Today we’re excited to share a post about the Duchess’s highly anticipated role with the September issue of British Vogue. Details about the project were released over the weekend with additional information and images being revealed today. It turns out that as reported, Meghan guest-edited the issue with editor-in-chief Edward Enninful.
The issue is titled, “Forces for Change” and the cover features photos of fifteen women creating positive change around the world.
The Sussex Royal Instagram account notes that the Duchess “…for the last seven months has worked to create an issue of inclusivity and inspiration, focusing on what connects us rather than what divides us.” From the Duchess, writing in the magazine:
In formulating the content of the Forces for Change issue, I knew that I wanted to create a magazine that would speak not just to where we are, but to where we hope to be.
More from Mr. Enninful, writing about the experience of working with the Duchess:
To have the country’s most influential beacon of change guest edit British Vogue at this time has been an honour, a pleasure and a wonderful surprise,” said Edward Enninful, of co-editing the magazine’s September 2019 issue with HRH The Duchess of Sussex.
The two began working on the issue back in January.
Meghan shared that timeline information in the Guest Editor’s Letter she penned for the issue, also noting, “Over a steaming cup of mint tea we teased through how one can shine light in a world filled with seemingly daily darkness. Lofty? Of course. Worth it? Without question.” She also writes about the genesis of the guest editor role, describing the way the topic was raised: “So I asked the question. Actually, I typed and deleted the question several times, until I built up the courage to ask the question in question. ‘Edward…instead of doing the cover, would you be open to me guest-editing your September issue?'”
The Duchess also noted in the letter that she feels confident readers will “…feel my thumbprint on most pages….the overall sentiment I hope you’ll find, however, will be one of positivity, kindness, humour and inclusivity.”
In the letter, Meghan explains that fashion coverage in the issue covers Commonwealth designers as well as ethical and sustainable brands, and refers to a piece with Dr. Jane Goodall, who was interviewed by Prince Harry.
More about the experience of working with Meghan from Mr. Enninful:
“As you will see from her selections throughout this magazine, she is also willing to wade into more complex and nuanced areas, whether they concern female empowerment, mental health, race or privilege. From the very beginning, we talked about the cover – whether she would be on it or not. In the end, she felt that it would be in some ways a “boastful” thing to do for this particular project. She wanted, instead, to focus on the women she admires.”
As explained above, the Duchess wanted to keep the focus on the “trailblazing female changemakers” featured in the black and white portraits on the cover. The fifteen women were photographed by Peter Lindbergh who shot the photos for the October 2017 Vanity Fair profile piece on Meghan.
The Sussex Royal Instagram post about the issue explains that “For the cover, The Duchess chose a diverse selection of women from all walks of life, each driving impact and raising the bar for equality, kindness, justice and open-mindedness.” Let’s meet the women featured on the cover, going from left to right.
Adut Akech is a model who was born in South Sudan and raised in Australia. She is a former refugee who now works with the UN’s High Commissioner for Refugees. On her Instagram page, she wrote, “The Duchess of Sussex… told me that she finds me and my story so inspiring and those words I will never forget for the rest of my life.”
Gemma Chan is an actress who also works on behalf of the British arm of the Time’s Up campaign, the Justice and Equality Fund. She wrote on her Twitter page, “Thank you @BritishVogue & guest editor HRH The Duchess of Sussex for including me as one of your #ForcesForChange alongside these incredible women.”
Greta Thunberg is a student and at age 16, the youngest woman featured on the cover. The Swedish activist started the School Strike for Climate, a movement advocating immediate action on climate change and inspiring school walkouts around the world. Ms. Thunberg is slated to speak at the UN Climate Action Summit in September in New York.
Jameela Jamil is a British actress describing herself as a “feminist-in-progress” who is also an advocate for body positivity (see her I Weigh Instagram page here). Her reaction to being included on the cover: “Gah. I’m on the COVER of the September Issue of VOGUE! With some of my heroes. Guest edited by a total hero, HRH The Duchess of Sussex…and @edward_enninful created such a beautiful messaging behind this iconic issue. I grew up never seeing Pakistani or Indian girls on the cover of magazines, and this means the world to teenage me.”
