Canadian icon Celine Dion dazzled in a Dior creation during a live comeback performance at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony on Friday night, marking a significant return just months after Meghan Markle reportedly missed out on a contract with the brand.
Dion's white sequined gown, complete with a dramatic cape and fringed sleeves, showcased Dior's exquisite craftsmanship and flair. The official Dior Instagram account documented Dion's fashion journey for the performance, featuring images of the "My Heart Will Go On" singer in their atelier and the final stunning creation. They accompanied the pictures with an enthusiastic caption praising the gown and the process behind it.
"Trace the steps of @celinedion's Dior journey behind the scenes as she encounters a marvelous gown by @mariagraziachiuri ahead of her performance at the Olympic Games @paris2024 opening ceremony. Masterfully orchestrated by @tomjolie and @daphneberky, from fittings to delightful breaks in between, her journey was one of discovery and delight. Crafted in a vision of #savoirfaire dreams, adorned with sequins as lustrous as the stars and fringes that danced with every gesture, the gown enveloped her in an aura that accentuated her vocals, irrevocably touching hearts worldwide," the caption read.
In stark contrast, Meghan Markle's experience with Dior has been far less glamorous. Last year, it was rumored that Meghan was looking to reinvent herself and was on the brink of signing a lucrative deal with the high-end fashion house. A prominent Beverly Hills socialite even hinted at the possibility, fueling speculation. However, these rumors were swiftly debunked. A source told The Telegraph, "There's no truth to the claims that Meghan will partner with the French fashion house." Another insider revealed that the Dior team was nonplussed as to how the story came about.
The buzz continued when royal author Tom Bower claimed that Meghan was eager to secure a fashion deal. "Meghan has made huge efforts. She does look amazingly good at the moment and is clearly working hard at it. I think she's looking desperately for an endorsement with something like Dior, and that's been a disappointment because she hasn't landed one contract," Bower told Closer. Adding insult to injury, in November, it was reported that Meghan lost out to Meg Bellamy, the young actress who played Princess Catherine in season six of Netflix's "The Crown." The 21-year-old was revealed to be the new face of the brand, leaving Meghan in the shadows.
Despite this apparent snub, Meghan has still been spotted wearing Dior pieces, and her husband Prince Harry is a fan of the brand. He even wore a custom Dior suit to his father's coronation. Dior confirmed this on Twitter, writing, "Tailoring fit for royalty. Dior is honored to have dressed Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, for the coronation of King Charles III in a custom design by Kim Jones. Seen arriving at Westminster Abbey, gain an insight into the savoir-faire of his three-piece suit." They teased more details of the outfit on Instagram.
While Celine Dion basks in the glory of her Dior moment, Meghan Markle's fashion aspirations seem to have hit a stumbling block. The contrast between Dion's celebrated comeback and Meghan's reported struggles with securing a high-profile endorsement paints a telling picture. As Dion continues to enchant audiences worldwide with her dazzling Dior gown, Meghan's quest for fashion acclaim appears to be an ongoing challenge.
