By We all know that the Royal Wedding will influence fashion and set trends for the masses and that princess-to-be Meghan Markle likes to take risks (Pants! Bare legs! A messy bun inside the Cardiff Castle! Oh my!). What can we expect to see on the big day according to royal and celebrity stylist Engie Hassan? New York-based stylist Engie Hassan has styled royalty from Saudi Arabia to Spain and Morocco, as well as styled and shopped for celebrities such as Priyanka Chopra and Lady Gaga.
Style Predictions for Daring Media Darling Meghan Markle
The pressure will be on from the Royal family to separate her from her previous role as Hollywood starlet. I foresee that Markle, who has spoken as a UN ambassador for women, will be diplomatic in her approach: balancing a respectful church look that transforms into a slightly more daring look for her balcony debut to the public and into a fun sleeveless and backless silhouette at the after party.
I predict Meghan will go for a more modern, youthful look than Kate’s conservative long sleeves (which harkened back to Queen Elizabeth and Grace Kelly’s silhouettes.) My bets are on a mermaid silhouette with subtle detailing of diamonds, pearls or exquisite lace up top, more likely matte and nothing that detracts from her beautiful figure.
I would anticipate that we see echoes and tributes to Princess Diana’s looks in the flair of her skirt and in her train. If she goes with a more daring back expect to see it cleverly covered with a cape or removable jacket for the church portion of her wedding day.
If I was styling Meghan, I would choose a gown that isn’t over the top, but true to the American style philosophy of simple and classic silhouettes (think Carolyn Bessette Kennedy), with a memorable train, color or fabric to honor Princess Diana’s legacy. I’d collaborate with Ralph Lauren or Tom Ford to design her dress. Both iconic designers have the perfect mix of the signature American style and understanding the royal standards of England. Meghan could go either way with Tom Ford’s classic and chic style or his glamorous Hollywood sex appeal.
Ralph Lauren would be another designer I would recommend. Lauren’s classic effortless style is not only his trademark, but his designs are also able to mix elegance and class with a twist of old world. For example, Ralph Lauren’s design for his daughter-in-law Lauren Bush became a bridal fashion moment.
What will international royalty wear?
When styling Princess Ameerah for Prince William and Kate’s Royal Wedding, my team chose classic femininity: a long sleeve fitted silhouette in lace and blush silk layers with a perfectly matched fascinator that accentuated her long, beautiful hair. Princess Ameerah’s custom Zuhair Murad gown and hat is still used as an archive image for many Middle Eastern consumers as a hallmark of how they want to look on special occasion days.