The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at The Intrepid Museum’s Salute to Freedom Gala tonight in New York City.
Meghan wore a stunning red gown by Carolina Herrera and matching Giuseppe Zanotti sling-back pumps. Both adorned their outfits with a red poppy pin, the symbol used since 1921 to commemorate military members who have died in war.
The gala recognizes extraordinary leadership and honors the brave men and women who serve in defense of our nation.
In a video clip captured by HuffPost Meghan turned to recipient Sgt. 1st Class Julian Kitching and referenced their shared alma mater, saying —
“So, good to Northwestern, right?”
Kitching looked shocked, asking the royal, “How did you know that?”
As the group laughed, Meghan smiled and said, “I know something about all of you guys.”
People reported –
When a reporter on the red carpet asked Meghan if she was proud of Prince Harry, she turned and said, “I’m always proud of him.”
Prince Harry, who served in the Army for ten years, rising to the rank of Captain and
undertaking two tours of Afghanistan, presented the inaugural Intrepid Valor Awards to five service members, veterans and military families living with the invisible wounds of war. The gala is raising money for the Intrepid’s educational program for student and programs to support veterans.
More from People —
We are so grateful to Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex for honoring and amplifying the stories of these heroes and helping to raise awareness for mental health support for our men and women in uniform,” said Susan Marenoff-Zausner, president of the Intrepid Museum, in a press release.”
Below, Prince Harry pays tribute at the Intrepid museum just before leaving New York City in 2009.
Jon Bon Jovi was an honored guest at the event as well. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Grammy Award-winning musical artist and humanitarian received the Intrepid Lifetime Achievement Award this evening for his work as Chairman of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation.
Below, Jon and his wife Dorothea arrive on the red carpet.
Jon has lead a number of charitable efforts including most recently the Walter Reed veterans housing facility which opened in October 2019, giving homes to 77 previously homeless veterans along with a stable of support services on site.
iHeartMedia, Inc. Chairman & CEO, Bob Pittman received the Intrepid Salute Award which honors outstanding business and philanthropic achievements.
The couple stop to chat with Valor Award Recipients CWO5 Stephen Rudinski (far right), Master Sargent (Ret.) Kyle Hines (in green) and Barbara Block (in blue).
A group photo.
More from HuffPost who spoke with Marine veteran Ishmael Alvarado (below) on the red carpet, who said this was “a really special event for me” and added —
It was “wonderful” to see Prince Harry, a veteran himself, and Jon Bon Jovi, who was honored with the 2021 Intrepid Lifetime Achievement Award for his work with veterans affairs. Alvarado was hoping to have a chance to speak with the singer because he had danced to one of his songs while graduating as an 18-year-old private first class.”
He continued —
He thinks it’s “good that they’re getting some recognition and understanding the needs of veterans that serve their country” and said he’s seen less stigma around mental health in the veteran community, exemplified by the fact that more people are talking about it.”
A peek inside the event via Events at Intrepid on Instagram —
The National Anthem and God Save the Queen, in honor of the Duke of Sussex is performed at the start of the night by singer MJ.
MJ is a recording artist, singer, songwriter, musician, dancer, model and actress. She is most recently known for participating on NBC’s mega hit show “The Voice” Season 6 as a Top 20 contestant.
ABC correspondent Bob Woodruff shared this group photos with Harry and Meghan on Twitter.
Below photos from Lee Morgan/Archewell at tonight’s gala —
Initially Meghan was not expected to attend tonight’s gala, however she was in town for yesterday’s New York Time’s DealBook Online Summit (read our post here) and we had a feeling she might surprise us all. Yesterday afternoon Harry appeared on a panel about misinformation for the 2021 RE:WIRED conference.
We’re not sure how long the couple are in New York City for but we have a feeling we could see the pair appear somewhere in town on Thursday in honor of Veteran’s Day here in the US. This weekend is Remembrance Sunday in the UK. Be sure to watch our social media accounts for any updates.
And now our look at what Meghan wore tonight starting with her show-stopping red dress designed by Wes Gordon, Creative Director for Caroline Herrera.
The dress is part of the Pre-Fall 2022 Collection. Below is a look at the back of the dress.
From Carolina Herrera Instagram the designer’s sketch of the dress.
The Duchess’ shoes are by Giuseppe Zanotti. They are the Samia pointed-toe slingback pumps in red, $358. They are also available on Farfetch here.
The shoes come in a lower heel available here as well as black here.
Meghan wore her Birk’s Snowstorm earrings ($13,300) from the brand’s Snowflake collection.
She also wore her Cartier ‘Love’ bracelet and Princess Diana’s diamond tennis bracelet (shown on Diana, below center).
