Thursday 6 September 2018

Duchess Meghan in Blue Jason Wu For '100 Days to Peace' Gala

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended '100 Days to Peace', a gala music evening marking the centenary of the end of the First World War at Central Hall, Westminster.


The Duke and Duchess arriving.


Presented by the Royal Armouries, the one-off concert was an evening of music and reflection in aid of three charities all working to support military veterans facing mental health challenges, Help for HeroesCombat Stress and Heads Together – the Royal Foundation's campaign and mental health initiative. As the fourth patron of the Royal Foundation, we can expect to see the Duchess involved in the campaign and other initiatives. Indeed, royal reporter Emily Andrews revealed it is thought we will hear about the area Meghan plans to focus on within the foundation in the near future. Whilst there's been no official word yet, it is believed to be support for young women.


Central Hall Westminster is central London’s largest conference and events venue.


A statement released ahead of the gala read: "At the end of the First World War many thousands of men returned home suffering from shell-shock. With minimal understanding of the condition, many did not benefit from the type of support which is increasingly available today. Although circumstances have changed significantly over the last 100 years, we are ever more aware of the number of veterans who continue to need support because they suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety or depression."


As the national museum of arms and armour, the Royal Armouries tells the stories of the men and women who have been involved in, and affected by, combat throughout history.



Chairman of the Royal Armouries, Lord Dannatt said:

"Tragically, the First World War did not turn out to be ‘the war to end war’ but then, as now, by marking the centenary of the end of the last 100 days of hostilities with this commemorative concert, we can hope and pray for a better future. Part of that better future is helping those who have been affected by war and conflict."

The Duke and Duchess were welcomed by Lord Dannatt and his wife. The Mail reports: "He was personally responsible for Harry’s first tour of Afghanistan when he was in the military and he and his wife, Lady Dannatt, attended his and Meghan's wedding."


The Duchess chatted with Lady Dannatt before the event.


The first half included two performances by Lesley Garrett: 'He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven' – a poem by WB Yeats published in 1899, and the opening lines from 'For the Fallen', written by Laurence Binyon in 1914 and adapted by Sir Karl Jenkins for 100 Days to Peace. The event brought together Samuel Bordoli's 'The Great Silence', written in memory of choristers killed in the First World War, with the charity Remembered, featuring their 2018 Armistice installation 'There But Not There'.


During the intermission, Harry and Meghan met some of the evening's performers during a reception in the President's Room, as well as representatives from the three charities, and trustees and sponsors.


For the second half, Sir Karl conducted his internationally acclaimed 'The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace', performed by the Royal Choral Society and the Philharmonia Orchestra. Originally commissioned to mark the turn of the millennium to create a legacy of peace and hope for the future, this was the only performance of 'The Armed Man' in England in 2018 to be conducted by Sir Karl himself. The music was performed against a backdrop of Hefin Owen’s film of 'The Armed Man'.


More from the Royal Choral Society:

'You will be familiar with the stanzas of Binyon’s iconic poem that are recited on Remembrance Sunday:
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
Imagine those words sung by a choir of 150 with full orchestra, including blasting trumpets and timpani interwoven with The Last Post. Powerful stuff that will tug on the heartstrings. But it’s the verse beforehand that will get you:
They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.
I can’t imagine waving off a father, husband, brother or son to a war from which they will never return, but our military families do that to this day. 888,246 British and Commonwealth servicemen were killed in WW1; a number that’s hard to contemplate. And many of those who returned were suffering from shellshock and did not benefit from the type of support which is increasingly available today.'

The Royal Armouries shared poignant images from the final year of WW1.


Men of the 11th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, in a captured German communications trench near Havrincourt during the First Battle of Cambrai, 20 November 1917.


A nice wrap up video from the evening.


Many of you were hoping to see the Duchess inject a pop of vibrant colour into her wardrobe, and she did just that in a blue Jason Wu dress from the Pre Spring 2019 Collection. The sleeveless design garnered quite a few comments when arrival shots, taken from the side, began to emerge. The front of the dress features ruffle detailing prompting suggestions Baby Sussex is on the way. Photos from the front showed the design much more clearly. I do love the colour and the silhouette, however, the placement of the pleats is unflattering from certain angles.


The 'deep sea blue' hue is favoured in the designer's collection. Below the similar Gathered Bodice Stretch Crepe Sheath Dress.


