Royal wedding: Master strategist dresses her brand of diplomacy

Meghan Markle has proved herself to be a master strategist, perfectly represented in her wedding fashion statements.

Stella McCartney and friends on Instagram.

Meghan Markle has proved herself a master strategist, perfectly represented in her fashion statements for her wedding to Prince Harry.

The American actress was always going to look breathtaking, but no one knew just how smart her choices would be on the day, both acknowledging her new life and supporting her beliefs.

Sure, our local fashion watchers may have been disappointed that London-based Australian house Ralph & Russo didn’t get the gig after so much speculation to that effect.

But Meghan wisely chose two British women to design her two dresses for the day.

Clare Waight Keller of Givenchy won the top job, the wedding gown — a surprisingly simple affair with boat neckline, three-quarter sleeves, A-line skirt and small train with not a skerrick of embellishment to be seen.

It was in keeping with Meghan’s own sophisticated, pared-back sense of style.

The decoration was relegated to the silk tulle veil, embroidered in silk thread and organza with floral motifs representing each of the 53 countries of the Commonwealth, plus two of her personal favourites — wintersweet, found in the grounds of Kensington Palace, and California poppy, a nod to her place of birth.

The tiara was a nod to royalty: Queen Mary’s diamond tiara from 1932, lent by the Queen.

Waight Keller has been taking the house of Givenchy back to its heritage under founder Hubert de Givenchy, who died earlier this year.

Givenchy was renowned for his clean lines and artful silhouettes, and Waight Keller delivered both, with the dress containing only six “meticulously placed” seams, according to a statement from Kensington Palace.

Meghan met Waight Keller only in January but was keen to “highlight the success of a leading British talent”.

British fashion royalty Stella McCartney designed the reception dress, another relatively simple design in silk crepe — but with a dash of Hollywood glamour, in which the newly minted Duchess of Sussex could relax and party.

Halter-neck designs were often worn by the late Princess Diana, so this may have been a sentimental nod to her husband’s mother. Diana was also represented by her aquamarine ring, given to Meghan by Prince Harry before the wedding.

McCartney is known for her ethical and sustainable approach to fashion, which is in keeping with the broader beliefs of the royal couple.

The designer said the honour of designing the party dress was “one of the most humbling moments of my career”.

The choice of Waight Keller and McCartney, two highly regarded British designers, further cements Meghan’s interest in championing women and gender equality.

If this is any indication, Meghan looks set to use fashion as a tool of diplomacy.