Instead of Meghan Markle, the renowned fashion house has been lavishing praise on Usha Vance, the newly appointed second lady of the United States.
Usha Vance has recently attended numerous inaugural events, and with every appearance, she has proven herself to be a fashion force to be reckoned with. From a striking Noir velvet gown adorned with asymmetric floral accents to a chic Kashmere coat, she has continuously turned heads. At the Vice President's dinner, Usha wowed onlookers in a custom Oscar de la Renta gown that featured a delicate sweetheart neckline and exquisite detailing. The gown exuded elegance and sophistication at every angle.
Meanwhile, Meghan Markle made an appearance at the Paley Gala in December, opting for a strikingly similar design—a strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline, in black, featuring a dramatic slit. While the dress had the potential to be a stunning fashion moment, Meghan somehow transformed what should have been a chic look into a misstep, reminiscent of a poorly fitted prom dress.
The difference between Usha's and Meghan's gowns is immediately noticeable. Usha’s gown fit her flawlessly, hugging her figure like a second skin. In contrast, Meghan’s gown dragged along the floor as though it had been borrowed at the last minute from someone much taller. Usha’s slit was subtle and classy, adding just the right touch of allure, while Meghan’s slit had an over-the-top, almost desperate vibe, shouting “look at my leg” rather than showcasing true elegance.
And then there's the matter of posture. Usha carries herself with the poise of a true second lady. Her radiant smile and confident stance allow her to work a gown with grace and sophistication without ever seeming to try too hard. Meghan, on the other hand, seems to be leading with her pelvis in her walk, as if trying to make a statement that just doesn’t land. The way she was photographed with her train dragging through what appeared to be a back alley only added to the sense of forced effort. The look gave off "try-hard" energy when what was needed was effortless grace.
And let’s talk about Meghan’s shoes—those poor sandals. Her toes were visibly squished out of them, and it wasn’t a flattering look. It was uncomfortable to watch, and certainly, not the epitome of chic. On the other hand, Usha clearly understands that true elegance is about much more than the gown alone—it’s about the entire ensemble.
When it comes to tailoring, Usha wins by a landslide. Oscar de la Renta described her gown as custom-made, and it’s evident in every detail. Every inch was meticulously designed to complement her figure, creating a seamless, sophisticated silhouette. Meanwhile, Meghan’s dress appeared as if it had battled with a sewing machine and come out the worse for it. The hemline was uneven, the fit was off—seriously, girl, please get your dresses tailored properly.
Before anyone accuses this of being politically biased, let’s keep the discussion strictly about fashion. When it comes to style, fashion speaks for itself, and in this case, Usha’s look had depth, both literally and figuratively. The richness of the black velvet, the asymmetry of the floral accents, and the carefully cut neckline all showcased a masterclass in understated glamour. Meghan’s choice, by comparison, was basic—borderline generic. It felt like a dress that was trying to look high-end but ended up looking like a knockoff.
The internet has certainly not let Meghan off the hook either. People are comparing her look to Usha’s, and, well, the comparison doesn’t favor Meghan. Usha has been hailed as a beacon of elegance, a graceful representative of Indian-American culture. In contrast, Meghan is being dragged for sloppy hemlines, an awkward gait, and the now-infamous “sticking leg” pose. It’s refreshing to see someone like Usha take the spotlight because she doesn’t need to try so hard or pretend to be something she’s not. She’s authentic, stylish, and effortlessly commands attention.
Meghan, on the other hand, often gives the impression of playing dress-up in someone else’s wardrobe, trying to force a narrative that simply isn’t resonating with the public.
In the end, Oscar de la Renta made their choice, and it’s crystal clear: Usha Vance is the epitome of grace and style, while Meghan Markle might want to consider a few wardrobe adjustments, perhaps starting with investing in a decent tailor. Until then, we’ll continue to applaud Usha’s flawless sense of fashion while wondering when Meghan might finally get around to hemming her dresses.