More from The Telegraph:

'The duchess moved away from the coolly sophisticated tailoring she has chosen for her most recent two appearences and opted instead for the kind of executive-chic shift dress which populates the wardrobes of lawyers, businesswomen and politicians who mix comfortably in the 0.1%.
Meghan’s azure dress, which had a wave detailled front panel, was by Jason Wu, the New York-based Canadian-Taiwanese designer who created Obama’s inauguration gowns and many other looks during her time as First Lady. It’s not the first time that the duchess has worn Wu’s designs since beginning royal duties- she chose his navy trench dress for the first Royal Foundation Forum.
Known for his sleek, fitted designs and modern use of colour, Wu’s aesthetic chimes with the minimalist feel of the duchess’s Royal wardrobe. He also represents her appreciation of young talent and diversity as well as an emphasis on her US and Canadian ties.'

Meghan has the most amazing shoe collection. Tonight she sported the gorgeous Aquazzura 'Portrait of a Lady' pumps in admiral blue. They are available at FarFetch (with thanks to Heaven).


The Duchess carried her bespoke Dior clutch.


And Birks Snowflake Snowstorm Diamond Earrings. The $12,000 pair are described: "Inspired by the icy beauty of Canadian winters, these 2.15ct diamond earrings are crafted in 18kt white gold."



A closer look at Meghan's hairstyle.


What do you think of tonight's engagement and Meghan's look?

136 comments:

  1. Beautiful color dress and gorgeous shoes! 😍

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  2. A pretty color on her..love the shoes

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  3. My freaking out, OMGBABY self say...Is she just messing with us? Is there any way we're supposed to think she's NOT pregnant? Did it somehow just get wrinkled from the car? Is the dress on backwards? What's happening? lol.

    My rational, calm self says...she looks gorgeous. Color looks incredible on her and I continue to be double-heart-eyes-emoji over her shoe collection.

    Can't wait to see more photos and hear about the concert!

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    1. This was exactly my response!!

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    2. I don't think she's pregnant (and I don't think we should speculate about it). If you go to the Daily Mail and look at the other photos, the pattern and ruffles of the fabric are making her look bigger than she is.

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    3. right there with ya....baby bump? Are we reading more into this?

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    4. Okay, now that I've seen the dress from the opposite side, it seems like it's just ruffles. I think it would be infinitely more attractive if the ruffles were running down one side and not down the middle. JMO.

      Theresa J - I am so ready for Harry as papa...but maybe we're reading too much into this (for the moment :) darn.

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    5. if the proof isn't in the belly, then explain the bigger boobs......

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    6. ....gotta say it was my first thought too - frankly the bodice of this dress seems a bit more occupied than previous looks have demonstrated... Guess is could just be an effect of the ruffles but it certainly got my attention!

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    7. They're not gonna let that happen before the big autumn tour. After that, though, anything is possible!!

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    8. Caroline in Montana7 September 2018 at 17:07

      Im with you! her chest in particular and the placement of the ruffles is even more curious. id almost put money on it. I don't really think they would wait till after the tour, she would be considered an older pregnancy already and I think they would welcome it sooner than later rather than put it off for a tour and then try.

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  4. This young woman is a beauty. God bless them. Am I wishing or am I seeing something else?

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  5. Something very strange is happening with the front of that dress. Those ruffles are doing weird things to her shape. Gorgeous shoes though.

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  6. Her hair and shoes are stunning but....wow is that dress unflattering. She is so tiny and this makes her shape look completely different. Can’t tell if it’s the lighting, angle, dress cut or....pregnancy?!

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    1. I agree-i even from the front it swamps her (looks totally different from dress on model which is fitted. From the sides it is unflattering to her stunning figure) billowing out as if she had a massive bust. Eeeek. However as usual she looks so amazing it doesn’t even matter. And the shoes...earrings gobsmakingly gorgeous.

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  7. Omg gorgeous. Love everything about this dress. The shoes too -- I want them!!! The color is gorgeous. Her hair!!! But most of all ... I'm trying not to stare at the midsection but ... is that a babybump????

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  8. Love the colour, the shoes and the hair!
    The dress makes her look pregnant, which even if she was, she wouldn’t be showing this much. So, that’s a NO on the shape of the dress.

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    1. maybe she would show and show quickly...she's thin.

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    2. However thin she might be she wouldn’t look 5 months pregnant in her first trimester. It’s just an unflattering dress shape.

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    3. I agree, sofy. It wouldn't show at this stage.

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  9. Offhand, I think the dress may be silk, and if the picture is taken outdoors, the wind may have made the skirt of the dress "billow" a bit because of the design. I think people are leaping to conclusions like crazy because of the billowy front.

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  10. There are ruffles longways down the front of dress to waist, I think.

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  11. Its a beautiful dress but the ruffling in the middle kinda gives it a not so sleek look. But who knows, maybe she wore this dress deliberately to try to hide a small baby bump. I love the shoes though.