Meghan’s long time friend and makeup artist Daniel Martin shared this earlier tonight on his Instagram account – perhaps a sneak peek at some of the products he used on Meghan. Either way, we are a big fan of his beauty tips and looks!
UPDATE 11/11: Daniel Martin has revealed what products he used on Meghan for her glowing look.
Daniel shared with Allure —
“With her hair pulled up, I wanted to kind of pull everything back,” he explains. The week prior to the event, he attended The Makeup Show, an exhibition where Martin was introduced to a lot of BIPOC-, women-, and LGBTQ+-owned brands that he ended up using for Markle’s gala look. “What I was excited about was that I was able to introduce Meghan to these brands that she had never heard of.”
Daniel first prepped Meghan’s face with Tatcha skin-care products before creating her base with his go-to foundation for the Duchess — Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation.
More from Allure —
“I don’t use foundation all over her face, so it’s really important for me to get her skin to a good place so that any redness and unevenness I can correct with just a bit of foundation — that’s usually more full coverage — that I can sheer out,” Martin explains. “I just spot-treat all over her face.”
To create that dewy glow on the high points of Meghan’s face, Daniel mixed a cream base using Tatcha’s The Serum Stick with a powder highlighter — using shades from Danessa Myricks’s Lightwork Palette Volume III — creating a custom formula.
For Meghan’s lips he used Olivia Palermo Beauty Matte Lipstick in Rosebud. Daniel used Lamik Beauty Revelation Brow Duo (a new favorite indie Black-owned brand of Daniel’s) on her eyebrows.
To create that purple cat-eye, he used another shade from the Danessa Myricks’s Lightwork Palette Volume III, Aurora, with a wet pointed brush. Finishing off the look, he used Byredo Waterproof Mascara, which Daniel said he has been obsessed with. He also used a pair of false lashes that he cut up and stacked on the lash line for a more fluttery look.
“It’s the perfect color for Meghan, and I actually like to use it as a liner, too,” Martin explains.
“I’ve always loved purple and red together — that combination to me is beautiful, so I wanted to play on that but still give you that shaping without it being too deep,” Martin says. In other words, he wanted to present a twist on Markle’s staple look without going too extreme.
When asked if Martin had been long-term itching to put some bright colors on the Duchess of Sussex, Martin laughs, “yes, yes, and yes.” Though he says it took a little convincing to get Meghan to agree to a more colorful makeup look, it certainly paid off. “The color purple does something to her eye color,” he concludes. “You don’t necessarily see the color itself, but you see how bright her eye looks, and that’s what I wanted to do.”
Try these additional products spotted in Daniel’s Instagram that he favors — (clockwise l-r)
Tatcha – The Luminous Dewy Skin Mist, $20-$48 / Tatcha – The Essence Skincare Boosting Treatment, $65-$105 / Tatcha – The Water Cream Oil-Free Pore Minimizing Moisturizer, $20-$68 / Sisley Paris eye concealer, $112 / Lamik Beauty Revelation Brow Duo, $49 / Byredo Waterproof Mascara / Trinny London Eye2Eye, $24 / Danessa Myricks’s Lightwork Palette Volume III / Cozzette Beauty Crystal Cream Shadows in Venus, $18 / Costa Brazil’s Óleo Para O Corpo – Kaya Jungle Firming Body Oil, $98 / Tatcha – Kissu Lip Mask, $28 / Tatch Cleanser / Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas Featherweight Protective Primer, $22-$52
A quick look at what Harry wore — a tuxedo by Armani.
LINKS:
- Read HuffPost’s full article here.
- Read Elle’s article here.
- Read more about the Intrepid museum here.
Read Harry’s full speech below:
Good evening everybody, it’s wonderful to be back on USS Intrepid a decade after my last visit—and a lot has changed since then. Just last week, I went for a ride on the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile—how’s that for living the American dream!
Thank you, Ken, for the kind introduction—My wife and I are so grateful for your ongoing partnership and we all deeply appreciate Fisher House’s longstanding commitment to military families. On any given night, 1000 families are sleeping at a Fisher House. It’s no exaggeration to say that your services are quite literally keeping families together when they need it most—so thank you!
Thank you, as well, to the Intrepid Museum for providing a community hub for those who have served, and to all the individuals and organizations here tonight who are dedicated to wrapping a sense of support around servicemembers after they leave their posts. Those who serve and who have served offer so much to their communities, the wider public, and to the private sector. As far as I’m concerned, they never abandon their commitments and ethics, because the values and principles of service are ingrained in every single one of them, and any business would be lucky to have them.
