Duchess of Sussex wears outfit by designer who criticised her wedding dress

The Duchess of Sussex changed into her third outfit of the day, arriving at a summer garden party hosted by Britain’s Ambassador to Ireland in a LBD.

The evening event, held at Glencairn House, boasted a 300-strong guest list and Prince Harry took to the stage to give a touching speech.

But it was the designer behind Meghan’s sleeveless, fitted look that stole the show.

For the evening’s engagement, the Duchess of Sussex swapped her earlier forest green Givenchy co-ord for a seriously chic sleeveless black dress by Emilia Wickstead.

But her latest sartorial move is admittedly surprising, as the New Zealand-born designer, whose pieces are regularly worn by the Duchess of Cambridge, reportedly criticised Meghan’s Givenchy bridal gown.

According to reports, she claimed the now-famous dress was “quite loose” when the fit should have been “perfect”.

In response to allegations that the 34-year-old criticised Clare Weight Keller’s bridal design, Wickstead took to Instagram to deny the rumours: “I am extremely saddened by the commentary that has appeared in the press and on-line 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 that her wedding dress was a copy of any of our designs. I have the greatest respect for Clare Waight Keller and the House of Givenchy – a huge source of inspiration to me.

“I wish Their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex a wonderful, happy and love filled life together. Emilia.”

Click below to view the Duchess of Sussex’s style file:

Over on the accessories front, Meghan traded in her protocol-breaking £475 Strathberry midi tote for a £1,390 satin Givenchy clutch (yes, eagle-eyed fans will recognise the number from her Royal Ascot debut).

To finish the summer-ready aesthetic, she took sartorial cues from the Duchess of Cambridge and recycled the £490 Aquazzura shoes she wore for the Queen’s Young Leaders Awards.

For a touch of ‘Markle Sparkle’, she showcased loose curls (after having worn her locks in a slick side bun throughout the day) and donned earrings by her go-to Canadian jeweller, Birks.

Despite the couple’s whistle-stop visit, they have a series of engagements lined up during their overnight trip. On Wednesday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to visit a Gaelic sports festival at Croke Park before taking a tour of the famous Trinity College.

Harry and Meghan will also pay a visit to DogPatch Labs – a co-working space for tech start-ups – during their flying visit.

According to Kensington Palace, the couple “are looking forward to learning more about Ireland’s history and experiencing its rich culture, as well as meeting the people who are shaping the country’s future.”

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