Meghan Markle always dresses with intention and her first post-pregnancy look this morning was particularly special. To introduce the world to the newest member of the royal family, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, she chose to wear a design by Grace Wales Bonner, one of Britain’s most talented fashion stars. With its soft cream tone and double-breasted silhouette, the refined trench dress adhered to the minimal and elegant sensibility that has come to define Markle’s personal style.
The recent recipient of the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund Prize and 2016’s LVMH Prize, the 28-year-old Wales Bonner is one of the most critically lauded designers of her generation. Born to an English mother and Jamaican father, she often uses her work to open up thought-provoking conversations around representation, gender politics, and black male identity. While her menswear has been seen on the backs of cool young celebrities, including Jaden Smith and model Edie Campbell, the Markle moment is set to introduce her talents to a whole new audience.
For the Duchess to champion the work of a young Briton of mixed heritage, one who is leading a new wave of black and brown British creatives, speaks volumes. And given that Markle has a history of nurturing her fashion relationships, chance are there’ll be more of the designer’s chic, fashion-forward clothes on the royal horizon.
Originally published on Vogue
Editor
Janelle Okwodu