a clear vision for her dress and that Claire respected her wishes.
However, it is essential to consider the expertise and input of designers, as they possess extensive knowledge in their craft.
On a positive note, Meghan’s reception dress, designed by Stella McCartney, received more favorable reviews.
Although it leaned more towards a red carpet gown than a traditional wedding dress, it was generally well-received.
In conclusion, the royal wedding dress has always been a topic of fascination and critique.
While Meghan Markle’s dress had its flaws, it is important to remember that fashion is subjective, and personal preferences differ.
Ultimately, what matters most is the love shared between the couple on their special day.