We now move to the women in the middle row, from left to right.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian author who writes novels, short stories, and non-fiction (see her books here). She says, “I long for more stories of women who are strong without being superheroes, who do not need to be extraordinary to be admirable.” For those who recall Meghan’s private visit to the Michelle Obama event in London, Ms. Adichie is the woman who interviewed Ms. Obama.
Adwoa Aboah is a British model, mental health campaigner, and founder of Gurls Talk, “a safe space to share and listen without any judgment or stigma.” Many will remember that like Meghan, Ms. Aboah was also a panelist at the International Women’s Day symposium in March. Commenting on the September issue, she said, “I can’t even begin to explain what an honor this is to have been featured alongside these inspirational women for @britishvogue‘s September Issue.”
Jacinda Ardern is the Prime Minister of New Zealand. She is the country’s third female Prime Minister and also the youngest individual to become New Zealand’s head of government in 163 years. Many readers will remember the engagements Meghan and Harry did with the Prime Minister during the Australia/New Zealand tour.
If you noticed the ‘blank’ space in that middle row, you’re not alone. Requested by Meghan, it represents a mirror, created to include and encourage readers to use their own platforms to effect change. From a Sussex Royal Instagram post: “The sixteenth space on the cover, a mirror, was included so that when you hold the issue in your hands, you see yourself as part of this collective.”
Francesca Hayward is a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet. She was born in Kenya and raised in Britain, and stars in the upcoming Cats film. Thoughts about the issue from Ms. Hayard’s Instagram page: “I have been reading Vogue since I was a little girl so I can’t explain what this means to be on the cover of the September Issue 2019 which was guest-edited by HRH The Duchess of Sussex. To be alongside these extraordinary women and be recognised as one of the Forces for Change is an incredible honour. The most immense thanks to @edward_enninful and @sussexroyal.”
Ramla Ali is a Somali-born boxer who came to the UK as a refugee; she is the first Muslim woman to win an English boxing title. Ms. Ali helped found the Somali Boxing Federation, and she offers free self-defense classes to a group of Muslim women in London. Also named as one of TIME’s Next Generation Leaders, she says it is “An absolute honour to have been selected by the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle @sussexroyal to be included in this year’s front cover of the September issue for British Vogue.”
Christy Turlington Burns is known as a supermodel but she is also a strong advocate for global maternal health. She is the founder of Every Mother Counts, an organization working to ensure women have access to “quality, respectful, and equitable maternity care” around the world. She also serves on the Harvard Medical School Global Health Council and is studying for her Master’s degree in Public Health at Columbia University.
Salma Hayek Pinault is an actor and producer as well as a women’s rights advocate. Born and raised in Mexico, Ms. Hayek is a naturalized US citizen. She has supported organizations and efforts to end discrimination against immigrants, and has worked to raise awareness of domestic violence. She posted on Instagram that “It feels incredibly inspiring to be included in the company of women I admire by a woman I admire.”
Sinéad Burke is a teacher, lecturer, and advocate for disability and design. She was also one of The Vogue 25, British Vogue’s 2018 list of the 25 most influential women working in Britain. Ms. Burke says she is “very proud, incredibly honoured and humbled” to be included among the 15 changemakers featured on the cover. “I’ve been collecting the September issue of Vogue for as long as I can remember. They were my gateway into a world that I (at the time) couldn’t visualise myself within. Those September issues still line my bookcases at home and now, I’ll get to add one more to that collection – one with me on the cover and many other women I respect, admire and am inspired by.”
Jane Fonda is an Oscar-winning actor, political activist, and fitness advocate. Ms. Fonda was one of the founders of the Women’s Media Center, a “progressive, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to raise the visibility, viability and decision-making power of women and girls in media…”.
Laverne Cox is an actor, producer and LGBTQIA+ advocate. One of the stars of Orange Is the New Black, on her Instagram page Ms. Cox says she is “…here to highlight the profound humanity that transgender people of all kinds possess.” Her thoughts about being one of the women featured on the cover: “I am completely overwhelmed and overjoyed to share this cover. Being on the cover of Vogue magazine has been a dream of mine since I was a child. To get to share this cover with this group of women who inspire me, who are truly forces for change is deeply humbling. That it’s @britishvogue is even more special to me because British Vogue was the first to feature a black model on its cover, Donyale Luna in May 1966.”
