Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has continued to show her support for her wedding dress designer, Clare Waight Keller, by endorsing the designer’s latest venture – a line for Uniqlo. In a recent statement, Markle revealed that she is a fan of Keller’s work for the Japanese fashion giant and owns several pieces from the collection.
Markle spoke about her “beautiful friendship” with Keller, who designed the stunning ‘double-bonded silk cady gown with a bateau neckline’ that she wore when she married Prince Harry in 2018. The Duchess highlighted Keller’s ability to create both high-fashion pieces and more affordable, everyday wear, mentioning she owns several Uniqlo dresses and a trench coat designed by Keller. In her email, Markle commented, “Her pieces for the brand have movement and modern grace,” as reported by The New York Times.
Clare Waight Keller’s move to Uniqlo marks a new chapter in her impressive career. After three years as the creative director of the luxury fashion house Givenchy, she joined the Japanese casual wear company in 2020. Keller was the first woman to be appointed artistic director at Givenchy, making her foray into haute couture. Her impressive resume also includes working with renowned brands like Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, and Pringle of Scotland, and she even received the Scottish Fashion Awards ‘Designer of the Year’ in the cashmere category in 2007.
At Uniqlo, Keller is responsible for overseeing mainline collections for both men and women, focusing on creating trend-proof and affordably priced basics for a wide demographic. She works closely with teams in London and New York to ensure her vision is brought to life.
During the 2023 Bazaar At Work Summit in London, Keller shared her experience working with Meghan Markle. “It was just a pleasure to create in this very, very private way,” she said, referring to the collaborative process that led to the iconic wedding gown. She described their working relationship as a “very personal girlfriend relationship,” highlighting the close bond they formed during the design process.
Meghan Markle’s public endorsement of Clare Waight Keller’s Uniqlo line adds another layer to their already strong relationship. It also showcases the Duchess’s ongoing support for talented designers and her appreciation for well-crafted, affordable fashion.