The Duchess of Sussex made a visit to Victoria Yards in Johannesburg today. The site is a redeveloped area for artists, craftspeople and urban farmers. More from a story in The Maverick:
In the heart of a dilapidated suburb, Victoria Yards has emerged as one of Joburg’s trendiest artisanal working spaces.
Below, ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos show some of the area’s transformation. Victoria Yards eco-system also has a focus on skills development and information sharing. More from Victoria Murphy’s piece in Town and Country.
While there, Meghan stopped by several organizations including Sneakers 4 Change, which provides shoes to those who are less fortunate, Young Bucks, a business that makes books out of recycled materials, and Tshepo, a local denim designer.
At Tshepo Jeans the Duchess was given a tiny pair of jeans for Archie.Wondering how the initial connection with the Duchess was made? Here’s more from the Tshepo Jeans Twitter account.
From the Sussex Royal Instagram post:
She was also struck by the local denim designer who founded eponymous brand Tshepo who shared this info about the logo for his line: “The crown on my jeans represents the three ladies who raised me. Enjoy wearing this crown.” Such a beautiful and touching sentiment!
A look at that logo. Meghan also spent time with children and founders of a program called Timbuktu in the Valley. It is “a new learning space devoted to equipping youth in the neighbourhood with skills that allow them to become independent citizens” per the program’s Facebook page.
The Duchess visited the studio of contemporary artist James Delaney.
More from The Sun’s story about today’s engagement.
Artist James Delaney told Channel 24: “We were told in the morning to expect a very important guest later in the day, and that the complex would be shut down from 1pm.”
While the name of the VIP guest wasn’t reveal Mr Delaney said the tenants quickly guessed as they knew “Meghan was in town”.
Meghan arrived at around 2pm with the artists putting their work and designs on display.
Mr Delaney added he had a “friendly chat” with Meghan, adding “I introduced myself as James, and she said: ‘Hi, I’m Meghan.”He described the visit, which lasted about half an hour, as a “whirlwind,” saying “it was lovely to meet her.”
While at Victoria Yards Meghan spent time listening to a performance by Belita Andre, a spoken word artist.
More from the Sussex Royal Instagram post:
In her reading she said: “The Maker’s Valley is a social and enterprise hub, a wave between my corner of the world and yours. Insisting that beyond the anchors of survival. How to make sure that everyone gets to shore, pass around an ocean of stars, not because our sleepless nights are equal but because our dreams are.”
The Duchess spent time with the owners of Sobae Frozen, “an entrepreneurial duo who created their small business as a solution to food waste, creating vegan sorbet from unused fruit from Victoria Yards.”
Sobae Frozen posted on its Instagram page that “The Duchess of Sussex tasted our Pumpkin chain spice and strawberry tropical”.
One more image of the Duchess today.
Now for our look at what Meghan wore, starting with her dress from Canadian favorite Aritzia, the brand’s Wilfred Button-Front Midi Shirt Dress ($148). The vintage design is inspired by a traditional house dress made from a viscose/rayon blend with a pebbled texture. It features a tailored bodice, slash pockets, and self-belt. Many thanks to Laura for the dress ID.
Meghan turned to one of her favorite brands again today, Everlane and wore their The Editor Slingback in Persimmon suede ($155).
Meghan’s warp appears to be the Cuyana leightweight cashmere scarf in black, $190.
You may recall Meghan wearing the scarf in the natural color for her and Harry’s visit to the Auwal Mosque last week.
In a few of the photos from the day’s visit, you can see Meghan carried a clutch. We haven’t IDed the piece yet but did notice that a similar bag at Accessorize has the same color thread on the bag’s zipper pull. Below left, Meghan’s zipper pull; on the right, the zipper pull from Accessorize. If we are able to ascertain the maker we will update the post.
The Duchess wore earrings by a local designer, Pichulik, the designer’s Magi style ($95).
Headquartered in Cape Town, the company “celebrates Africa and sees jewellery and ornamentation as a sacred conduit for healing, community and wisdom sharing,” as explained on its website.
They are described online this way: “Custom brass studs with titanium pins and braid rope embellished with gold, copper and black beads and gilt-plated end caps.” A “thank you” to Laura on Twitter for the earrings ID!
Are you following us on Instagram?! Our latest What Meghan Wore Instagram posts are below:
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One last piece of news today, We have a ✨GIVEAWAY ✨ to announce!
✨GIVEAWAY ✨ As the Royal Tour comes to an end, we’ve partnered with our friend Adina Reyter to give you a chance to win one of Meghan Markle’s favorite pieces of jewelry.
One lucky follower will win the Solid Pavé Teardrop necklace worn by the Duchess on multiple occasions, including in her official pregnancy announcement photo.
To enter – go to Instagram:
- Follow @adinareyter & @whatmeghanwore
- Like the post (see below)
- Tag a friend in the comments (extra tags = extra chances to win)
All entries must be submitted by Sunday, October 6th by 11:59pm PST. Winner will be announced Monday, October 7th on Instagram.