Yara Shahidi is a 19-year-old actor, youth voting activist and model. She celebrated her 18th birthday by having a voting party; she is the founder of Eighteen x 18, an initiative aimed at engaging young people and inspiring them to “…speak our truth, get active and vote!” Ms. Shahidi is also a student at Harvard University.
The issue includes an interview the Duchess did with Michelle Obama. More from British Vogue: “As First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama forged a path as the nation’s mother-in-chief – and became a style icon in the process. Now, freed from White House protocol, she’s loosening up, but still dispensing immaculate advice. In a rare interview, she talks motherhood and maturity with #BritishVogue’s guest editor HRH The Duchess of Sussex.”
From the interview:
…over a casual lunch of chicken tacos and my ever-burgeoning bump, I asked Michelle if she would help me with this secret project.
What was sent back to me, however, left me somewhat speechless. A few “simple questions” (which she could have answered with a sentence or two) were returned to me as a thoughtful, reflective and beautifully curated narrative – a gentle reminder not of how but of why she has become such a globally respected public figure.
More from the piece:
If you were sitting down with your 15-year-old self, what do you think she would tell you, seeing who you have become today?
I love this question. I had a lot of fun when I was 15, but when it came right down to it, teenage-me was pretty by the book – straight As, through-the-roof standards for herself. So I imagine that she’d be proud of how far I’ve come – but she wouldn’t let me off the hook, either. I feel like she’d give me one of those silent nods of recognition, you know? She’d remind me there are still too many girls on the South Side of Chicago who are being shushed, cast aside or told they’re dreaming too big. She’d tell me to keep fighting for them. If I’m being honest, she’d probably smile about how cute my husband is, too.
You can read the story with the entire interview by clicking here.
UPDATE 30 July: It has been revealed in the Smart Works piece written by Meghan that she is partnering with British retailers Marks & Spencers, John Lewis, Jigsaw and designer Misha Nonoo to design a capsule collection for a workwear wardrobe.
As explained by Meghan in the piece, the brands have agreed to use a one-for-one business model. More from the Duchess on the collaboration:
“When you walk into a a Smart Works space, you’re met with racks of clothing and an array of bags and shoes. Sometimes, however, it can be a potpourri of mismatched sizes and colours, not always the right stylistic choices or range of sizes. To help with this, I asked Marks & Spencer, John Lewis & Partners, Jigsaw and my friend, the designer, Misha Nonoo, if they were willing to design a capsule collection of more classic options for a workwear wardrobe.
Taking the idea further, many of the brands agreed to use the one-for-one model: for each item purchased by a customer, one is donated to the chartiy. Not only does this allow us to be a part of each other’s story, it reminds us we are in it together.”
We’ll have more on this exciting development in a separate post!
Pre-publication coverage of the special issue includes a behind the scenes look at the making of the issue.
UPDATE 30 July: The September issue of British Vogue will be available on newsstands and online this Friday, 2 August. The print edition is available at most Barnes & Noble and digital copies for the Nook app is available on the B&N site, $4.99. For Apple Newsstand+ subscribers, the platform also offers digital copies of the magazine. For those with the The British Vogue app on iPad/iPhone/Smart devices — the September Issue is now available for download.
As a result of the photos included in the magazine coverage, we have the bonus of two new what Meghan wore pieces. This image of the Duchess was taken while working behind the scenes with her patronage, SmartWorks.
UPDATE 30 July: An additional photo of the Duchess in the Gucci dress appeared today with the digital release of the September issue.
The Duchess is wearing a dress by Gucci, the brand’s Tweed Sheath with Bow ($3140). The dress is done in an ivory, pink and light blue cotton blend tweed, embellished with a grosgrain bow accented by a rose brooch at the neckline. The piece is from the label’s 2019 Cruise Collection. It is available at My Theresa ($3975); there are limited sizes offered at Net-a-Porter ($3980); it is in stock in most sizes at Matches Fashion ($4545). Our thanks to Meghan’s Mirror for the ID.
30 July: It appears Meghan is wearing her Manolo Blahnik ‘Carolyne’ satin and velvet polka dot slingbacks. The shoes are available in black suede at Saks, $695 (current sale offers up to a $200 savings with code: STYLESF).
She first wore the shoes on the Morroco Visit back in February.
In the below images, Meghan is wearing her William Vintage coat, previously seen in February while in New York City.