Tonight, we are here to honor a group of men and women whose lives are defined by service, purpose and resilience. This night is about [the honorees].
As many of us see it, service isn’t loud. Service is what happens in the quiet and when people aren’t looking. It’s about how we take care of each other every day. It’s about the camaraderie we share…the laughs, the comfort, the pain, the challenge, and yes, the banter.
Throughout my time in the military and after, I recognized and understood that for many who have served or are still serving—it might not feel right to stand out amongst the team and be recognized. But you deserve to be—and tonight, whether you like it or not, that is what’s happening. So, soak it up!
I’d also like to speak briefly about something else that, until recently, has existed in the darkness: the invisible wounds that we are all susceptible to. The scars on the inside that no one sees. For too long, invisible injuries were treated as just that—invisible—and were destined to be swept under the rug at the risk of shame, guilt, or just a lack of understanding.
Yet we now know that the mind is just like a muscle. It experiences trauma and pain, whether in conflict or at home, whether in uniform or not. It needs training…as well as recovery and care, no matter who you are and no matter what you do. Our physical health and mental health are one in the same, and just as much as we aspire to be physically fit, so too we need to be mentally fit. That’s a belief I held when we pioneered HeadFit, a first-of-its-kind resource for servicemembers and those working across UK Defence, to train their minds just like they do their bodies. That’s how we get to ultimate human performance and unlock unknown potential in every single one of us. It is a belief I still hold as I work to increase access to mental fitness tools for all people across the world with the online coaching platform BetterUp.
Many of us in this room understand why servicemembers often feel isolated after they come home or once they leave the forces. Wouldn’t you? For years, we (and our families) orient our entire lives around the mission, the duty, the commitment, and yes—the hurry up and wait. And when we return, we long for the same feelings and contributions: self-purpose, focus, service to others, and being part of a team.
I’ve lived in the US for close to two years now. I have to say, witnessing your support for all those that put themselves in harm’s way in defense of our freedoms and liberties—it’s remarkable and hugely respected. It reminds me of the deep reverence us Brits have for our military as well. The armed forces communities in both our countries share a special bond, and I’m grateful to have served in support of our joint allyship for many years.
As we honor and reflect on Remembrance Day in the UK, which shares a date tomorrow with Veterans Day here in the US, my hope is for all of us to continue to support the wellbeing (and recognize the value of) our troops, veterans, and the entire military and service family. We and they are better for it.
I served 10-years in the military, including two tours of duty in Afghanistan—one as an FAC on the ground and in the dust with some of you, another as an Apache helicopter pilot in the air supporting and talking with you. Nothing was more valuable than the time I got to spend with my soldiers in a shell scrape, eating an MRE in the back of a tank (thanks for the swaps), flying a mission overhead knowing those below were safer, or making each other laugh when it was needed the most. My experience in the military made me who I am today, and I will always be grateful for the people I got to serve with—wherever in the world we were.
But in war, you also see and experience things you hope no one else has to. These stay with us, sometimes like a slideshow of images.
That’s why I created the Invictus Games. Not only to honor the legacy of those who have given so much, but to show everyone else what we know: that the men and women who have experienced service injuries, as well as their families, are the strongest people in the world…and they deserve a platform to be seen, a platform to be recognized, and a platform to be truly celebrated.
By doing this, we can continue to be inspired by their resilience and humility.
In that same vein, tonight I am proud to be presenting the 2021 Intrepid Valor Award to the strongest people aboard this ship.
You have experienced, seen, and dealt with things that few have had to—though the crises we are increasingly experiencing as communities are not only felt by those in the military world, but by everyone.
Nevertheless, you are part of an everlasting bond. You are part of the team of teams. And we will always have your backs. You are not alone.
Now let’s hear their stories. Please welcome our honorees, one by one, to the stage.
Amelie says
How exciting to see Meghan and Harry on a red carpet again! I’ve been to the Intrepid Museum a few times, it’s a really cool place and I’m not surprised they have a lot of programs and support for veterans. I love how Harry is so committed to the military community and I read the whole speech. Also while I didn’t comment on any of the posts (that I remember!), thank you for all the extensive coverage of their NYC tour in September, especially the recap post!
Now for Meghan’s dress, I mostly agree with the majority of comments. This dress wants to be a show-stopping number but falls short for a number of reasons. I will say Meghan looks great in red, it is such a bold color choice for her when she tends to stick to mostly neutrals. My first observation is the taffeta like material, taffeta is a hard fabric to pull off. It’s a stiff material that also wrinkles easily and would not be my first choice to wear. The dress also has a number of fit issues (an issue Meghan’s clothes often have), from the oddly shaped bust to the back appearing to be too tight and digging into her skin. The placement of the straps on the front is awkward and I don’t care that it is a slightly plunging V-neck, but the width of the V neck just seems off. I much preferred the red cape dress she wore in March 2020 right before she and Harry stepped down as senior royals.
