Meghan Markle's wedding dress sparked a lot of conversation, with some accusing the Duchess of Sussex of copying other designs, and others rushing to create replicas of her gown. Markle's dress, designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy, drew comparisons to Princess Cristina of Spain's dress, as well as Princess Mary's, and a design by Emilia Wickstead. However, Wickstead denied these claims, stating she had the utmost admiration and respect for Markle. The similarities between the dresses prompted designers to create copycat versions, with some brides opting for a similar style to Markle's while making unique adjustments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meghan Markle's wedding dress designer | Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy |
| Meghan Markle's wedding dress style | Pure white, bateau-neck gown, long-sleeved, boat-necked |
| Meghan Markle's wedding dress cost | $250,000 - $400,000 |
| Copycat designers | Shauna Fay of Newry, Ireland, Elody Bride shop, Madeline Gardner, Kang, Online bridal brand Floravere |
| Copycat dress cost | $999 - $1,475 |
| Accusations of copying | Emilia Wickstead, Princess Cristina of Spain, Princess Mary |
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What You'll Learn

Meghan Markle's wedding dress designer accused of copying
Meghan Markle's wedding dress, designed by Clare Waight Keller for French fashion house Givenchy, has been accused of being an "identical" copy by British designer Emilia Wickstead, a favourite of Kate Middleton. Wickstead compared Markle's simple, bateau-neck gown to her own Helene Dress, which features a similar silhouette and material.
However, some have defended Keller's design, noting that bridal fashion is constantly recycled and that there are multiple differences between the two dresses, including the waist definition, fabric, and fall of the gown.
Markle has also been accused of copying her wedding dress style from other royal brides, including Princess Cristina of Spain and Princess Mary of Denmark. People on social media were quick to point out the similarities between Markle's dress and that of Princess Cristina, who married Inaki Urdangarin in 1997. Australian reporter Allison Langdon also confidently stated that Markle's dress was a copy of Princess Mary's, noting that it seemed familiar.
In the wake of the royal wedding, designers on both coasts raced to create copycat versions of Markle's dress, with some predicting that the style would be extremely popular among brides.
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Meghan Markle accused of copying Princess Mary's wedding dress
Meghan Markle's wedding dress has been a topic of discussion since her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018. Markle wore a pure white dress designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy. The dress featured a bateau neckline and long sleeves. While many praised its elegance and simplicity, others accused Markle of copying Princess Mary of Denmark's wedding dress.
Australian reporter Allison Langdon, who covered the royal wedding for Channel Nine, confidently stated that Markle's dress was reminiscent of the one worn by Princess Mary when she married Denmark's Prince Frederik in 2004. Langdon described the dress as familiar and noted that it had a similar boat-neckline and long sleeves as Princess Mary's gown. She also questioned Markle's choice to wear pure white, suggesting that some expected a more ivory hue considering it was her second wedding.
Langdon's co-host, Kerri Elstub, agreed that the dress seemed familiar and suggested it was a mix of "Hollywood meets the history of the British family." Social media users also shared their views, with some comparing Markle's dress to that of Princess Cristina of Spain, who married Inaki Urdangarin in 1997.
The accusations of copying extended beyond Princess Mary's dress. Emilia Wickstead, a British designer favoured by Kate Middleton, claimed that Markle's dress was "identical" to her Helene dress, featuring a similar silhouette and material. However, others defended Keller's design, noting that bridal fashion often recycles and derives inspiration from other designers.
The debate around Markle's wedding dress sparked a rush among designers to create copycat versions. Designers on both coasts worked swiftly to replicate the Givenchy gown, with some making subtle revisions to the neckline, fabric, and sleeve length. The replicas were priced at $999, catering to brides who wanted to channel Markle's style with a unique twist.
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Meghan Markle's wedding dress replicas
Meghan Markle's wedding dress, designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy, has sparked a range of reactions, with some accusing Markle of copying other royal brides' dresses and designers creating replicas of her dress. Markle's dress featured a bateau neckline, long sleeves, and a simple, elegant style.