She is also wearing her Aquazzura Deneuve Bow Pointy Toe Flats, $695, and what we think may be her Rag and Bone maternity jeans in black, $225.
And in the photos with editor Edward Enninful, Meghan is wearing a piece from Everlane. It is the brand’s Japanese GoWeave Essential Jumpsuit in black, $120.
For those interested, Michelle Obama is wearing AG jeans and a custom tailored white t-shirt.
We leave you with this thought —
Think about how YOU might use your own platforms to effect change.
VIDEOS:
The Today Show has a piece about the special issue.
Overnight, the Duchess of Sussex was revealed as the guest editor of British Vogue’s September issue. @keirsimmons has the story behind it, including why the duchess isn’t on the cover. pic.twitter.com/k2iM7nGElT
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) July 29, 2019
LINKAGE:
- Read about Why Jacinda Ardern Is A Leader For Our Times from Vogue, March 2019.
- Learn more about Luminary Bakery from Meghan’s Editor Letter here.
- Also from Meghan’s Editor Letter – read about OLIO food sharing here.
- Find out more about Brene Brown here.
Amelie says
I meant to comment on this when it was posted then I forgot too! So here is my late comment.
What I love about Meghan is that she works on big projects for a long period of time (like the cookbook for example) and then unveils the finished product without doing any kind of pre-announcement months in advance of what she is working on. I really like the way she surprises us with these kinds of things.
Now I realize some people are upset by the women profiled, that there seem to be too many celebrities or not enough British people represented. I’ve even seen comments (not here) that too many women of color were profiled which was astonishing to me. I’m not sure why people are so surprised considering Meghan’s background as a biracial woman and the daughter of an African American woman. But it’s sad to see this even be a point of criticism in 2019. 🙁 And while there were a fair amount of celebrities, there were a lot of women featured I had never heard of. For me it seemed to be a good mixture of “unknowns” and “famous people” (though I realize some of the women like Ramla Ali or Francesca Hayward might be well-known in the UK but I had never heard of them since I’m American and not familiar with them).
As for the outfits here, I love the Everlane jumpsuit (Everlane is a brand I’ve always been curious about but never tried since they are mostly online and don’t have a lot of stores) and the vintage coat she wore previously for her baby shower. The Gucci dress is meh, I hate the flower pussy bow so it ruins the dress for me. And that’s it… sorry for the lateness!
Shannon says
I love that jumpsuit it looks so comfortable but slightly sexy too.
Jessica says
I appreciate everything that the DoS is trying to do with this issue–and for what it’s worth, I like both the dress and the jumpsuit and I think they’re entirely appropriate. But I agree with those who have observed that the selection of women to profile was a bit celebrity-heavy–it would have been nice to draw attention to some women who are less highly visible but are doing equally good work. And I also think that the DoS could have used a little help with the tone of her editorial message. I know many were fans of her blog, and the intimate, first-person tone that she took there–and there’s nothing wrong with that, and for a different kind of guest-edited issue, that bloggy tone might have been appropriate. But here, when the purported purpose of the issue is to shine a light on others, the vibe was a little too “humblebrag,” I thought: OMG, Edward is letting me guest-edit the issue just because I asked! OMG, Michelle Obama is so REAL, you guys! Don’t get me wrong: I love and admire the DoS, and I do think she’s sincere and is doing good work. I think this is just a case where the editor needed an editor.
As for those complaining that she politicized her choices of who to highlight, what can I tell you. It’s conservatives who have decided that racial and gender equality (etc.) are left-wing issues; as long as they continue to deride such causes, and fail to visibly support them, they’ll probably continue to find themselves left out of publications promoting them.
Laura says
Hi Jessica, I agree about the “humblebrag” and the tone of Meghan’s message. I think Meghan will become more of a polished “royal” voice in time, with less reliance on “blog speak” and focusing on what is trendy, “of the moment”, etc. There’s a big difference from being an Instagram influencer, blogger and celebrity and being a royal. I think Meghan’s heart is in the right place and she’s doing good work already. I think she will learn how to highlight the cause and charity more over time, rather than anything that could be perceived as self-promotion. I know this sounds like I want Meghan to dim her personality and silence her own voice, but I think that comes with the territory of the royal family, and she’ll find a good, healthy balance between her strength of character and her new role.