But she and Harry looked thrilled to be there and very happy. The hair, makeup, and minimal jewelry were all great. 🙂
Laura says
First, the good: the color and sheen of the dress are stunning, and Meghan glows in this deep red color. Her hair and makeup are lovely, and she looks beautiful, happy and glowing. The train of the dress is dramatic and photographs well.
The less-good: The dress is not appropriate for an event honoring veterans. Meghan was there as a guest, not as guest of honor. This dress is dramatic, sexy and perfect for a film premier where Meghan is the star. The overall look has so many “look at me elements”- dramatic makeup, low back, plunging bodice, sleeveless, bright red color, slit skirt- that take attention away from the honorees. A dress with one or two of these elements might have been a more restrained, appropriate choice. As the child of a veteran, we were taught that we should never outshine the uniforms of the men and women who served.
And the fit. Oh the fit. As a new mum, I understand how hard it is to fit into a dress postpartum. That being said, Meghan can afford a tailor, and with access to designers, she really should make fit a bigger priority. To me, the WAY a dress fits matters more than how much it costs or who designs it. A $100.00 gown that fits like a glove and flatters your figure is much more attractive than a $3000.00 designer dress that does not. Normally I’d say it was just being postpartum, but Meghan has always had these issues with fit, even before her first pregnancy.
Overall, I think Meghan looks beautiful. I also think a different dress would have been a better choice for a serious occasion, celebration or not.
LadyLeah says
I thought this dress was certainly a WOW frock!
Love the color (she always glows in red) and I quite like the underskirt and overskirt.
I initially really disliked the fit of the bust…but when I see the whole look it bothers me less. The deep U isn’t as elegant as the rest of the dress is. I love the back and side view, though.
Hair and makeup are gorgeous (I wear purple eye makeup a lot so of course I loved it!) And she is wearing my favorite earrings from her entire collection…I enjoy them anew every time she wears them.
I thought the whole vibe was very Audrey Hepburn, an icon whose style I particularly admire.
While it was such a treat to see such a show-stopping ballgown, I can see the argument that it was a bit ‘much’ for the event. I’m just thrilled to see Meghan & Harry out and about, looking happy and thriving.
Kate says
I feel like this dress is trying to be two dresses in one and really, really failing. It all starts in the illustration which you can see and it was doomed from the start with the two skirts. The big full skirt portion needs to be 86-ed if it has any hope of looking good on someone like Meghan. I don’t necessarily think the back is too small or the bust too big (I think it’s more a matter of wrong undergarments), but more a matter of those straps being way too long and the neckline cut being far too wide (note I didn’t say deep) than is appropriate for such an occasion.
This is a celebration for veterans, yes, but modesty is still something to keep in mind during such military occasions. If you have a very open back, bare arms and a high slit like she does, it’s more preferable to have a more modest front, especially for military events (being the person who was raised US Army, we sort of have this code that says, “Less is way more, not more is more.”) This is my one HUGE gripe. 86 that ginormous outer skirt and the bare sternum (cover it up.) Proper undergarments. Shorten straps (86 them?) Ponder on raising the back and change shape of back, especially if proper undergarments still create funky lines. Now you have a perfect dress. You must think of the woman, not just the crazy silhouette.
Laura says
I totally agree with everything you say, Kate. There is far too much dress and it is rather immodest and flashy for a military occasion and not at all flattering other than the colour. Also the shoes are not the right shade of red. For what this outfit must have cost it totally missed the mark.
Kate says
I think two shades of red are fine! I think people get way too fussy about when the colors don’t match perfectly; it’s very hard to match shoes to dress/outfit, especially if the fabrics are different. This is why I often go for a neutral over the exact color because at least no one complains that the color doesn’t match.
The color red she’s wearing harkens back to the USO program, so it’s appropriate for her. Meghan, in this case, is sort of the “USO celebrity” in this case, so the bright red is okay for her. Those of us that watch both Kate and Meghan forget that Kate was married to William while he was military so she experienced military life (kind of); Harry was not in the military when he married Meghan.
