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As the countdown to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s engagement announcement fast approaches, it seems the Hollywood actress is already working on a very important part of the wedding.
Insiders tell New Idea that Meghan has already interviewed some of the world’s biggest fashion designers and has even ordered sketches of her ‘perfect bridal gown’ for her fairytale wedding to Harry.
It’s been confirmed that the 36-year-old Suits star has met with leading designers Elie Saab, J. Mendel, Delphine Manivet and Christos Costarellos – as well as A-lister Victoria Beckham.
Harry – who counts Posh and her husband David among his closest friends – is ‘incredibly excited’ about the prospect of Meghan having the former Spice Girl design the gown, given their close connection.
‘He just feels it would mean a lot to have a close friend like Victoria involved in such an important part of the wedding,’ a friend says.
‘He is certainly trying to steer Meghan in that direction – he’s incredibly excited at having Victoria design her gown.’
Meghan has named Posh as one of her favourite all-time designers, saying ‘I love Victoria Beckham dresses’, and it’s not the first time the singer has created a bridal gown for a friend. Last year she designed Eva Longoria’s wedding dress, gushing that she was ‘honoured’ by the task.
But she has fierce competition from a host of other bridal couture designers who Meghan recently praised in a recent article.
‘Delphine Manivet and Christos Costarellos are faves of mine for their uniqueness and beauty,’ she told Glamour. ‘And I will always be a fan of Elie Saab.
‘J. Mendel is spectacular as well, especially for more structural designs.’
Meghan has also said that she’d love a low-cut ballerina neckline – ‘I happen to love that’ – and thinks Carolyn Bessette- Kennedy’s famous wedding gown is ‘everything goals’.
But while royal brides before her have opted for more traditional designs, it seems Meghan is determined to have a more cutting-edge design that will be remembered for generations to come.
‘Classic and simple is the name of the game, perhaps with a modern twist,’ Meghan told Glamour. ‘I personally prefer wedding dresses that are whimsical or subtly romantic.’
Adds a royal source: ‘Meghan wants it to be a classic, beautiful dress – but also wants to stand out from the royal brides that have come before her. She thinks Princess Kate’s dress was beautiful and suited her perfectly, but she wants something a little more cutting edge.
‘Princess Diana’s gown became the most popular and talked-about wedding dress in history because it was so decadent and fit for a princess. Meghan wants her dress to have the same effect, to be talked about for generations to come.’
Winnie Chlomin Lee, creative director of leading Beverly Hills bridal brand Winnie Couture, agrees the gown should be a showstopper, and has created an exclusive sketch of her vision for Meghan’s dress.
‘Since Meghan and Prince Harry have an elegance and a sense of royal grace to them, it seems only fitting to include an opulent, high-collar lace mesh bodice within Meghan’s gown,’ Winnie tells New Idea.
‘The intricate floral pattern fades in as the fabric travels towards the waistline, pairing with an extravagant cathedral veil, to give off a sophisticated yet modish look.’
In fact, Meghan has already started working with sketch artists to come up with designs for her big day.
‘She wanted to go to meetings with the designers armed with sketches of what she loved and what she wanted, so there was no confusion,’ says a friend. ‘Meghan knows what her perfect wedding gown is in her head – it’s just a matter of having Victoria or whoever she chooses make that dream a reality.’
For the full story, see this week’s New Idea – Out now.
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