The Duchess wore Dior for this evening’s reception at the British Ambassador’s residence in Morocco.
On their way into the party Meghan and Harry were greeted by Ambassador Thomas Reilly’s daughters,12-year-old Orla and 8-year-old Elsa.
More on the young ladies from The Sun:
Little Orla later said she was nervous about meeting the Royal couple but revealed they were “really nice”.
She added: “Prince Harry asked us if we lived here all the time or whether this was a temporary house and asked us if we had parties like this every week, which we don’t otherwise it would be a lot of work! It’s been a lot of preparation but really fun.
“The flowers we gave them were from our garden which we helped choose and Meghan said they were beautiful which we are so glad about.”
The Ambassador tweeted a lovely sentiment about his girls. Meghan and Harry were welcomed with a traditional rosewater greeting as they entered the residence. You can see how Meghan’s gown moves in this quick video.
Receiving a traditional rosewater greeting at The Ambassador’s residence in Morocco. ????#RoyalVisitMorocco. pic.twitter.com/5z9m7q1juF
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) February 24, 2019
A closer look.
Guests at tonight’s function included influential Moroccan women, disabled athletes and young entrepreneurs. Below, Prince Harry speaking with military representatives; some were from the Moroccan Royal Gendarmerie, including one who attended Sandhurst. Both William and Harry graduated from Sandhurst.
Here you see the Duchess chatting with young female entrepreneurs.
More from The Daily Mail’s Rebecca English:
Issuing a clarion call to feminists, Meghan told a group of female executives and entrepreneurs that women around the world need to push the boundaries to advance their cause. ‘Women have to challenge everywhere in the world,’ she said.
And we also have a quick video of the conversation from Ms. English.
— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) February 24, 2019
Now for our look at what the Duchess wore for tonight’s party. Her gown was by Dior.
The floor-length design featured traditional caftan elements like the flowing cut, as well as a high neck and draped bodice. The sleeves were bordered with glittering rhinestones or crystals.
Thoughts on tonight’s look from The Telegraph’s fashion news and features director Bethan Holt in this column:
As with last night’s Valentino look, this was haute couture with diplomatic meaning. The dress’s neckline and sleeve detailling offered nods to Morocco’s traditional djellaba robe and showed respect for the country’s modest way of dressing- an approach which has become something of a mainstream trend in fashion in recent years…
In covering Meghan’s choice of Dior, Ms. Holt notes that:
…creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri has made a point of promoting feminism through her collections since joining Dior in 2016 which offers a neat parallel with the girls’ education focus of the Sussex’s tour.
The Duchess carried a bag by Dior as well, the label’s “Embellished Pochette Clutch with Bee.” In fashion, a “pochette” generally refers to an envelope-shaped handbag.
Bees have been a motif at Dior for some time, used on a mix of merchandise. The bee is said to be inspired by founder Christian Dior’s love of gardens and gardening. More from Dior:
“A small hive filled to bursting, that’s what my house was like when I presented my first collection,” Christian Dior wrote in his memoirs. This metaphor for the ateliers at 30 Avenue Montaigne also evokes the activity of the seamstresses who were given the nickname of bees. Meticulous and ever-busy, they worked for the designer like a swarm. The little black and yellow insect, in a modernized and refined embroidery, is the insignia of the Dior Homme collections.
In addition to the Dior Men’s collection, the bee is shown on other items. Below, the Trésor de Tribale Earrings (L) and the Dior Tribales Earrings.
Meghan’s shoes also appear to be by Dior, the D-Moi Lamé Lambskin High-Heeled style. The point toe design has a sculptured look with its raised and squared portion at the back of the heel and the tiniest flare at the bottom of the stiletto heel.
The Duchess also wore her Birks Snowflake Snowstorm earrings ($12000).
Meghan’s hair was up in a sleek bun.
Our WMW Fashion Recap:
Don’t miss our post on the morning’s engagements, Meghan Mixes it up for Morocco Education Engagements.
We will see you tomorrow for the final engagements of the trip. Here is a look at the schedule.
- The first engagement is at the Moroccan Federation of Royal Equestrian Sports, where the Duke and Duchess will learn about a program using equine therapy for children with special needs. Meghan and Harry will watch a riding demonstration and see a grooming session with children in the program.
- In the afternoon Meghan and Harry will watch a cooking demonstration with children from underprivileged backgrounds as they learn traditional Moroccan recipes. They will also view locally made artisan cookware and meet children with disabilities who work in a specially designed restaurant that accommodates their challenges.
- The final engagement for the Duke and Duchess is at the Andalusian Gardens at the Kasbah, where they will meet young entrepreneurs and view traditional Moroccan arts and crafts.