Genevieve Laclurc says
The photo of H&M shot from behind as they turn toward the camera is lovely and Meghan looks super cute in it. Red is lovely on her, and it’s a powerful colour. Makeup is lovely and hair is elegant. Unfortunately the dress is a miss. It does not fit her well, too tight at the back, odd fit in the front of the bodies and bunches up over the hip. It’s also not a dress well suited to her body type/shape. This means that both Meghan and the dress come off looking not at their best. I also think the dress is not well suited for the occasion and her role in the occasion. While it makes an impact and stands out, and the length of the back skirt gives a show-stopper like train effect – compared to how others are dressed, she looks a bit over dressed, especially as she is the guest of a speaker. If this were the Oscars or Golden Globes and she was walking the carpet and had been nominated for an award… the kind of gown would fit in well amongst the other gowns and would attract a lot of photos. This is a gown for that occasion. For this occasion and her role here, something a bit more subtle was warranted. When it comes to clothing, fit is paramount… and it should be backed by being a colour that suits the person and the type of attire suitable for the event. The colour definitely suits her, but unfortunately the other aspects were missing.
Tamara says
I think the dress is lovely from the back but very unflattering from the front especially when she is walking.
SnowEyes says
So wonderful to see Meghan and Harry enjoying themselves at this gala celebration! And yes, it was a celebration, as you can see from the other attendees, not a solemn affair. Meghan wasn’t the only guest who was showing some skin. I don’t think this was inappropriate for her or for the event. Also, Meghan is only a few months past giving birth, so unless this dress was made in the week that she wore it, fit especially in the bodice would very likely be an issue. I I’m guessing that this was a loan, or else she could have had the option of putting some sheer red net into the V, which would have helped a great deal with the fit. Red is a marvelous color for her and love the makeup, especially the purple eyeshadow.
Stef says
The colour and fabric are indeed very flattering on her skin. The dress itself is a statement piece so I love how she chose minimal (and repeated) accessories to compliment her look. The makeup is also so beautiful with this look and just like Daniel said, the purple on red does seem to be very complimentary to me. As for the fit and cut of this dress, if Meghan is comfortable wearing outfits that doesn’t hide the fact that she doesn’t have a long torso or an hourglass figure and not to mention, her post partum body, then who are we to point that out. She definitely tries on these outfits and checks her reflection in a mirror beforehand so we know she is completely aware and at ease with her body and so the fact that she is able to step out with this confidence and that big smile must be celebrated not criticized. Also, just because she doesn’t have the figure for it doesn’t mean she can’t wear whatever she finds beautiful. She looks happy and healthy and that’s what’s important.
Isabelle says
I totally agree! The event was a gala, a celebration, not a somber remembrance service.
WhatMeghanWore says
Isabelle – Yes, I went back and checked, it was indeed a celebration. Not a somber night of remembrance. Jon Bon Jovi and Bob Pittman (who started MTV) both received honors for their charitable efforts over the years. The retired military members received honors for their work as well. – Susan
Erin says
As a fan of both makeup and fashion, thank you for taking the time to include extras about her makeup! It’s interesting to read, and while I know so many think Meghan wears too much makeup, I disagree. She is glowing – both from genuine joy (it would seem) and from fabulous makeup. Thank you!
WhatMeghanWore says
Hi Erin – product junkie here! 🙂 I love any chance to include her beauty products and how to get her look. It’s really fun when we can get inside tips from Daniel Martin as well. He’s just lovely. Thanks, Susan C.
kathleen vanvoorhees says
I don’t mind the deep cleavage however the bodice is ill-fitting. She’s not filling out the cups in the breast area of the bodice causing bunching of fabric; the way it looks if you’re wearing a bra with a too large cup size, yet it is too tight in the back. I have no idea why she has these persistent fit problems. It’s not as if she can’t afford a proper tailor. Although I love the dress itself do not think it flatters Meghan’s figure.
Her hair is fine, her make-up beautiful. Accessories great. Lastly, probably this was too much dress for the occasion and her roll at the event; the partner of a presenter.
Note: Admin Edit
Simone says
You do a great job with your coverage. That said, I think it is time to get rid of the comment section. The negative comments here are never seen on the “Kate” page. These haters will never stop. They try to appear to be fashion critics, but they are just here because they hate Megan.Please stop giving them a platform. Thank you
WhatMeghanWore says
Simone – we do have a comment policy. It is found here and it’s based on the same one that Susan K has on What Kate Wore. As a matter of fact she and I both wrote it for this site. https://whatmeghanwore.net/comments-policy/. I believe we may have a lot of new comers to the site and or some may need a reminder. It’s been really hard to monitor the comments, edit them and or determine which ones we let through or delete. Appropriate critiquing of an outfit is one thing – below are some examples pulled from our comment policy. I am having to go back an re-read the comments to see if I’ve missed something that has slipped through. I’m literally cross-eyed and Rachel hasn’t had time to review them at all.