Ettennyls says
Jessica, I agree with some of your commentary here. And further down in the comments, I agree with your straightforward and (sadly) true observation about the United States’ lack of legislative effort concerning gun control. (I am fairly certain we would disagree on ways in which gun control would be remedied while preserving the rights of decent citizens to bear arms). However, in a world where we are crippled with political polarization, it is disappointing to hear someone like yourself, who appears well spoken and thoughtful, to make a blanket statement that “conservatives . . . have decided that racial and gender equality (etc.) are left-wing issues . . . and fail to visibly support them . . . .” This is my response: Being conservative and/or republican does not make you racist, bigoted, or a white supremacist, it means your political ideals likely correspond with ideology such as lower taxes, deregulation, conservative fiscal policy, strong national defense, ALONG with racial and gender equality, fair pay, a healthy and growing middle class, etc. Comments like yours, where you blanketly depict conservatives in such a way, is nothing short of prejudicial—a tactic that some left-leaning individuals may use knowingly (or perhaps thoughtlessly) to mischaracterize conservatives.
Jessica says
Well, my comments were only meant to apply to conservatives who are public figures–of the type that the Duchess, in an alternate universe, might have chosen to profile–not private citizens as yourself. It does seem to me that in recent years prominent conservatives have dropped even the pretense of actively working toward racial, gender, and LGBTQ equality, so I do not fault the Duchess for failing to find any that would suit the theme of this issue of Vogue.
Individual self-identified conservatives may well be more ardent supporters of such causes than those they have elected to represent them–or they may merely pay lip service to vague notions of equality while continuing to support candidates and legislation that reinforce structural inequity on a global scale. For me, it comes down to what a person does and not just what they claim to believe. I feel that’s the opposite of prejudicial, but YMMV.
As for gun control, you might be surprised. I live in a state with a high proportion of gun ownership but a very low rate of gun crime. I know it can be done. Let’s start with universal background checks, no private-sale loopholes, and see where we get with that.
Karly says
What a shame that Meg didn’t choose amazing women simply based on their good work and leave out the political alignments. I would certainly not class the PM of NZ as a world leader or even one of influence. Their economy is struggling, they have some horrific social issues (as do most countries) and the only reason she won their last election was because an independent voted with the mainstream party. She has achieved nothing on a world platform but has been able to place some well meaning “comments” often when her fellow country men are suffering. Not a true leader in my eyes, just one that is able to tap into a clever marketing campaign. I am not even a kiwi but have visited several times recently and I can assure u that many locals don’t see her in the same gilded light as what has been portrayed in Vogue
Jessica says
Her principled position on gun control is very meaningful to many Americans, who have just suffered a week of mass shootings by white supremacists, and whose leadership has, for generations, been unwilling to address the issue legislatively.
Laura says
As an American, I agree about the stance on gun control. For a nation faced with so many appalling tragedies, and with political leaders who fail to take a strong stand on gun violence, it can be powerful to see a politician who is outspoken about the issue.
Ettenyls says
Agree very much. I cannot underline enough that I think Meghan has a sincere (and apparently) very sweet heart and she feels compelled to be an activist. Unfortunately, because of the current extraordinarily polarizing state of US politics, and also due to the fact that Meghan is from the US, she has chosen political “sides” and it shows. For the most part, the British Royal family has been quite wise to remain neutral through the past few decades. They would be wise to continue such neutrality.
leyla says
I love Meghan, what inspiration. She’s transformative!
EE says
I have to disagree with all of the positive remarks. I’m so very disappointed that Meghan chose to be political with her selection of women…I mean Jane Fonda? Really? It doesn’t matter in my opinion if these women are doing wonderful work now, it also matters that many of them are polarizing politically. I thought the Royals were supposed to be neutral. This seems like an underhanded way to support liberals without directly supporting the political positions these women promote alongside their charitable work.
Ettennyls says
I agree 100%. I think Meghan (and Harry for that matter) have their hearts in the right place with their charitable endeavors. BUT I do not believe that they should be openly supporting one side of a political spectrum–and while perhaps not blatant, Meghan’s political leanings are quite transparent. Despite the fact that I believe she has a good heart and is doing her best to enact change where she can, I find her open support of liberal politics significantly disappointing.
SG-Chi says
Any idea how does someone in the U.S. can get their hands on a copy of British Vogue?
