Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wears a necklace by New Zealander Jessica McCormack on the royal tour of New Zealand. Image by Getty Images.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been enjoying a successful royal tour of Australia, Fiji, Tonga and now New Zealand, with the eyes of the world upon them. It’s the newlyweds first official royal tour since their highly publicised wedding in May, with the first day of the tour also announcing Meghan Markle’s pregnancy. As one of the most famous women in the world right now, it’s unsurprising that every outfit she wears is reported on and the Duchess has been showcasing a stylish mix of local and international designers along with high street pieces including several New Zealand designers.
Her look is always appropriate for the occasion from low-key jeans and a top for casual outings to glamorous evening gowns for formal receptions, all in the Duchess’ minimal, elegant style. She carefully takes into consideration local elements for her fashion choices with the royal working with stylist Jessica Mulroney to choose her tour outfits. This tour has a focus on youth leadership and environmental and conservation efforts, and sees the Duke and Duchess undertaking 76 official engagements which is a lot of different occasions to prepare for.
Among the New Zealand designers Meghan has worn so far on the tour is global brand Karen Walker, who the Duchess was familiar with before becoming a royal. Meghan has previously attended Karen Walker’s New York Fashion Week shows and been spotted wearing the designer’s pieces in her pre-royal life. For this tour Meghan has worn Walker’s Northern Lights sunglasses in black ($329) as well as the Temptation studs in gold with pearl ($389) on occasions in Sydney and Fiji. On arriving in Wellington on Sunday, Meghan stepped off the plane wearing Karen Walker’s Banks trench in check ($975) which had sold out within a few hours of the Duchess being photographed in it. The designer also reported increased sales of both the sunglasses and earrings as well with the brand’s online store shipping orders globally with a lot of orders from the USA. Today, the Duchess again displayed for affection for Karen Walker’s designs, choosing to wear the Fathom jacket ($575) from a 2017 collection of Walker’s.
The Duchess of Sussex wears Karen Walker Northern Lights sunglasses in Sydney (left) and Maggie Marilyn’s Leap of Faith blazer dress in Wellington (right).
The Duke and Duchess later attended an evening reception with Prime minister Jacinda Ardern that celebrated the 125 anniversary of women’s suffrage. Meghan wore a ‘Tattoo’ necklace by New Zealander Jessica McCormack (who is currently based in London) that was inspired by traditional spiral motifs found in Ta Moko. While the following evening for an event at Courtney Creative she looked suitably polished in a white Maggie Marilyn Leap of Faith sleeveless blazer dress. Given the tour’s and Meghan’s focus on sustainability it’s not surprising she chose to wear Maggie Marilyn who is well known for her ethical and sustainable business as well as her chic designs.
It should also be mentioned that the Duchess wore a tailored black dress by London-based, New Zealand-born designer Emilia Wickstead while in Sydney, which still technically counts as a New Zealand fashion designer. The designer is a favourite of Meghan’s sister in law Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Meghan has also worn Emilia Wickstead outfits several times since being in the royal spotlight.
The impact of Meghan’s fashion choices is not to be underestimated with the Duchess’ every look documented by the world’s media. It’s a global boost in presence for any brand that the royal chooses to wear, not to mention the increased sales that come from shoppers wanting to snap up something that means they can channel Meghan’s style and add a touch of royal flair to their outfits. With just today and tomorrow left in New Zealand for the royal couple, we’re looking forward to seeing what Meghan wears next.
The Duchess of Sussex wears Emilia Wickstead dress in Sydney (left) and Karen Walker Banks Trench in Wellington (right).
The Duchess of Sussex wears Karen Walker earrings in Sydney (left) and Karen Walker Fathom Jacket in Auckland (right).
Images via Getty Images.