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  12. i do not like this dress at all - the ruffles and the cut bulge and move in unflattering ways.
    nice color is the best i can say about it.
    the shoes, on the other hand, i do like! nice color and ooh those sparklies!

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  13. She wears the most amazing shoes!!!!!

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  14. Cool your jets on the pregnancy excitement everyone! I think its just poorly placed ruffles. She looks beautiful as always, but this dress is just not flattering. It makes her look much bigger than she is.

    Its such a departure from her usual sleek look, which I love- but this is a miss for me. But her hair and shoes- BEAUTIFUL!!!

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    1. Yes, this dress makes her look rather weird in the front,, and very unflattering. It reminds me of the costume dresses people wear at parties. The shoes are lovely,though. XOXO-

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    2. These are exactly my thoughts as well. I usually love Jason Wu but this is just really not flattering construction.

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  15. She looks so beautiful, but the cut of the dress in front.....the ruffles are messing up the look for me. Her hair and shoes...gorge 😍😍😍😍

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  16. I wore a dress similar to this on Tuesday and while it might not have been super duper flattering it was the most comfortable dress I've ever worn. Personally I like to see Meghan wearing clothes that aren't fitted like a second skin, it looks fresh and fun and most importantly comfortable.

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    1. I think the looser fit clothes are her way of being grown up and royal. It's really hard to see how this dress works, sometimes it looks like panelling, but Charlotte has been very clever and found a shot of ruffles being blown out a bit. It must be very comfortable but unfortunately this is one style that would have benefited from a closer fit. The colour is sensational on her! Overall she looks stunning! Killer shoes, or what?!!

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    2. Lauri - I completely agree with you on preferring clothes that are not skin tight. I really appreciate that about Meghan and think it's more flattering.

      I also agree with your point below about her posture. So lovely! It makes her look so tall (even though she's not super tall) and regal.

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  17. I forgot to add that I'm loving her posture this evening!!! Standing straight, with her shoulders back and her arms at her side is really the best look on her!! Thanks Meghan for the reminder to throw my shoulders back too (darn computer work :)).

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    1. You inspire me, lauri! I really have to work at my posture, as I can really be slumpy.

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    2. Hi bluhare, since I live with chronic back pain I've found keeping a good posture helps quite a bit. That being said it is easy to "relax" a bit too much and become slouchy which is why I'm always happy for gentle reminders from Meghan and my posture guru Queen Letizia.

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    3. I sat up straight as I read your post, Lauri!

      I've been taking pilates based classes, and I find it really does help. Engage that core, shoulders back, and a string is holding up my body from the ceiling!

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  18. Meghan looks beautiful and those shoes are TO DIE FOR!!! She has the best shoes!

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  19. Stunning dress but she's still ultra cautious on fit so things don't hang so well. Love the wavy hair.

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  20. WHAT is going on what that dress???

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  21. SierrafromMontana6 September 2018 at 21:01

    I have a feeling I will be enjoying her shoe styles!

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  22. Love the blue, finally some colour. Not sure about the dress, she is either pregnant or it’s the most unflattering shape ever. It’s not just making her tummy look big but also her boobs , which for me is a telltale sign. I would be surprised if she was pregnant, having to head off on a trip to Australia but she is in her late 30’s and doesn’t really have time to wait for the right time. Just thinking now , she wore that beautiful dress last week and there was no sign of any pregnancy, so I think it’s just the dress. Sinead

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  23. Sorry but that dress is awful. Lumpy, bumpy, unflattering and badly cut. Shoes and hair OK but the dress is a huge miss.

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  24. I’m with you, ladies. Love the color of the dress, her hair is gorgeous ( and her ever present smile ), the shoes are killer stylish - the cut of the dress, just strange. Bet it looks gorgeous in person, though. Nice for her to wear this designer who is a friend of hers. Can this couple be any more darling ? Their warmth, charm, and pleasure at performing their “ job” is outstanding.

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  25. I love the color of the dress and the shoes are amazing, but the way the dress moves makes Duchess Meghan look bigger than she is?! Is anyone else seeing a darker and lighter shade of blues in the ruffles/pleats??? Can the ruffles and different colors be the culprit to why the dress makes the Duchess look bigger or pregnant?? Like a majority of you, I too can't wait for Harry and Meghan to have a baby sooner rather than later. *keeps daydreaming*

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    1. It makes her chest look huge.

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  26. Like it from the back

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  27. Love the colour and the shoes! There might be a bump, or the ruffles are just unflattering in this case. Overall a winner for me 🤩

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  28. THOSE SHOES!!! Oh my...I LOVE them! I love the color but whatever ruffling or ruching is going on in the front is not working for her. I do love that her and Harry are both in shades of blue. Great balance of color.