“There are constructive ways to approach sensitive topics. Saying, “Meghan looked horrible” is different from saying, “I don’t care for that style on her,” or “I don’t think that is a flattering look.” Likewise, “That doesn’t look like a $300 dress to me” is different from commenting that, “I can’t believe she bought another dress!”
Critiquing fashioning should be done respectfully; this also applies when agreeing to disagree with others. Doing so in a civil way ensures a healthy discussion. That doesn’t mean we are here to rubber-stamp Meghan’s style choices. Far from it. We are here to share what we learn about Meghan’s fashion and to hear other viewpoints on her style. Saying, “I can’t believe you think that dress fits properly!” is different from saying, “I guess we disagree on the fit.”
Maureen says
Just a small note to express appreciation of the way in which this site is monitored and edited. I like the comments section best , and only click on those posts that have comments. Thank you Susan and Rachel for doing a great job at keeping the tone of comments generally polite, even if critical of the fashion.
WhatMeghanWore says
Hi Maureen, Thank you for your kind words. We hope that you do click on the posts without comments too as there are some really good ones that we think others may have missed! – Susan
Dawn C says
Simone, I am a fan of both this page and WKW and I don’t see people critiquing Kate or Meghan but what they’re wearing which is the point since they are fashion sites. There are several comments I’ve made on WKW that were not favorable to what Kate wore but were favorable toward her and the event being covered. I’ve done the same here. My feelings about their clothing have nothing to do with how I see or feel about them as women. I admire and respect them both.
Laura says
Hi Simone! I totally disagree! There are indeed negative comments & opinions on the WKW page. I faithfully read both and some negativity can be found on both. That being said, continues kudos to The Susans as sifting thru the comments isn’t an enviable task; yet they both do it marvelously & objectively.
WhatMeghanWore says
Thanks Laura – Susan and I both converse regularly. I often ask her for advise and we share our thoughts. Thank you for your kind words. Susan
Laura says
Hi Simone,
I have to respectfully disagree about the commentary here. First, this is a very respectful website, with great, positive coverage of Meghan’s style and the events she attends. The comments are also very insightful, respectful, and yes, sometimes critical. Just like any discussion, commentators sometimes disagree about Meghan’s fashion, but I have always found that they disagree in a constructive and respectful way. Susan does a wonderful job moderating the comments, and I enjoy the discussion. To me, the discussion in the comments is as enjoyable as the fashion itself.
I do not find any of the comments here hateful. Certainly the internet is a cruel place and many other websites have comments that are absolutely hateful, but that is not the case here. I believe that comments that are critical simply criticize the fashion, not the human being who wears it.
Kimberley says
I think the very low, cleavage-bearing dress is probably the most inappropriate thing she’s ever worn. This event demanded a more solemn look than this.
Karen D says
As a military wife, a military daughter and a current military mother, I agree with Kimberley. I thought this dress was not at all suited for the occasion. However, red is a wonderful color for Meghan, just as it is for Catherine.
Viola says
Meghan looks beautiful, elegant, and Happy! The dress looks so beautiful on her. Her makeup, hair, and jewelry is flawless.
Nia says
First time I’ve got excited this year. I love this dress the sketch doesn’t look any more fitted. Harry in Armani. He actually looks great. With all the rewears for European royals at state banquets this was a great surprise.
STEPHANIE says
Her hair in the sleek bun is perfection as are the earrings and make up. I even like the dress from the waist down especially the stunning red and the gorgeous shoes. Unfortunately the fit of the bodice is not good.
LeeN says
She seems to be attending an entirely different event. And one wonders if the gown was loaned to her since the fit is so egregiously incorrect. I suspect, though, that it wasn’t the exact design with pants underneath the ballgown-like over skirt. I agree that her hair and makeup are very well done and I’m so glad she’s (hopefully) given up the casual tendrils so carefully arranged that somehow never stay put.
Note: Admin edit
WhatMeghanWore says
Hi Lee – It’s possible the dress was on loan. I covered this in my NYC recap post back in September. This is a common practice with celebrities to borrow pieces from designers. It’s not trousers underneath – it’s the slit up the front of the dress in the illustration. I’ve included a new photo in the post showing Meghan in the dress from the front standing still – it is a group photo. While I love the color of the dress, I am not fond of the neckline. I’ve also included a photo of the woman who sang the National Anthem in a very low cut gown as well. Perhaps it was a mix of attire at the event, I’m not sure. I have been sifting through images on and off today. – Susan C.
Jill says
I liked dress much better on the back view. Also, agree that it is just too much for the occasion.
Color is beautiful though.
