by Edward Barsamian – Vogue
Earlier this evening, Meghan Markle, now the Duchess of Sussex, made her first solo appearance since joining the royal family, arriving alone to the opening of the Oceania exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. It’s a momentous occasion for the newest member of “the firm,” and Markle relied on a familiar label: Givenchy by Clare Waight Keller, who famously designed the Duchess’s wedding dress. Here, Markle lost her signature boatneck and kept things sleek and simple in an innovative LBD.
Givenchy’s most famous LBD is the sleek sheath sported by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and today’s ensemble appeared to be a royally approved modernization of that iconic style. There was elegant contrast paneling at the neckline and cuffs, while sheer sleeves resembled those on some of her sister-in-law Kate Middleton’s favored McQueen frocks.
A front slit was a daring design detail—but more forgiving than an above-the-knee hem—and Birks diamond jewelry and Aquazzura heels finished the ensemble.