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  29. I think Megan is a beautiful woman with a great figure. I love this color on her but I cannot stand this dress! It 'looks' cheap and ill-made. It does nothing for her. Love the shoes. If her friend is still her stylist, I think I would tell her that I still love her but I'm going to have to get another stylist. Designers are putting out some very lovely dresses and there's no reason why Megan has to settle for something like this 'mess'.

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  30. Loves: the blue, Meghan’s hair, the shoes, the jewels
    Do not love: those ruffles

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    1. Anon 23, I was going to write exactly the same! You did it for me, thanks! 😀

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    2. Yes! As has been said, the ruffles probably looked nice from straight on, but they do not photograph nicely at all.

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  31. She looks gorgeous, and I am among the "every now and then not black" group, so I'm very pleased with the color. She's always photographed in motion, so any design issues, like those ruffles, will be magnified. She seems to dislike tight clothing, good for her, but she and the dress aren't always moving as one. My guess is they will try for a baby in 2019.

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  32. My guess is the dress and ruffles are prettier in person, but make for unflattering still images. A stylist would help her find clothes that look great in person and in photos. The color is fabulous and the shoes amazing.

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  33. Colour of dress is beautiful. The pleats at front of dress are the problem, when she moves. Spoils the look, not a favourite for me at all. The shoes are incredible, just love them. The Duchess makeup looks fantastic, subtle and just enough. Well done Harry a real gentleman. Such a asset cannot wait for them to come to Australia.

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  34. she is looking amazing but a little bit pregnant too:)

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    1. yep--I'm suspicious, too. Even the tuxedo dress looked a little snugger than her usual styles--and the beautiful long black jacket from the night before could have camouflaged any "signs." We shall see, shall we not?

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  35. What is the purpose of ordering a bespoke piece from Mr. Wu when the blue dress from his collection would have looked great and fit better!!

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    1. I didn't like the dress from the collection either. I am not nearly as knowledgeable about designers as many of you are, but I think I'll avoid Mr. Wu's designs when I hit the lottery!

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  36. This color is my favorite color (nearly cobalt blue) and it looks amazing with her gorgeous black shiny hair! The dress shape looks so odd in most of the photos but I bet it looks great in person. Often photos re just a second in time and people can look funny, like when they re stretching out a leg when walking. Those shoes are wonderful and I'm glad she wore those great earrings. She supposedly had glass of champagne on her trip to Toronto but no one said she actually drank it!

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    1. Trixie in North Carolina7 September 2018 at 03:59

      It was reported she had peppermint tea too!😉

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  37. The Duchess of Sussex looks very lovely. The blue is a good color for her. The shoes, OMgosh!!!! I am a fan of Classical music and a supporter of the Armed Forces; another great event for a worthy cause. Thank you, Charlotte.

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  38. Me either, Anon @21:43, just my personal style, not a ruffle kind of gal. The Duchess of Sussex, ruffles and all, looks lovely.

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  39. Meghan looks lovely yet her blue dress is giving the impression that she might be pregnant?

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  40. The dress is a lovely colour but what a weird shape! I absolutely love her shoes!!
    Tonight they both look anxious think.

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    1. Agree about the dress being a weird shape/style. Have no idea what she was thinking.

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  41. This sounds like it must have been an incredibly moving concert. I got goosebumps reading the notes by the Royal Choral Society. Although there's been many events over the past years commemorating the centenary of various battles etc during World War One, it is still a shock to realise that we are closing in on a hundred years since its conclusion - which, as was noted, tragically wasn't really an end at all. Thank you, Charlotte, as always, for the work you put in on the background of each event.

    Meghan wore a gorgeous colour (finally!), stunning shoes and those lovely big shiny earrings. But the ruffles on the dress are deeply unflattering, especially from the side as well as the front. All it's going to do is fuel pregnancy rumours which I'm sure she'd rather avoid. I'm baffled as to why this is a bespoke dress, the similar Jason Wu dress shown is much nicer. What's the point of having something made for you if it doesn't look good on you?!

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    1. I agree Rebecca - all size women might steer clear of ruffles on the entire torso. She looks amazing as usual but this was such an odd style. Perhaps better if ruffles left to the chest only...I do love the color and her ensemble is great.

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    2. Fashion "rules" are so ridiculous sometimes. Maybe Meghan loved the dress and how she looked in it. Despite so many feeling this dress is unflattering she looks confident, poised and happy.

      Rory USA

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  42. Beautiful from head to toe. Color fabulous on her. Shoe envy!!! I do believe the dress photographs one way and looks different in person. I am a Jason Wu fan. I love the fact that she is very knowledgeable of all the designers out there and has not limited herself to a handful. I have thought that although Kate has lovely clothing after awhile one looks the same as the other just in different fabric/color. Meghan is building a very broad base designer look which I appreciate seeing.

