Meghan Markle has opened up about her 'beautiful friendship' with a British designer(Image: (Image: Getty))

Meghan Markle opens up on 'beautiful friendship' with pal in rare statement

Meghan Markle has spoken out about her 'beautiful friendship' with British designer Clare Waight Keller after she landed a new role - and revealed she's a fan of the brand

by · The Mirror

Meghan Markle has opened up about her "beautiful friendship" with British designer Clare Waight Keller, who was recently named Uniqlo's creative director.

In a statement to the New York Times, the Duchess of Sussex shared that she's a fan of the Japanese casual wear brand and owns several items from their collection. Ms Waight Keller, the talent behind Meghan's iconic wedding dress, is set to steer Uniqlo's men's and women's core collections starting Autumn/Winter 2024.

The Duchess and the designer have maintained a strong connection over time, with Meghan commending her friend's work for Uniqlo, highlighting pieces like a trenchcoat and various dresses that she owns. She added: "Her pieces for the brand have movement and modern grace."

Meghan Markle and Clare Waight Keller at the 2018 British Fashion Awards( Image: (Image: Getty))

Uniqlo's new collection, titled Lightness in Protection, plays with soft hues and emphasizes "layering, movement and play". During her tenure as a senior royal, Meghan frequently donned Ms Waight Keller's creations for Givenchy, notably at Royal Ascot and on her Australian tour with Prince Harry, reports the Express.

Yet, it's Meghan's breathtaking wedding dress from 2018 that remains the most celebrated piece by Ms Waight Keller. The pure silk gown featured three-quarter sleeves, a graceful open bateau neckline, and a simple yet elegant train with an integrated triple silk organza underskirt, all without lace or embellishments. The design was a collaborative effort between Meghan and Ms Waight Keller.

Ms Waight Keller designed Meghan's iconic wedding dress( Image: (Image: Getty))

After their first meeting in early 2018, she decided to collaborate with her due to a timeless and elegant aesthetic, impeccable tailoring, and relaxed demeanour, Kensington Palace revealed. At the illustrious 2018 British Fashion Awards, Meghan Markle handed over the British Womenswear Designer of the Year award to the designer, underscoring their tight connection.

Meghan extolled Ms Waight Kellers kindness and praised her "values" which led to the designer emphatically responding: "This woman is so amazing. I got to know Meghan on such a personal level. To have someone like that trust you on such a personal moment in their life... I can't thank you enough because it was the most beautiful moment."

Clare Waight Keller departed from Givenchy in April 2020, leaving the fashion world buzzing about the undisclosed reasons behind her exit.