WhatMeghanWore says
Jill, The color is beautiful. Meghan wearing red was more symbolic – as red symbolizes confidence, courage and stability to name a few. – SC
.
WhatMeghanWore says
UPDATE 11/12: I wanted to add – I’ve included additional photos in the post (scroll down to “what Meghan wore”) – showing more of the dress (head on). A better look at it. The video clip also shows the dress a little better as well. I am now loving the dress the move I look at these additional images and the videos. I welcome everyone to take a look at the additional photos. – Susan C
Mary says
Weird choice of dress for an event supposed to honour the sacrifices of others. This is rather movie premier style.
Dawn C says
Sigh. Meghan looks great but that dress is not. It’s not appropriate for the occasion of honoring others as it’s very much screaming, “look at me!” And the fit is not for a short stature with a short torso. I’m 5’10” with a short torso and there is no way I could get away with it. The train looks like it wants to overtake her from behind and the overall fit is just not well done.
As much as she was admired for her style and wardrobe in her pre-Harry days she seems to have a hard time finding clothing that fits her just right. I know she’s under a microscope and is probably given/loaned clothing from designers from time to time, but either get it tailored or just say a polite No.
As a veteran I appreciate Harry’s continued support of service members. Once a soldier, always a soldier. And the work he continues to do and support just goes to show he doesn’t need the title of “patron” in order to bring awareness. I’m sure it’s an honor to be patron of an organization in the U.K., but here in the States that is not something we give a thought about to be honest.
WhatMeghanWore says
I just want to add – the woman who sang the National Anthem at the event wore an even lower cut dress than Meghan’s in a blue color. I saw the photos this morning but hadn’t added any to the post. I wasn’t crazy about the neckline of the dress – I think if it were strapless I would’ve liked it more, but that’s just me. – Susan
Louise says
I looked at the dress that the singer was wearing. Unlike Meghan, the singer (whose name escapes me at the moment) does not have the experience that Meghan does in dressing for global events, meetings with world leaders, the United Nations ,etc, so would be less likely to know about what dress is appropriate in what circumstance.
Also, the blue dress has a netting over the cleavage.
I agree with some others here that the dress was not appropriate for the occasion both because it was too revealing and because its volume (and even the colour) seemed more appropriate for a film awards show.
I would have preferred that the spotlight remain on the soldiers receiving the rewards.
WhatMeghanWore says
Hi Louise, I found the singer. MJ, from season 6 of the Voice. She was asked to since the National Anthem and God Save the Queen in honor of the Duke of Sussex. – Susan
MaryCath says
This dress is not suited to Meghan’s figure or the event. It’s a pity because she usually looks incredible and red is definitely her colour
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Anna says
Being a fan of sleek and streamlined gowns, this is a fail for me, my personal preference only. I realize this is the design and tailoring of this gown but it is just too flouncy, with bulky fabric, the side and back profile especially. The cut of the bustline , deep plunge and lumpy darts. is not appealing to me either. Her hair styled in this way, is harsh looking, regardless, she carries this off well, soft hairstyle would have softened the overall look. Her shoes are divine, love them.
Azura says
Not remotely appropriate for the event. She’s pulling focus from the issue and the real stars: veterans. This is a red-carpet dress, not a supporting role at a charity event dress.
It’s also a quite unflattering red-carpet dress. The bodice is overcomplicated. The waist doesn’t hit her right.
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Lisa Strom says
I wholeheartedly agree with the preceding comments – Meghan’s hair, make-up, accessories and the color of the dress are all terrific. I do feel this dress is too elaborate for the event and it is not a good choice for her body type either. That being said, why was it so poorly fitted? The bust darts are quite awful, the back is too tight and it bunches in the middle. I think Meghan is a savvy and intelligent woman and I don’t know why she decided to wear this.
Jessica says
I think the dress is beautiful overall (gorgeous color), but I don’t like the deep U cut in the bodice. I feel like if that were a bit more closed up, some of the fit issues on the bodice might have been easier to rein in as well.
When I saw the photo of JBJ and wife, I thought, hoo boy, Meghan really overdid it, but looking at the other pics, I think it was more a case of them being really dressed down rather than her being too dressed up. The other women seem to be in serious evening gowns.
Meg says
Meghan’s hair and makeup are absolutely fantastic. I also love her choice of jewelry. It’s the right amount of sparkle without taking anything away from such a statement dress.