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    1. I agree that this dress was probably beautiful in person, but photographs badly.

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  43. My first thoughts were "no, no, no." But after seeing some more pictures, I think that from straight on (as we all typically look at ourselves in the mirror), this dress is very pretty. But some of these photos/angles are not very flattering, if you don't know about the ruffles. Some dresses just don't photograph well - the sideways shots do make her upper body look a little off.

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    1. Which is why royals need a stylist, assistant or dresser who can look at the whole outfit and tell them if something is off or doesn’t photograph well. Having a stylist on a different continent isn’t doing Meghan any favors.

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    2. I agree, sofy

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  44. I love it when Meghan wears a side part. She's so beautiful styled this way. I love the color of her dress too. Those shoes are quite possibly the best I've ever seen.

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  45. @ Anonymous 22:58. I agree. The side view, particularly, is not a good photo angle for the dress. The ruffles do not photograph well at all.

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  46. Meghan looked radiant again tonight. The color of the dress looks so good on her and those shoes. They are fantastic, truly princess shoes. I saw the pictures and immediately thought what a great dress to disguise a pregnancy because of the ruffle and the almost empire waist effect. Wishful thinking on my part I guess. But a baby Sussex would fit right in with a new puppy and given how beautiful Meghan is and how handsome Harry is that baby would be gorgeous.

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  47. All these baby wishes ekk! Though baby Sussex would be great parts of there October travel included zika warning places so I hope there team has considered that for her safety.

    For her outfit I love this color and the shoes are great. The ruffles no no no lol. I wounder if she put the dress on backwards if it would look better. But If I wore high heels I would want those ones.

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  48. Dear Meghan—if you read this blog and would like to donate your ‘old’ shoes, I volunteer to dispose of those donations. I can only hope you also wear a 40/41. If not I will stuff my feet in and look happy. Omg I’m dying over all the shoes.

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    1. +1 haha. I love those shoes too. I'm not even a heels person but she has so many pairs that I'd love to have.

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  49. Charlotte, thank you for always adding such substance to style. I so appreciate your information on the events.

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    1. +1 to florida girl's comments. Charlotte - your posts are always so informative.

      I can't wait to hear what Meghan's solo ventures will focus on (the "small project" we've heard that she's working on) and what some of her patronages will be. I've been hoping maybe she would take over some of the arts-related charities from Charles. Or maybe something partnering with him and his love of organic food to bring healthy food options to food desert areas, or something similar. I hope she will have her own charities and focus areas, but also connect with Charles or maybe take over some of his charities (in the areas his interests overlap with Meghan's) so Charles can take some duties from QEII. And, I'd love for Harry to take over The Prince's Trust, but I don't think that will end up happening.

      I'm really hoping that we will hear about her charities before the big trip down under. That is about 6 weeks away and no additional engagements have been announced for her, so I'm hoping that means charity patronages will be announced in the next week or two. Fingers crossed :)

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    2. Does anyone know what's up with the KP twitter account tonight and why they didn't tweet about this engagement? So bizarre and disappointing.

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  50. Beautiful Meghan, looking lovely as usual!

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  51. the duchess of sussex looks good in that dress hmm i love jason wu creation the duchess Cambridge could wear of outfit as well but the only thing wear jason wu is the duchess of sussex i love prince harry too

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  52. I think she looks radiant in this colour and I like the ruffle detail. But I’m rolling my eyes at all the pregnancy related comments based on the shape of her dress. Offensive to Meghan and the dress designer.

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  53. florida girl I think "substance to style' is Charlotte's motto. She serves us all so well! Thank you for putting it into words so eloquently. I love Meghan's dress, now. It grew on me, but I agree it doesn't photograph well from all angles. The shoes are to die for! I also love her hairstyle! The soft waves are a good look for the Duchess!

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  54. The color is great - the dress, not so much. Her bust looks like a droopy bust of an 80 year old woman in it. I can deal with the poof of ruffles across the tummy area, but not how bad the bust of the dress looks from most angles.

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  55. Love the hair and the color of the dress, but any dress that makes a non-pregnant woman look 7 months pregnant from the side is a huge no from me. I'm shocked that this dress is bespoke and still is so unflattering.

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  56. Dear Meghan, savor every dress, moment, joy and happiness that your new life and love is bringing to you, extra ruffles or not. :-) I must chuckle about if she's expecting or not, in my opinion all of the curiosity is what is so typical when a new marriage takes place and one extra pound or interesting outfit causes people to be so excited and guessing about a pregnancy. When the time comes that Charlotte posts about the joyful news of a baby on the way...everyone will post about her wonderful pregnancy outfits. Keep glowing and growing Meghan. ♥ Thanks Charlotte!

