Psh, you didn't think Meghan Markle [1] would just wear any ol' basic dress for one of the most important interviews of her post-royal-exit life, now did you? For her highly anticipated tell-all chat with Oprah Winfrey [2], which aired on CBS on Sunday, the Duchess of Sussex chose a look packed with symbolism — one that sent a powerful message of resilience to the thousands of viewers who tuned in to absorb each and every truth bomb [3] she and Prince Harry revealed.
Meghan chose a black silk wrap dress by Giorgio Armani, featuring a belted waist, long sleeves, and white lotus-flower embroidery on the righthand side. According to Town & Country magazine, the lotus represents rebirth and spiritual enlightenment [4], and it can "flourish despite seemingly challenging conditions." Although these flowers tend to grow atop murky bodies of water, they blossom sans imperfections, sprouting above lily pads for all to admire. There are obvious parallels between the lotus and Meghan's experience with stepping back from the royal family [5] — she has risen above the toxic press to build a new life for herself and her soon-to-be family of four [6] in California.
Meghan's penchant for wardrobe symbolism didn't stop there, though; she styled her Armani dress with a diamond tennis bracelet that once belonged to Princess Diana [7]. This may have been her subtle way of acknowledging how the tabloids' treatment of her late mother-in-law mirrors the harsh media bullying she's endured [8] since joining the royal family. Ahead, take an up-close look at Meghan's lotus-embroidered dress, which is still in stock online.
Shop Meghan's Exact Armani Dress
Giorgio Armani Long Triple Silk Georgette Dress [10] (£3,300)