- TBA: This afternoon the Duke and Duchess will have an audience with King Mohammed VI; that time has not yet been announced.
LINKAGE:
- The Mirror’s coverage is here; The Evening Standard’s story is here; The Sun’s article is here; an Express piece is here; The Daily Mail’s coverage is here
- The Telegraph’s fashion column by Bethan Holt is here; Hello‘s story is here; People‘s piece is here; The Cut’s post is here; PopSugar’s slide show is here; Just Jared’s gallery is here; Danielle Stacey’s Yahoo story is here; Patricia Treble’s Maclean’s piece on this trip and HM’s “trip from Hell” may be read here
Jessica says
Oh, and thank you for posting about the Dior bees! I think I need those earrings…
Jessica says
I think this is absolutely magnificent. She looks so gorgeous in those creamy tones, and she’s found a regal-looking gown that accentuates her beauty and navigates both her pregnant figure and the fashion restraints of the event. The details, including the draping on the neck and the beading on the sleeves, is gorgeous. And those shoes! *swoon* I defend the DoC’s less inspiring shoes all the time, but I must say it is fun to see a royal who really loves her footwear.
I do see what others are saying in terms of lumps and bumps, but I’m going to blame the undergarments there, not the dress, and I am also going to observe that it’s only showing in the pictures taken from one specific angle, so it may not be nearly as much of a problem as we’re interpreting it to be here. At any rate, it’s hard to anticipate how a pregnant bod is going to appear from one day to the next, so I would encourage all to be forgiving about that, both on the Duchess’s part and that of her stylist(s).
Holly says
I can’t believe how such an expensive designer dress can reveal so much of what is underneath. Also, all the features of the dress are unflattering to her body shape. Surely, surely someone should be advising her??
barbara says
quite an uninspiring tent shape dress, with no color or flavor
Ceejay says
I love this colour, almost golden in hue and such en elegant flow to the dress. I echo those who say about how the dress flows over lumps and bumps but it’s so difficult at this stage in pregnancy, perhaps a less stiff material would have helped.
Interesting info about Dior and the bees, I hadn’t really realised they used the bee motif until recently, I wonder how long they’ve used that? When I think of bee and fashion I think of Bill Gibb, fashion designer of the 70s who often tucked a bee away somewhere in his designs and sometimes more obvious. There’s a great NY times article about him online, I can almost see Meg in some of his more conservative designs (many were very, 70s for want of a better word)
covertanjou says
She looks beautiful, as always, and the detailing on the sleeves is amazing. I am also having some serious shoe envy! However, I don’t know if it is the undergarments she is wearing, or the slip under the dress, but I don’t like how the dress seems to squash both her breast and her belly. I am starting to believe that high end designers are not that knowledgeable about how to dress a pregnant woman. If you’re going to wear a Dior gown, it should fit properly!
Ettennyls says
I like the concept of this dress: the cut, and the color (always love these beautiful monochrome nudes). However, I think the dress would flow better in a fabric with a looser drape. This fabric appears to have some stretch or non-natural fibers which can bunch and drape oddly compared to many fabrics made of natural fibers. To the good parts: she looks well with these straight, almost severe, center parted hairstyles. And I like the clutch with its beautifully matched tones and the lovely sparkly bee embellishment. I also approve of the metallic gold courts/pumps. I have to say, though, the drape of the fabric did a disservice to the outfit as a whole.
Jackie says
She is the epitome of visiting Royalty in this outfit.
Caroline says
That heel shape is most unusual, yet seems to add balance to the shoe. I love the sharp, pointy toe 🙂 (and everything else that The Duchess is wearing!). Prince Harry looks very smart. His dark suit complements Meghan’s gown very well.
Bea says
Another great choice for formal unstructured dressing. Meghan seems to interpreting the genre in her own new way, which is fab! I share the concerns on colour and I found the bottom hem quite heavy on the satin fabric which distracted in some of the photos.
Bonnie says
Another thought that has nothing to do with Meghan. I have been very impressed with statements made by Thomas Reilly, the British Ambassador, to Morocco. What a lovely man to have in that position. I was also impressed that the flowers presented to Meghan came from the Embassy garden. Although I doubt Mr. Reilly tends to the garden himself, this home must be a small paradise for the UK, on foreign soil.
ElizaMo says
I’m in seventh heaven with this knock-out dress . What a terrific take on a traditional Moroccan djellaba with fabulous flowing fabric and lovely rhinestone embellishment giving it weight enough not to float away. The genius use of folds of fabric to give full sleeves whose cuffs reach almost to the floor and which also morph into a semi-train is a wonder to behold.
