Meghan Markle believed her day couldn't get any worse, but a new headline has only added to her mounting frustrations.
Sarah Burton, the visionary behind Princess Catherine’s iconic wedding gown, has been announced as the new creative director of Givenchy. It's easy to imagine Meghan's indignant reaction to the news. Sarah Burton, who was the creative director for Alexander McQueen for over a decade, will now guide the creative direction for both men's and women's collections at one of the fashion world's most prestigious brands.
Burton’s appointment is a significant triumph for Princess Catherine, who has consistently worn her designs over the last 13 years. Burton has become one of Catherine’s top three go-to designers, alongside Jenny Packham and Catherine Walker. Each designer plays a distinct role: while Packham dazzles with gowns for glamorous events and Walker manages more traditional royal attire, Burton has been the designer of choice for Catherine’s most historic moments.
A look back at Burton’s sartorial achievements with Princess Catherine highlights their special partnership. First, there was the 2011 royal wedding dress that saw Catherine step into her role as the future Queen. The dress, which is still hailed as a bridal masterpiece, is now preserved in the Royal Historical Gallery. Then, for Catherine’s 40th birthday portrait, Burton crafted a stunning gown for the occasion, captured by renowned photographer Cecil Beaton, and now displayed in the National Portrait Gallery. Most recently, Burton’s designs featured once again for Catherine during the coronation of King Charles III, with the gown becoming yet another moment immortalized in the Royal Historical Portrait Gallery.
Meanwhile, Meghan Markle seems to be struggling to maintain her relevance in the fashion world. In stark contrast to Burton’s upward trajectory, Meghan’s ventures into fashion have not fared as well. Her attempts to break into the industry have been met with lukewarm receptions. One can only imagine Meghan’s frustration as she watches Burton’s career soar while her own efforts fall short. Meghan may have harbored dreams of becoming a top model for Dior or even seeing herself as the new face of the brand, gracing the Met Gala in haute couture. However, the reality has been far from that fantasy.
Meghan's own wedding dress, designed by Clare Waight Keller, received mixed reviews, and her subsequent fashion choices have failed to leave a lasting impact on the industry. Keller’s brief and underwhelming stint at Givenchy following Meghan’s wedding dress only underscores the fashion world's embrace of Burton's brilliance. While Meghan struggles to find her footing, Burton’s rise to the top at Givenchy serves as a stark contrast, further highlighting the gap between their respective fashion careers.
As Burton steps into her new role at Givenchy, it becomes increasingly evident that Meghan’s influence in the fashion world may remain a distant dream. While Meghan continues to seek opportunities to capitalize on her royal connections, Burton’s success shines brighter than ever. In this twist of fate, Meghan may only find comfort in her unyielding belief in her own grandeur, but even that may not be enough to keep her from facing the harsh reality. As Sarah Burton ascends to new heights in the world of fashion, Meghan Markle finds herself left behind, struggling to keep pace with her fashion missteps and missed opportunities.