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  57. Definitely not helping the Baby Sussex speculation.
    That color looks AMAZING on her.
    I want those shoes.

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  58. Meghan is so stunning that regardless of what she wears she looks so good.

    This dress has highlighted something interesting. As an actresss attending official events, the photographers and the actresses understand the need to get certain shots. So normally the actress arrives gets into position (one that brings out the best in them and the clothes they are wearing) and pictures are taken. This is not the case for Royal events and many times the shots are in motion and the photographers are trying to get the best they can. That is why from certain angles this looks like a beautiful dress and from others we don’t get the best out of it or the wearer.

    Nonetheless I think I am one of those who is just grateful that we get to share in some of these things with them that I care very little for the fashion. I am just happy to see Harry and Meg.

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  59. Silvia from Tuscany7 September 2018 at 07:14

    The dress has little rouches in the front that surely add movement to a simple shape, but that doesn't give the right impression in photos. I'm sure that the real look is quite different. I just can't believe that Meghan is not "able" to chose what suits her best or dresses not flattering to her figure, as some comments seems to suggest. On the contrary I believe she has clear ideas about what she likes. I personally adore her style. Simple shapes, attention in fabric and material, colours well chosen and a the right amount of jewels not to ostentate. This time, for exemple, the colour is fantastic on her. As for shoes they are the most elegant seen by far. I want to thank Charlotte for explaining events in such a detailed way. I'm learning much reading this blog!

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  60. I join the majority here: the colour is very good, absolutely suits her (literally!), the shoes are killing me, but the ruffles are a miss. Another thing I don't like that much is that she wears little jewellery. But that's my taste, I missed a necklace or a bracelet tonight.
    Altogether a good and important engagement, I can't wait to her her patronages eventually.

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  61. What a great team they are, and so gorgeous, as well. Love this shade of blue, the shoes are so elegant, and Meghan looks beautiful. Their wonderful smiles make the event.

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  62. The design of this dress reminds me of the dress Kate wore during her trip to Poland, (Gosia Baczynska design). Depending on what angle the camera catches it, it looks deceiving. The colour however is glorious on her ! Love how she brought her extra bling, in the the shoes :-). Nell x

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  63. I am in the minority but I love the dress, though it does not photograph well I agree. The colour is smashing, so is her hair. And that shoes, wow!

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  64. The hair! The makeup! The accessories! The color! All so lovely. But the cut is not my fav. Rebecca English said it was lovely in person, but the movement does not photograph well. But I don’t think it’s a coincidence that she wore blue to a Heads Together event!

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  65. What a moving night of music. I'm a big fan of 'The Armed Man' piece it's so haunting. This just reminds me to what a degree solemn or significant acts of rememberance Royals actually get involved with - just thinking back it's probably 50% of their shared experiences so far.

    So given the subject matter - I think it's been said, but brilliant to see a pop of colour. The blue really suits her and reminds me of that impact the yellow dress had recently.

    I think it's one of those dresses that would work really well in an 'advertorial' setting, but when in movement and real life, seems to look unflattering from lots of angles. As an art director I know how something can look amazing from one angle yet 'off' from every other. The general idea of this dress I get, and it does provide some curves and edge to her body - but given it's a bespoke creation I'm surprised just how unflattering it is in some photos. I think on the arrival video I saw online many of the photographers commented that she looked pregnant.

    Shoes and Jewellery are amazing though.

    To me Meghan seems to be favouring (generally) more of a "Commonwealth" designer brand vibe and wonder if this is going to be a pattern she'll use. It opens up more bespoke designers for her and limits the chances of wearing labels already favoured by the Royal ladies?

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  66. I thought I had posted last night but my comment does not appear to have gone through.
    I was lucky enough to be at the event last night. A truly amazing concert: the Armed Man was a triumph, with the beautiful video film playing in the background to the live music and vocals. Such a treat to have been conducted by the piece's creator Sir Karl Jenkins too.
    We were sitting on the balcony at right angles to Meghan and Harry. She looked beautiful, very tiny and was very composed and "still" throughout the performances, clapping enthusiastically at the end of each piece. ( Harry by contrast was a tad fidgety towards the end, altering his position in his chair. fiddling with his tie, looking through the programme!) Meghan's dress in the lighting of the Central Hall looked navy blue, so it was quite a surprise to see the brilliant royal blue of the press photos.

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    1. Lucky you! Sounds like a lovely evening. How did the ruffles look in real life?

