Meghan Markle’s Red Dress Rewear Sparks Media Scrutiny

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, made headlines with her appearance at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles 2024 Gala, donning a red Carolina Herrera dress she previously wore in 2021. The event took place last weekend, offering keen-eyed observers a glimpse at a thoughtful choice in fashion and sustainability.

The Duchess arrived at the gala, accompanied by her friend Kelly McKee Zajfen, wearing a dress that had been altered since its first appearance. In 2021, Meghan wore the gown at a gala in New York commemorating veterans. Originally, the dress included a voluminous built-in train and was paired with pointed satin pumps and Birks diamond earrings she often sported during her official royal engagements. This time, the dress was tailored, her hair was worn loose, and she opted for simpler accessories, including a Cartier Love bracelet and Giuseppe Zanotti slingbacks.

Meghan has been seen embracing a different style since stepping back from her royal duties with her husband, Prince Harry. Her appearance and sartorial choices reflect a shift away from traditional royal protocols. Recently, she was noted for a more casual approach to evening wear, including an off-the-shoulder emerald dress at the Invictus Games in Germany.

While Meghan’s outfit choice was seen as an example of sustainable fashion, re-wearing an outfit as many A-listers have recently done, it also drew criticism. British socialite Lizzie Cundy, a former associate of Meghan, suggested the appearance was more for media attention than for the gala’s intended charitable cause. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Cundy remarked on the Duchess’s brief attendance, implying her presence lacked genuine engagement with the event’s charitable purpose.

Despite such criticisms, the website associated with Meghan later clarified her ongoing commitment to the hospital. The statement highlighted the Duchess’s long-standing support for CHLA, referencing her previous visits and involvement in the “Make March Matter” campaign. It emphasized her advocacy for children’s health and expressed gratitude to those involved for making significant impacts on children’s lives.