Fabulous colour, brilliant styling, love hair and satiny shoes — a step up from glitter courts — love Snowstorm earrings, now worn on three tours, Ireland, Oceania and Morocco. Handy to pack? And the Dior bee clutch is the perfect finishing glitter touch
Bonnie says
When every item worn, with the exception of the earrings, is by Dior, there is great expectation of looking fabulous…and Meghan does! The gown has a Moroccan vibe and the embellishment on the sleeves is beautiful. The shoes are glorious and the clutch is sweet.
My only concern is that her navel is showing. It is unavoidable when it suddenly pops due to pregnancy. Although not offensive, I would have thought that in constructing this dress, that would have been taken into account by the design house and an extra lining put in. Here’s a tip to solve that issue, for those of you who are pregnant, or will become pregnant. A simple stick on bandage, over the navel will, help to cover it. Although with the texture of this fabric, that might not have worked and instead the bandage would show.
Kate Ann says
A woman should not be ashamed of her God given beauty, naval included.
TigerLilyPearl says
Glorious.
Christina O. says
Meghan’s Dior dress is timeless. The full, loose, long sleeves come to a point and add a beautiful length to her silhouette. While I’m usually not a fan of embellished and bedazzled gowns this one is tastefully trimmed with a contained and simple band of sparkles accentuating those forever sleeves.
Thank you Susan for posting Rebecca Enghlish’s vid which shows a side view of the back of this stunning gown!
sue d says
Glorious! Fabulous! The entire look is fantastic! And appropriate for the Morocco visit! Love, love the bag and jewelry!
KT says
I may be in the minority here—while I really want to like this look, I’m feeling a bit meh about it. While Meghan wears neutrals all the time, I don’t particularly like this color on her. In some of the pictures it looks a little pinker than others, which I prefer, but in others it looks a little too grey-beige to me. I think the unrelieved wall of beige overwhelms her a bit.
I feel a bit fuddy-duddy commenting this, but in the post’s cover photo I feel like I’m seeing the lines of her undrergarments, and in others I see her belly button. I guess I’m a bit fussy, but I’d prefer for her to preserve the mystique a bit!
I do adore the crystals on the sleeves, and I’d love to add those gold stilettos to my closet—as if I could stay upright on them—as well as that fabulous clutch! I think her sleek bun complements the outfit. Her makeup also looks great. A lot of times I think she overdoes the contouring/blush, but tonight’s look is a little more subtle.
All in all, I want to like this look, but I just feel a bit blah about it. That being said, she looks so healthy, happy, and glowing, and she’s clearly enjoying meeting all the people at the event.
ElizaMo says
I agree with you about the distracting lumps and bumps from undergarments showing through, though I suppose it could be due to flash photography as much as anything. Also the fabulous drape of the fabric seems to cling to everything it touches. As you say, the overall effect is still of a healthy, happy and glowing Meghan which is all ok 🙂
Juniper says
KT –
You are not alone in your reservations . . . I, too, am finding this neutral just a little off. I think it’s got a little too much brown in it, and I wish it were at least a few shades lighter in a true ecru. I also feel that the lovely draping fabric has highlighted a few things that while not scandalous, detract from the perfection of this otherwise glorious look. I do love the combination of the vintage and Moroccan-inspired elements as well as the amazing accessories, and of course Meghan’s radiant happiness is what ties everything together.
LadyLeah says
Demure, diplomatic and absolutely dreamy. I do love the extra sparkle in her earrings and edging her sleeves. Happy sigh from me!
Geneviève says
Those shoes! I swoon.
Julie says
So beautiful and the fit is impecable!
Sarah Ashley says
She looks breathtaking tonight. I love the embellishment on the sleeves/edges.
Mary B. says
Elegance with class dressing for those who have come to see you. The Duchess does it well always in style !
A says
I’ve been on the fence about some of her maternity looks, but everything she’s worn so far on this trip has been just stunning. This dress drapes beautifully and looks so comfortable and elegant.
Rachel says
The dress is very lovely. Not quite certain if I like the colour myself but on Meghan it looks great with her complexion. Much like Kate’s latest look, I am not sure if that wrap look on the chest, above the breast area, is that flattering.
Jen Black says
I agree on the top part of the dress, it’s making her bust look like the dreaded uni-boob. Thin fabrics in light colors are harder to conceal structured undergarments and when you go without them then you end of lacking support. I’m sure this is new experience for DoS so it will just take her some time to find what undergarments work best for her.
Brandi says
This is so elegant and moves beautifully. I love these neutral/nude/blush tones that Meghan wears often, they look so pretty on her. The minimal jewelry and simple hairdo look great with the dress and folded neckline. Another win in diplomatic dressing.
Dulcenena14 says
Now this is stunning!! Love the sleeves on the gown. Love the clutch. Beautiful.
SG says
Meghan looks like a goddess in this elegant caftan-style dress. Perfection from head to toe.