Meghan’s choice of a £56,000 gown from a Mayfair couturier for her engagement photos speaks volumes.
Ralph & Russo dressed Gwyneth Paltrow for the Oscars and their 200 staff spend 1,000 hours making gowns by hand.
Meghan comes from a world where dresses costing twice the average salary don’t raise an eyebrow, but she should follow the lead of her soon to-be sister-in-law Kate and mix designer labels with high street brands.
Here are some British alternatives that hover around £250 and don’t chafe against Meghan’s lofty ambitions to lift children out of poverty.
Harry with Meghan in her engagement photos gown, which cost a staggering £55,750
HOBBS £169: This red silk dress by heritage brand Hobbs has a teeny waist and is flattering if you have a bigger bust. Its cutaway design shows off Pilateshoned shoulders
JOHN LEWIS £260: This is a gorgeous gown in blush. It’s a little bridey, which could make Harry prematurely nervous, but it’s as pretty as an English cottage garden
MYTHERESA.COM £237: Alexa Chung is a great new brand and will win Meghan plenty of 20-something fans should she choose it. This dress has lots of flesh on show, and pretty puffed sleeves. It’s edgy, too
HOBBS £234: It’s nude and pretty with its embellished bodice. A great alternative to black, and less severe
WHISTLES £170: Printed velvet is a big trend for winter, and Whistles just goes from strength to strength. This dress is very romantic