LINKAGE:
- The Victoria Yards website is here; its Facebook page is here and Instagram page here
- Victoria Murphy’s Town & Country story is here; The Sun’s story by Emily Andrews is here
Larissa says
Absolutely perfect look for the occasion. Comfortable, not overly fussy, nod to a local designer (those earrings are fabulous!), and I cannot get over those shoes! Amazing head to toe.
Amelie says
I’m really behind on Meghan’s fashion and due to events in my personal life the South African tour got away from me so just catching up now. Keeping my comment short: another great shirtdress, love the length, and the contrasting orange shoes! Also so cool to see how this neighborhood has transformed. 🙂
Shannon says
I meant the slit in the hemline would of been longer!#Mybadediting
Shannon says
A pretty dress but i would of had the hemline a tad longer!The shoes are colourful cute,and comfortable.
Laura says
I love this dress, and it looks so good on Meghan. I’m glad she didn’t belt it- it is so figure-flattering and graceful on her. The structured collar and V neck are a nice touch. I also love the red flats (a royal lady in flats, yay!), and the earrings are gorgeous, and such a diplomatic nod to her host country.
Tessa says
Those persimmon shoes! I’m not into flats myself, but they make so much sense on this trip and the color is such a wonderful pop next to the dress. And the slingback is very fun. Love the earrings and where they came from. I agree with ElizMo — so glad Meghan left off the belt. I have a figure like Meghan’s and you couldn’t pay me to wear a tie belt around my waist. Going beltless creates a much smoother, longer line for her, helped by the line of those lovely buttons. Always love her hair down. She looks cool, comfortable, professional, and joyful. Love it all.
Ava Pittman says
Love what the Duchess is wearing. The red shoes, fantastic.
Tanya Venter says
Not sure but have a look at Mia Malange for the clutch ID. It is a local South African brand.
Victoria Yards is amazing.
WhatMeghanWore says
Hi Tanya, thanks for the suggestion! I didn’t find anything that matched Meghan’s bag. It appears to be a half circle/moon shape in all black. – Susan C.
Maluhia says
This is such a cool chic dress! I really love it. And with those red flats! I REALLY love it! I love that Meghan is very often willing to wear flats. Representation for flats-wearing women like myself! 🙂
Again though.. that dress! I love it!
KW says
The look is perfect for the occasion, but those earrings are my favorite. I think they’re fabulous and wish they were more visible in the photos!
ElizaMo says
A really handy working dress for Meghan and another great take on the shirtwaister style. I like that she left the belt off and got a longer lean line rather than another lumpy knot at the front. I like the contrast buttons as a fun touch, and at first assumed the fabric was denim because of the indigo colour I suppose, but in fact it’s much more fluid and flattering with a lovely hang.
The orange Everlane flats are a sensational touch, a terrific hint of fire under the demure business dress, and I’m totally in love with the divine Pichulik earrings, so original and fresh, with colour and interest but not OTT. Clever Meghan.
Jessica says
This looks like it was such a fun day!
This is not a hugely exciting outfit, but it looks very nice (as always, I can do without the contrast buttons, but that’s just me). I really enjoy the orange-red shoes with the navy, and I think flats were a very down-to-earth choice. I like the earrings a lot, and it was thoughtful of her to choose a local designer.
Lee says
cute, flattering, and appropriate. and the shoes!
SuzyQ says
This is a great look for her. The fit and length of the dress are excellent. I’m glad she didn’t wear a belt. I like the color of the shoes and that they are flats. Nicely done!
Jayne says
Nice outfit. I love the fact that she’s been wearing a few pairs of larger earrings on this visit. Also love the shoes in the lovely red/ orange colour. I’ve really enjoyed her choice of outfits for this visit, especially the black jumpsuit.
Sheli says
This is my first time posting on the site. Thank you to the admins for their due diligence and attention to detail for both this site and the Duchess of Cambridge site.
So, I love this look. She looks capable and comfortable. The dress is in one of her favorite colors (blue) but the shoes add a pop of color. The dress fits well and the midi length is fashionable, appropriate and lovely. I like this look on her. It does not detract from the work but it enhances her. Good look.
Bonnie says
The Victoria Yards are such a wonderful success story. It looks like an intriguing place to visit.
I really like Meghan’s outfit today. The dress is simple, but stylish and the fit is great, which is so important. The shoes are not only in red providing a great pop of colour, but they are also flats. This is such sensible but pretty footwear. Even the earrings are navy with a hint of red to tie things together. Meghan’s hair and makeup are nicely done. All is all, she was on top of her game today.
Heather says
I love this entire look. I can’t tell if the clutch is black or blue though. I think blue would work better. And Victoria Yards seems like a fun place to shop! Kudos to the Duchess for calling attention to it.