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    2. I didn't really notice the ruffles all down the front, though could pick out some decoration when she was seated. Certainly when she walked past I was thinking "tiny" and "slim"not "pregnant" (!). Her legs are amazingly slender and her arms so toned.

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    3. I love a first hand account! Thank you.

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    4. Anon 14:09, thank you for sharing! 🙂

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    5. I also appreciate your reporting!! Thanks!

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  67. What a beautiful dress!!! The colour is wonderful and Meghan looked great!

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  68. WIN-WIN-WIN all around! Love the color, LOVE the hair, especially love the blingy shoes. Great pop of color and it looks fabulous on her. She looks utterly gorgeous and I don't even think all that many photos are unflattering. I can see the dress looks different in different shots but, to me, it still looks lovely. Yay!

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  69. Love the color. Love the silhouette. The only thing I would change if I were designing the dress is to have the ruffles flow out to both sides. But I think it looked lovely and wasn't unflattering at all. Great shoes! And her earrings! I love when she wears these snowflake earrings. They are gorgeous. A matching bracelet, with this outfit, would have been a perfect final touch in my opinion. But it seems that Meghan's jewelry choices are always on the understated side, which is fine. She looked lovely.

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  70. Anon 14:09 posted above that it looked navy in person. I think she looked very pretty but also am not a fan of the shape. It does look a bit big and baggy on her. As others have said maybe better in person.

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  71. Meghan look absolutely smashing! I love her polished look. I loved her hair, the shoes and the color of the dress. The dress itself was an optical illusion. On one side I'm like this is smashing and it really showed off her sleek figure but on the other side it appears the total opposite. All in all when I look at the other side along with her hair and shoes its a complete win!

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  72. I agree with Mr. D that Meghan might be going for a Commonwealth vibe. People who are outraged that Meghan is not wearing "British" should keep in mind that the Queen is sovereign of realms other than UK, including Canada, Australia, etc. Meghan and Harry will focus on the Commonwealth as a large part of their work. At the moment, Meghan seems to favor Canada in her choices, not surprising, considering her past residency in Canada. AS she travels the Commonwealth, I can't imagine that she will not try to feature its designers whenever appropriate. Also, in her pre-wedding events, she helped a number of UK designers and companies in both accessories and clothes. I've always had the impression that Meghan is very international in her outlook, and her fashion aesthetic quite French.

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  73. Caroline in Montana7 September 2018 at 17:22

    I really like this color on her and love the earing's and really love the shoes, the dress is flattering only from a straight on view, im not a fan of really tight clothing but this is just too loose and the ruffles are not doing her figure any favors!


    But honestly my main quibble is that (in my opinion) their outfits do not go together. can someone please tell me what the aversion is with the Windsor men that they wont wear a charcoal, black, dark navy or simply NOT the same blue suit?? that color blue is so not flattering to any of them and usually not flattering to their wives outfits either. They would look great in anything but the yucky "Windsor Blue." what gives?? meghan needs to get in his closet ASAP and throw those things out!!

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    1. I saw a photo on twitter that was taken from behind and the dress is not loose at all. It is very body conscious from the back.

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  74. Apparently the dress is not bespoke, just read an article saying its from Jason's SS19 Collection - which he also mentioned on his instagram account

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  75. So beautiful I can't stop looking at the pics! She is radiant and so cool, that dress is the best color, fabric, I love the pleats, and THE SHOES. Are gorgeous and princess-worthy without being too much. She is just the most polished style star ever! What a couple! xo

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  76. This is the first "miss" for me with Meghan's style. I prefer her in neutral colors. The blue is too much, and overwhelms her. This dress is not complimentary in any way. The color is horrible - the shape is unflattering, and....it's one huge mess. But that doesn't change the way I feel about her style. If this is her first miss with me, then that's pretty darn good. I've loved her style since she became engaged. She has such a sense of herself & what she knows looks good on her. The shoes are fabulous. She's simply gorgeous. Just not in that dress! Thanks for a wonderful post.

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  77. Another fabulous engagement for Harry and Meghan. How lucky they are to attend such amazing and important engagements. As a music lover, I enjoyed reading about the concert and historical connections, and what a venue! The colour of Meghan's dress is divine, but personally I think the cut is dreadful. Her shoes are amazing. I don't know how Meghan and Kate walk so effortlessly in such high heels. I need lessons!

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  78. Royal 👑 Watcher8 September 2018 at 01:54

    What a great event! I love that Meghan has chosen some colour this time. And this time the shoes seem to fit, not have an extra inch at the back, it looks better. The shoes are exquisite! It also seems to me that Meghan chooses dresses that flow and look good when she moves, unfortunately they look big and bulky in still photos. Minor issue and probably something that Meghan will get better at in the years to come. No doubt they both look happy and Meghan is her usual radiant self, this is the main thing!