I am struggling to like the dress. As other commenters noted, the fit is a bit off and doesn’t come across as figure flattering. I am sure as a new mom that it can be difficult for her and her stylists to manage the fit of her looks with an ever-changing postpartum body. Meghan does look great in red. One her best looks was certainly her red cape dress from early 2020 at another military dinner. This dress just doesn’t have the same wow factor as the other one. I think Meghan looks better in sheath and column-like dresses, such as that one or her yellow Brandon Maxwell. Personally, I am not a fan of the style of dress or skirt where a larger skirt envelops a figure-hugging one, and the two are not attached except at the waist. (I’m not sure what this is called.) It feels too busy, and all I do is imagine that the dress would look like if the out skirt went all the way around or wasn’t there altogether.
My last critique is that the shoes appear to be almost maroon in some photos and don’t match the dress. I would’ve chosen a silver or gold heel or even a black strappy sandal. With the red dress and red shoes, it’s hard to even realize she’s wearing the poppy. Given the significance of the poppy at this time of year, maybe a dress in another color or this dress in a black or navy would’ve been a better choice to make the poppy stand out. A darker color for this dress may have concealed some of the fit issues a bit better, but it must be hard to say no to red when you look so radiant in it.
Overall, she seems happy and comfortable, which is what matters most. It’s greater to see Meghan supporting Prince Harry at this event that’s obviously near and dear to his heart.
JennB2112 says
The fit is all wrong, the dress is bunchy in the hips and the underarm area while being tight in the mid back.
It also seems overdone for the event, compared to what others are wearing. I do think the top is awkward and lacking material for an event that is to honor others.
This is red carpet dress that is made for attention, might have been better suited for another event. With the right fit, it would have been perfection, she always looks fabulous in red.
Arlene Dawson says
Oh my gosh I totally agree with you (Jenn and Jenny). You can tell from the sketch that this dress was meant for someone taller who does not have a short torso. This is a designer dress, I don’t understand why it was not fitted but Meghan does that so often. It is such a shame because she is such a pretty woman. Harry looks fabulous!
Laura says
I agree! The fit was definitely off in multiple areas. And she definitely should have been more covered up in consideration of why they were there & who the audience was.
Jenny says
I’m struggling with how I feel about this look. Meghan’s makeup, hair, and accessories are fabulous, and red looks lovely on her. The dress itself is beautiful. I think the issue for me is how it fits her–IMO, this type of dress was intended for someone long and lean–like Kate–rather than for someone like Meghan, who has a short torso. Consequently, it makes her look rather squat around the middle. I really want to love this look, but I’m having difficulty getting past that.
Deborah says
I agree Jenny, Her makeup is fabulous and I love the “cat eye”, but this gown has too much going on (albeit gorgeous fabric)..for her body shape and her height and it not flattering. the bodice area is weird..the entire gown makes her torso look short..not a fan..
Melissa says
I love the dress, the shoes, the confidence, and the love between them! Unfortunately, I think the bust dart construction is not the greatest and it detracts from an otherwise stunning look. But it’s always great to see these two and I love that Meghan chooses interesting pieces to wear for big events.
Laura says
Kudos for a show-stopping color + style! She is definitely waving her flag of freedom no longer having to dress by the rules of the Royal Family, as shown with the high leg slits, the lowcut chest, etc. However I don’t think overall it’s a good look for her. If it’s cut too tight but the way her back hangs over the dress below the straps is most unflattering. I don’t think any of us expected her to wear a gown that would allow her to blend lol but just overall this is a definite miss for me.
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CJ says
I love her make up and hair. I love the colour of the dress, although the tone of the shoes to me is off in relation to the dress.
Her jewellery is spot on.
I’m not a fan of the neckline, purely for the shape, I find it unflattering on her. I have no objection to it being plunge, it isn’t a sombre event but a celebration so I have no issue with it. I do however feel that she is overdressed for the event. I’d consider this a ball gown, a step above this event. If she were a nominee at a film or music awards, or even attendee this would be perfect. But I feel that this is such a show stopper it sort of takes the spotlight away from those who recieved awards on this night. I don’t know, something doesn’t quite fit for the event even if it is a night of celebration.
Her radiance and smile is a pleasure to see though.
WhatMeghanWore says
CJ – There has been a lot of discussion around the dress and why she chose this particular one to wear. My guess is that there was a message behind it. As I said in another comment, the color red symbolizes confidence, courage, stability and change, to name a few. A lot has happened and changed for her, for them as a couple.
Unfortunately photos from the evening were limited but we did see some others in ballgowns. I was looking to see if there were photos from other years, but again, it has been difficult to find any. It is a black tie affair (black tie or military attire). IMO, I don’t feel she was over dressed for the evening. I think there were some that were a bit under dressed for the evening. I think the lack of photos is what has made it so difficult for everyone to understand what sort of celebration it was. – SC