Accusations of Copying
Some people, including social media users, have accused Meghan Markle of copying other royal brides' wedding dresses. Comparisons have been made to Princess Cristina of Spain's dress from her 1997 wedding and Princess Mary's dress from her 2004 wedding. Both dresses featured long sleeves and a boat neckline, similar to Markle's dress.
Additionally, designer Emilia Wickstead initially claimed that Markle's dress was identical to her Helene Dress, featuring a similar silhouette and material. However, Wickstead later denied these claims, expressing admiration for Markle's choice and the House of Givenchy.
Wedding Dress Replicas
Following the royal wedding, designers raced to create replicas of Meghan Markle's wedding dress. An Irish bridal design team, Shauna Fay, and the Elody Bride shop, crafted a copy of the distinctive silhouette and even replicated Markle's 16-foot veil.
Other designers, such as Madeline Gardner and Kang, also created their interpretations of Markle's dress, making modifications to the bodice, sleeves, and fabric while retaining the iconic neckline. These replicas were priced at $999 and aimed to provide brides with a similar style to Markle's while maintaining uniqueness.
The demand for replicas of Markle's wedding dress highlights its impact on bridal fashion and the desire of brides to emulate her elegant and timeless style.
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Meghan Markle's wedding dress compared to Princess Cristina of Spain's
Meghan Markle's wedding dress, designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy, was an off-the-shoulder gown with three-quarter-length sleeves, an open boat neckline, and a train with a built-in triple silk organza underskirt. The dress was made of silk and featured a "timeless minimal elegance", according to Kensington Palace. The designer described the dress as conveying "modernity through sleek lines and sharp cuts" while paying homage to the history of the Givenchy house.
Princess Cristina of Spain wore a similar style of wedding dress when she married Inaki Urdangarin in 1997. While there are no detailed descriptions of Princess Cristina's dress, photos show that it had an off-the-shoulder neckline and long sleeves. The fabric appears to be different from Markle's silk dress, and the skirt seems to be less full. However, the overall silhouette and style of the two dresses are quite comparable.
Both dresses have been described as having a "timeless" and "elegant" aesthetic. Markle's dress has also been compared to other iconic wedding gowns, including those of Angela Brown, Mary Donaldson, Audrey Hepburn, and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Emilia Wickstead, a designer favoured by Kate Middleton, claimed that Markle's dress was "identical" to one of her designs, the Helene Dress. However, others have noted that bridal fashion often derives inspiration from other designers and that it is challenging to create a completely unique wedding dress.
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Meghan Markle's wedding dress designer denies copying accusations
Meghan Markle's wedding dress, a pure white gown by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy, drew comparisons to a simple off-the-shoulder design from British designer Emilia Wickstead's bridal collection. Wickstead, one of Kate Middleton's go-to designers, had allegedly accused the dress of looking like an "identical" copy of her Helene dress, which features a similar silhouette and material.
Wickstead denied these accusations, issuing a statement on her Instagram: "I am extremely saddened by commentary that has appeared in the press and online over the past few days. Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Sussex, looked absolutely beautiful on her wedding day and I have the utmost admiration and respect for her. I do not think her wedding dress was a copy of any of our designs."
Despite Wickstead's denial, the similarities between the two dresses sparked a debate among the public, with some agreeing with the alleged similarities and others defending the uniqueness of Markle's dress. The comparison also brought attention to the constant recycling and derivation of inspiration in bridal fashion.
Following the royal wedding, designers quickly began creating copycat versions of Markle's dress, aiming to provide brides with the opportunity to channel a similar style. These replicas varied in price, fabric, and design details, with some closely replicating the original and others highlighting specific aspects, such as the neckline, while making revisions to the sleeves or bodice.
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Frequently asked questions
Some people think Meghan Markle's wedding dress was similar to Princess Cristina of Spain's wedding dress or Princess Mary's wedding dress. However, Markle's dress was designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy.
Meghan Markle's wedding dress designer, Clare Waight Keller, was accused of copying the design from Kate Middleton's go-to designer Emilia Wickstead. However, Wickstead later denied this claim.
Yes, designers on both coasts worked quickly to create replicas of Meghan Markle's wedding dress, with some dresses priced at $999.











