WhatMeghanWore says
We’ve included the information in the post – it’s available for digital download via the British Vogue app on iTunes and Google Play. Barnes and Noble also carries the magazine. Thanks, SC
SG-Chi says
Great, thank you!
ElizaMo says
I think this is such a tremendous project by Meghan and it ranks with the Grenfell cookbook she produced. And her outfits match the work she’s doing with their own originality and a touch of daring. I love the Gucci dress, I think it’s wonderful to have a classic sheath with its clean lines offset by a slightly showy bow detail with a very frilly rose ornament. This is true style, true quality. The Everlane jumpsuit is just cute and so good for maternity and I love the classy touch of throwing a Courreges jacket over it — looks great! I’m very happy to see those sassy Aquzzura flats again, they are just gorgeous. Great to see Meghan so well and so involved in such a tremendous project. She’s definitely a real force for change and I can’t wait to catch up on all these interesting heroines featured in the magazine when I can get a copy.
Ellis says
I always love seeing the work that Meghan and Harry (and other royals) are doing behind the scenes, and the creativity and passion with which Meghan has approached both the Vogue and SmartWorks projects is wonderful! Meghan and Harry have such a unique position in the Royal Family right now (as its two most prominent members who will never be King/Queen) and I love that they’re using that role to call attention to the identities and social issues that will be represented in this issue. The SmartWorks project seems like a fantastic idea, and is a great example of Meghan using her creativity, connections, and style prowess for good.
Also great to see some new photos of Meghan! That Gucci dress hits the perfect balance of modern, chic, and royal-appropriate, and I’ve been anxiously waiting to see Meghan in a jumpsuit for forever.
I have Friday off of work and live ten minutes away from a Barnes and Noble, so I’ll be picking up a copy of the magazine as soon as I can (and I CAN’T WAIT).
Patty says
I admire the Duchess and this project. The Gucci dress is beautiful, though I would’ve left off the rose & bow as extraneous. But that’s me. I think my favorite garment in this post is that vintage coat. I could get into serious coveting over that!
Laura says
This Gucci dress reminds me of the Duchess of Cambridge’s green Dolce and Gabbana dress she first wore in Canada, and then to Wimbledon. Originally, the dress had a huge pocket watch appliqué (or something) on the shoulder, which she removed. Everyone was debating about whether she should have embraced the “quirky” over-the-top dress as the designer intended, or if she made the right decision to tone down the outfit. Seems the same debate with Meghan’s huge, quirky flower. Should royal ladies “normal” up theirs dresses, or keep them high-fashion and quirky? I personally like quirkiness, even though I don’t think Gucci was the best choice for Smart Works.
WhatMeghanWore says
Hello ladies – many of the items donated to Smart Works include high quality designer pieces.
IMO, I don’t see anything wrong with what she wore – she’s polished, on trend and setting an example for other women going out into the work force. There were other days Meghan was at Smart Works in a more relaxed look of repeat items – such as the black jeans, Aquazzura flats and a vintage coat. She looked adorable, yet polished. I feel it’s a good way to show two sides of the coin – polished casual relaxed look and polished business formal (fashion) look. In Manhattan, depending on the line of work you are in, you will see women in very trendy pieces. I did a mix and wore trendy fashion forward pieces to my financial business job based in NY/NJ and our office was business casual. I always made sure I looked polished and put together yet fashion forward particularly when I had to go over to our client offices. – SC
Jill Myers says
Thank you for such a delicious post!
I adore the Gucci dress… such fun!
You may want to consider doing a little feature on the company Everlane. It’s an incredible, socially conscious clothing company. I’m not surprised Meghan has discovered them what with her social justice activism.
WhatMeghanWore says
Hi Jill – I’m planning to do a post which will include Everlane and a number of other ethical and sustainable brands Meghan has worn and or supported very soon! – I too love Everlane! – Susan C.
carmen says
Hi,
I cannot but be slightly critical of this „Editor“ role.
But: Vogue, though highly enjoyable, is not an „inclusive“ Magazine in terms of education and wealth of its readers. It is a Magazine for Fashion intellectuals. She did not do herself a favor by publishing pictures of herself in a „Humble“ 4000 Dollar dress, even if it might be appropriate in a Vogue issue. She stays true to herself al the way. This has to be acknowledged.
