It was a special evening for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in New York City tonight. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry both received the Ripple of Hope Award, presented by the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights nonprofit organization. The couple was honored for the humanitarian work they do through their own Archewell Foundation, where they’ve focused on creating awareness around issues relating to racial justice, sexism, mental health, and more. (Past recipients of the Ripple of Hope Award have included former President Barack Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Stacey Abrams.)
For the special honor tonight, Markle chose a custom look by Nicolas Ghesquière for Louis Vuitton. It’s her first time sporting the French label at such a high-profile event. (In past appearances, Markle has worn elegant dresses from brands such as Givenchy and Carolina Herrera). The Duchess wore a custom white, long-sleeved gown complete with a front slit and off-the-shoulder neckline. She accessorized with an aquamarine ring from Princess Diana’s personal collection, the same ring she wore on her wedding day and a pair of CH Carolina Herrera’s Kaleidoscope Earrings. The Duke, meanwhile, wore a sleek black suit with a white button-up and tie.
The shade of Markle’s dress was significant. White symbolizes peace, which was a thoughtful nod to the philanthropy work the Duke and Duchess do on Ghesquière’s part. The structural silhouette was also right in line with Markle’s clean, modern wardrobe. Case in point: The gown featured a few of the same details as her most famous ensemble, her wedding dress. That look also had an off-the-shoulder neckline, long sleeves, and a minimalist, architectural aesthetic. Call it her signature style.