LONDON – The Dutchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle graced the 2018 British Fashion Awards with her presence on Monday (yesterday) evening.
The pregnant Duchess surprised attendees and Anglophiles alike when she appeared as a special guest to present Clare Waight Keller of Givenchy with the British Womenswear Designer of the Year award.
Meghan also wore a custom creation by the fashion house’s artistic director on her May 19, 2018 wedding day to Prince Harry.
For tonight’s festivities at Royal Albert Hall in London, 37-year-old Markle wore a bespoke Givenchy gown, a gold bangle bracelet by Pippa Small ($430) and coordinating strappy heels by Tamara Mellon ($550).
As is expected from Meghan’s typical beauty regimen, she let her naturally stunning features shine through with minimal makeup and a sleek low bun.
And as the fashion risk-taker she is, Meghan went against the royal family’s affinity for more modest ensembles by baring one shoulder.
She also rocked plum nail polish, a major no-no for members of the British royal family. (It’s been reported that dark-colored nail polish is strictly prohibited, as Queen Elizabeth II prefers Ballet Slippers by Essie.)
Keller, who was appointed the artistic director of the French fashion house in March 2017, is also the first woman ever to hold the position in the brand’s history.
Keller, shocked by the win and Meghan’s unannounced cameo, responded with a gracious acceptance speech. “I can’t even tell you how surprised I am!” she started off. After thanking her team, including founder Huber de Givenchy, the designer saved her last thanks for the Duchess of Sussex.
This woman is so amazing,” Keller told the audience. “I got to know Meghan on such a personal level and, you know, to have someone like that trust you in an incredible moment in their life is something that is just the most unbelievable honor, and I can’t thank you enough.”
Here is Meghan Markle’s speech video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nibVVh2L6AU
