The pure white silk cady gown featured a graphic open bateau neckline, a flowing train and an underskirt in triple silk organza.
She teamed it with a veil embroidered with ‘distinctive flora of each of the 53 Commonwealth country united in one spectacular floral composition’. It took hundreds of hours to make, with workers having to wash their hands every 30 minutes so as not to tarnish the pristine colour.
Pre-wedding, there was speculation that the dress would cost less than the Duchess of Cambridge’s, as Meghan wouldn’t want to overshadow her sister-in-law.
At the time, Kate’s custom McQueen gown was estimated at around £250,000 (approx $448,000), and it turns out that Meghan’s probably cost less, but not by much.
Although the gown is deceptively simple, with no embellishments or lace, the totally bespoke fabric means it might have cost around £200,000 (Approx $358,000).
The double bonded silk cady was developed by Artistic Director Clare Waight Keller after ‘extensive research by Ms. Waight Keller in fabric mills throughout Europe,’ the Palace said.
It’s estimated the bespoke fabric cost around £78,000 (approx $140,000), and fittings about £4,000 (approx $7,000). Add to that the shoes (a pointed couture design made of a silk duchess satin), and the wedding veil (five meters long and made from silk tulle) and the total probably goes up a fair bit too, though we will get a better idea of precise cost later.
Meanwhile, the dress Kim Kardashian wore on her wedding day, which was designed by Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy, was priced up at around £370,000 ($663,000).
This article originally appeared on marie Claire UK
