The official engagement portraits of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, unveiled earlier today, leave little doubt that the couple plans to handle their royal duties with a signature aesthetic of their own, rather than recycling past traditions. Meghan's wardrobe pick makes clear she has no plans to imitate Kate Middleton's polished tailoring and nude heels, instead leaning into the red-carpet allure she long cultivated in Hollywood. Rather than playing it safe with something modest—much like the blue Issa wrap dress Kate wore for her own Mario Testino engagement shoot—Meghan selected a sultry couture gown straight out of a Blake Lively awards-season moment.
One frame captured by photographer Alexi Lubomirski shows Meghan in a black evening dress by London-based couture label Ralph and Russo, drawn from their autumn/winter 2017 lineup. The gown features a voluminous silk-organza skirt layered with cascading ruffles, see-through panels along the silhouette, and a translucent black-silk upper section adorned with carefully positioned gold-thread feather embroidery. Based on our research, this marks the very first time a member of the royal family has worn a sheer gown for an official portrait.
In a tighter portrait, also shot by Alexi Lubomirski, Meghan slips into an ivory knit by fellow British label Victoria Beckham. Both names instantly entered the conversation as front-runners to design her May wedding gown. Scroll on to view the full set of official engagement images from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Meghan Markle is pictured wearing a Ralph and Russo couture gown.
Meghan Markle models a soft cream knit by Victoria Beckham.
For more royal style inspiration, discover 11 polished looks inspired by Meghan Markle.
Lead image: Getty