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  79. I have a theory. Meghan knows she will be on constant baby watch over the next several months. I think she will purposely wear certain things to get people talking about whether she is pregnant after almost every appearance. After a few months the repetition makes the conversation get old...then when she actually is pregnant, she can wear the same types of clothes and there is less attention paid...until an actual announcement. I believe this is something that other actresses have done to help preserve their privacy. Another clue to actual pregnancy would be a haircut. This distracts from her shape. Catherine I seem to remember has done this. My two cents!

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  80. I agree that the pleats are a bit strange, but I think equally unattractive is the lighter blue stitching. It makes the dress look boxy. I do like the appropriate color for the event, the beautiful fabric, and the nice use of bling. Most of all, Meghan looks radiant. I so hope she continues to relish her role in Britain and the Commonwealth. The tour will be a test for her, and an introduction to much of her future work.

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  81. In general....I love it all! Colour pops on her, hair sleek and stylish so looking very good there, the earrings and those SHOES!!! Simply stunning and I want but at a total of my fortnight's wages (in NZD which is x2 GBP!) I think not right now!
    Sure the ruffles caused confusion and at the initial pics I caught myself saying what is that going on there her just isn't THAT big is it? But my gosh give a girl a break! Can't be easy being in the public eye so much and rather suddenly people! Shes going to make mistakes and at the end of the day this is not rocket science! It's sartorial and who doesn't have an off day or night now and then hmmm? We've ALL been subject to flights of fancy ourselves from time to time I'm sure.
    Lets let her settle in - personally from the minute I saw her wedding dress (& high fived cos this girl she so 'got' it) I knew that really she's mostly got this. Has she barely put a foot wrong yet? I think not! #mightymarkle. Oh and did I mention doing it all with such Grace while her father and his offspring cause such unnecessary embarrasment, reflecting only how uncouth they are and the opposite she is. This girl has lots of fans over here that's for sure...

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  82. Nicole from France8 September 2018 at 08:53

    Yeah big blue ! I love this colour , and I do like the dress , more’ precisely I appreciate she still goes for a loose fit , and I am quite interested in the way the ruffles « work » , but .... on most photos both loose fit and’ ruffles don’t make a very good team for the silhouette .... still wondering how to keep the ruffles and make it look better ... May be not having them in the middle of the dress but beeing part of the straps , allowing a more précise fitting of the top ? Anyway I like the idea of theses ruffles’, which are actually double flap pleats of a very light material . The shoes are absolutely gorgeous ! And she apparently managed to have her hair loose without it beeing too messy .
    Once more, we are surprised, but for the best .... to me at least !

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  83. hi bluhare, just checking on any updates you may have on Maggie? Keeping her in my prayers. Thanks.

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  84. I think Meghan has lots to learn about how to dress for her new role. She is no longer dressing for still, posed red carpet photos. She is photographed in professional wear, in all sorts of weather and lighting conditions, while sitting, standing, shaking hands, etc. I remember Kate having a few skirt flying, cleavage exposing faux pas in her early days; I'm sure Meghan will figure it out as well. In another circumstance, we may have been able to see the definition in those pleats, and may not have seen the bright stitching across her waist. I'm sure she'll review how her looks worked and how they didn't, and will get better and better.

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  85. She looks gorgeous I love the dress hair and makeup and I too think she is pregnant and I hope I'm right. I see a tiny baby bump.

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  86. Did you see in the first couple photos posted, it looks as though the inner lining of Harry's jacket has the same blue from Meghan's dress. Love them!

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  87. Hi bluhare, I've not had a chance to read comments in some time and have only been able to peek at the posts. But I just had a chance to read a few comments from the bottom and I'm very concerned about Maggie. If I recall correctly she was battling an illness. I'm sort of assuming you have been in contact with her from anonymous's comment above. Are you in a position to provide an update? If a private matter I certainly understand, I just have not seen comments from her in some time and I hope she's okay.

    alexandra
    florida

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  88. All I can say is WOW! Meghan looks completely put together from head to toe. I like her hair better down. It looks full and luxurious, as opposed to the messy bun with wisps sticking out all over. The dress is beautiful, and blue-finally some color! The shoes are stunning, too. Loving the whole look.

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Welcome to Mad About Meghan! We do so look forward to reading your thoughts. Constructive, fair debate is always encouraged. Hateful, derogatory terms and insults are not welcome here. This space focuses on Harry and Meghan, not any other member of the Royal family. It's not the place to discuss politics either. Thank you for reading, we look forward to your comments :)