Is it a coincidence or a calculated decision? The uncanny resemblance between the fashion choices of Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton and the iconic style of their late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, has drawn ample attention. This raises the question: Are these contemporary royal figures consciously paying tribute to Diana's everlasting fashion legacy or are they organically influenced by her pervasive style trends?
Princess Diana, widely celebrated as a fashion icon, has left an indelible imprint on the global fashion landscape. The reverberations of her sartorial choices are felt not only by thousands of followers worldwide but noticeably within her own family—more specifically, in the wardrobes of the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, and the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle.
While both women have never met Princess Diana, their fashion parallels with the late princess often garner global media attention. Whether they intentionally echo aspects of Diana’s style or merely align with trends she influenced remains a subject of debate. However, the explicit fashion tributes, particularly from Kate, do suggest a conscious nod to Diana's fashion legacy.
Bethan Holt, the author of 'The Duchess of Cambridge: A Decade of Royal Style' and 'The Queen: 70 Years of Majestic Style,' posits that Kate's numerous public appearances compared to Meghan's significantly increase her chances of being compared to Diana. She also suggests that these parallels might be a fitting, non-controversial tribute to the late Princess, who was globally recognized for her fashion sense.
However, fashion psychologist Carolyn Mair sees these similarities as less coincidental and more intentional. "Our clothes don’t just fall on us, so the notion of dressing like Diana subconsciously is very unlikely," Mair opines. "I would assume a great deal of thought goes into both the royals' looks, and so what they wear is a conscious decision."
Looking at the sartorial choices of Kate and Meghan, Holt points to some memorable moments reminiscent of Diana's style. For example, the Prada dress Kate wore on the 20th anniversary of Diana's death echoed the delicate floral prints and pussy bow necklines that Diana was fond of in the early '80s. Meghan's casual denim and white shirt combo during a charity visit in LA bore a striking resemblance to Diana's relaxed wardrobe after her divorce.
Interestingly, both Meghan and Kate's tributes extend beyond clothing to accessories, often opting for pieces from Diana’s coveted jewelry collection. Meghan regularly wears Diana's Cartier tank watch, and Kate's engagement ring was originally Diana's.
Diana's fashion legacy was not just about trendsetting but also about how she utilized style to her advantage, wielding it as a tool of influence. Holt believes that Kate and Meghan have embraced this legacy and adapted it to suit their unique styles. In doing so, they have managed to generate greater relevance for existing fashion trends.
While their fashion choices might suggest a conscious effort to align with the universally beloved Princess, it also raises the question: Are Meghan and Kate consciously deferring to Diana’s enduring fashion legacy, or are they poised to evolve and become trendsetters in their own right? Either way, the influence of Diana's style continues to resonate, years after her untimely demise. Her fashion legacy lives on, not just among her followers worldwide but strikingly so in the wardrobes of her daughters-in-law.
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