NOTE: admin edit
Dawn says
The thought came to me earlier today that though the royal family is involved with a great deal of charitable organizations and I believe they are very passionate about these causes, especially Harry & William with their mental health initiatives, Meghan brings in a compassion for a variety of causes that looks very different from people of such privilege as the royals- or anyone of such wealth and upbringing. She’s not from a wealthy family, she’s mixed race, was an actress many had never even heard of before Harry came along, etc., and comes from a place in life of hard times and difficult family relations. This, along with her generous spirit, makes her much more likeable and relatable to us normal folks while still being a fascinating individual in the royal family. I think it’s great! I truly am in awe of the ways she comes up with to affect change, to get people talking. I’m often saddened by how polarized we are not just here in the U.S., but around the world, and unless something drastic changes the divide will grow. I appreciate Meghan on so many levels. As for the fashion, I guess she just had an aversion to maternity clothes and wore sizes much larger to accommodate her pregnant figure. Often with disastrous results the later into it she went. But hey, I keep coming back!
Lee says
So awesome–all of it. And what a fantastic post!
Carol says
This isn’t about what the Duchess wore but I feel like I can comment on the women from the Sept Vogue. Jane Fonda was called Hanoi Jane during/after the Vietnam war. As far as I’m concerned she shouldn’t be on the list of great/influential women. She has left a bad taste in many US citizens. The DoS is from a younger generation so maybe she wasn’t aware.
WhatMeghanWore says
No worries on the comment not being about fashion. Because of the nature of the magazine cover and some content, we elected to make a one-time exception to the comment policy. (As you can see from the comments we approved!) It’s very much out of the normal range of what we cover, but understand people having different reactions to the editorial decisions. -Susan K.
Faith Crisley says
As usual the post is complete and has lots of well edited information. More in depth than I have heard from other sources in the U.S. I can’t wait to read the entire issue.
LadyLeah says
Magnificent post about a really wonderful collaboration. Thank you for doing such a researched and intelligent presentation, Susans! Looking forward to reading this magazine from cover to cover. Bravo, Meghan!
Carolyn says
Thank you for this great coverage of the upcoming magazine!
I’m looking forward to reading it.
As for her fashion choices, I like the jumpsuit!
The Gucci tweed dress doesn’t “Wow!” me at all.
I find many of the Duchess’ Choices odd and this is one of those instances.
I also realize many choices will look different in person but summer tweed, funny bow, and the giant pin all add up to head scratching for me.
Jayne says
What a great job! So many women included that I admire! Meghan is such a breath of fresh air and I love both outfits but especially that Gucci dress. Beautiful!
Bonnie says
This will be a well anticipated edition of Vogue. Seems like Meghan put plenty of hard work and thought into this project.
Regarding What Meghan Wore: I like the jumpsuit in its simplicity. I am not keen on the Gucci dress, at such an exorbitant price. Not sure the trend for summer tweeds is a good one. Winter wool tweeds have a tradition for warmth and a classic look. Somehow this doesn’t translate as well in cotton. As for the bow and the rose, they are almost cartoonish in their execution.
ElizaMo says
I’m all for the casual joie-de-vivre of the everso-slightly over-the-top fabric rose and it’s theatrical bow! I agree it’s hard to get used to the idea of tweed for summer, though, it does seem to be a fashion right now.
Laura says
Bonnie, I also love winter tweeds, but summer tweeds don’t seem quite as seasonally appropriate. The fabric seems so textured, warm and wooly, so it seems odd to use it for a summer dress. It is also an odd choice for a maternity dress- did she buy a few sizes up, have it altered, or wear it as-is? On the model, it looks very slim-fitting, and tweed isn’t known to be extremely stretchy and forgiving.
Lee says
Here to say that I love that Gucci tweed dress!!!! I’m not so sure about that rose in the middle — seems rather extra — but I love the rest of the dress!!!
I sure hope we get to see the full length version on her!
Kay Khyabani says
I love this so so much. What a wonderful idea brought to life by Megan, DoS and Edward Enninful! Once again the duchess has shown what a light she can be in this world. The women selected are some that I have personally admired for a long time. This is just lovely.
In regards to her two outfits, both the jumpsuit and dress are beautiful, especially the Gucci!
Thank you to the admins for including info on the 15 women. 🙂
Karissa says
This is exactly what people in the spotlight – royalty or otherwise – should be doing…turning that light on the good in the world and spurring it on. Anyone who says differently is just small minded.
(Quick note: you say the issue is “Focus for Change,” but it seems to be “Forces for Change.”)
WhatMeghanWore says
Hi Karissa, Thanks for pointing out the typo – with the font on the cover of the issue, initially, when read quickly it can appear as “Focus” vs. “Forces” and it was still most likely on the mind that way. Some of the versions of the cover out there (Orange lettering vs. pink lettering) are not as crisp looking either. Either way, the goal of the issue is to focus on Forces for Change. 🙂 We can’t wait to read the issue! thanks – Susan C.
Karissa says
You’re right, it works either way!
Elizabeth Davies says
I agree with all of the above! I can’t wait to read the issue. I’ve just read Michelle Obama’s autobiography and so admire her.
WhatMeghanWore says
Elizabeth – I have Michelle’s book in my audible library and will be listening to it in the next week or so. I just listened to the podcast with her and Conan O’Brien (Needs A Friend) and it was so enlightening (with a few laughs plugged in of course!). I recommend to anyone who listens to podcasts to check out Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend – and pull up the Michelle Obama episode. Some other episodes that were enlightening were Kristen Bell (who speaks about taking timeout for yourself) and Lisa Kudrow (who speaks about her character on Friends which was interesting) to name a few of the women that have been on. – Thx, Susan C.
Quyen Leisl says
Love, love, love this. This is the embodiment of everything Meghan stands for – power, intelligence, voice, humility, gratitude. Such an impactful contribution that blends the best of high fashion, artistry, performance, politics, passion and power. Can’t wait to read it cover to cover.
Laura says
I’m excited about this project, but I’m going to be a Debbie Downer and point out two things that really bother me. The first is that Meghan primarily chose celebrities, actresses, models, etc. to represent her “game changers”. Reading about these women’s backgrounds, many (not all) had very privileged upbringings. Several of those who began life at a disadvantage now use their social media platform not to advocate change, but to model, promote their “brand” and sell merchandise from their sponsors. I wish Meghan had focused on the many volunteers, aid workers, advocates, nurses, medics, teachers, community leaders and life-long humanitarians she has met in her travels, who do the less glamorous “on-the-ground”, back-breaking work of real world-changing. Surely in her many non-profits, she’s met many influential and important women who make very little money, and get very little recognition for their life’s work. It would have been wonderful to see some of these “everyday people” profiled, rather than Christy Turlington, Jane Fonda, Gemma Chan and Salma Hayek, who all have platforms already.
Second, I wish Meghan had chosen a different dress to wear for her photo at Smart Works. She looks lovely. But. A dress that costs nearly $4,000 doesn’t seem appropriate to wear to a charity for women who literally cannot afford clothing. Gucci has also had some issues with fashion featuring black face, and other racist imagery, and while they apologized, I wish Meghan had chosen to wear an affordable designer with an ethical, sustainable background instead of a major fashion house.
I love that Meghan has done this project, because it is wonderful to see her using her platform to draw attention to important issues. My only concern is that many of these women she holds up for us to admire are still from that ultra-privileged social strata that she finds herself in. There are women out there without a social media presence who work really hard at disgusting, difficult, dangerous jobs, and I’d like to see them honored too, not just the actresses, models, politicians and celebrities. I am a huge fan of women like Michelle Obama, but I think she already has a platform and a powerful voice. It would have been great to see Meghan give some other strong (but less well-known) women a chance to have their voices heard too.
Jackie says
One of my favorite posts that you have done. So powerful really to hear the views shared here by these women. This project along with the Cookbook project demonstrates how well Meghan collaborates with others to bring about the very best results. Congrats to all.
Love the jumpsuit she was wearing with the Editor in chief and double love the dress she wore to Smart Works. Btw when does Meghan rest? She was working on this project for 7 months while preparing to have her baby, move into her new home and all the other projects and charities she was engaged in. God bless her!
Sarah Ashley says
Love all of this! Can’t wait to check out the actual issue. Thank you for including such a well-done post on all these women!!
Linda Beutler says
This is terrific, just terrific. Meghan proves once again she is just what the monarchy needs to keep them moving with the times. Looking forward to her interview with Michelle Obama. And I love the Gucci dress!