Questions rise over Meghan Markle keeping designer dress from 2022 shoot
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Nov 26, 2025, 00:44 IST
The various sources are in disagreement about whether Meghan Markle was allowed to retain a dress worth almost $1,700 from a 2022 magazine shoot, which has led to a reconsideration of standard fashion industry practices and supposed royal protocols.
TL;DR
Various sources contradict each other on the question of whether Meghan Markle was given a dress worth nearly seventeen hundred dollars that was used in a 2022 magazine shoot, thus raising the debate about the fashion industry norms and the alleged royal protocols.
The questions of a designer dress worn by Meghan Markle during a cover shoot of Variety in 2022 came up again after the gown was featured in the promo material of her upcoming show, "With Love, Meghan Holiday Celebration." Green Galvan "Ushuaia" dress, a $1,695 one-shoulder gown, was allegedly taken from the shoot and not returned, as per the multiple sources, who spoke to Page Six. The conflicting accounts have resulted in the dispute of whether the action was deliberately done or the misunderstanding that led it.
A fashion insider, quoted by Page Six, stated that Markle took the dress from the photo shoot without letting anyone know. The insider revealed that the dress was supposed to be with the production team but after the session, it could not be found. Another source confirmed that Markle finally held on to the garment, though it did not give a reason for the lack of return to the publication or the designer.
The third person who knows about the issue gives a different version of the story, that the confusion was the cause, not the wrongdoing. According to the source, Markle might have thought that she had to keep a record of all the things that she wore in public as a member of the royal family, however, no official paper or confirmation of such a protocol has been shown. Moreover, an industry insider dismissed the statement, saying that they had never been informed of such an instruction. The source considered the suggestion of compulsory archiving far from the truth.
Fashion industry insiders explain that it is not without precedent for celebrities to be given clothing after the photo shoots, but it is usually them being advised beforehand. The first fashion insider said that the talent sometimes would like to purchase the item or ask for leaving it with them. Depending on the availability and production needs, designers may agree to release samples or offer a discount. If no one has given permission, the items should be back with the stylist or brand representative.
The handling of wardrobe being questioned is back in the news this year when journalist Vanessa Grigoriadis on the "Heretics" podcast said that Markle had kept numerous items from the photos of high profile shoots. Grigoriadis made a point of the difference between the reported value of the items and the money that the ex-royal could have, and that the behavior seemed to be at odds with her public persona.
Markle's team didn't provide a response to the questions about the dress. Variety and The Cut agents also, either, did not respond or declined to comment. At present, there is no official pronouncement as to where the dress is or if any rules were violated in the 2022 session.
FAQs
Various sources contradict each other on the question of whether Meghan Markle was given a dress worth nearly seventeen hundred dollars that was used in a 2022 magazine shoot, thus raising the debate about the fashion industry norms and the alleged royal protocols.
The questions of a designer dress worn by Meghan Markle during a cover shoot of Variety in 2022 came up again after the gown was featured in the promo material of her upcoming show, "With Love, Meghan Holiday Celebration." Green Galvan "Ushuaia" dress, a $1,695 one-shoulder gown, was allegedly taken from the shoot and not returned, as per the multiple sources, who spoke to Page Six. The conflicting accounts have resulted in the dispute of whether the action was deliberately done or the misunderstanding that led it.
A fashion insider, quoted by Page Six, stated that Markle took the dress from the photo shoot without letting anyone know. The insider revealed that the dress was supposed to be with the production team but after the session, it could not be found. Another source confirmed that Markle finally held on to the garment, though it did not give a reason for the lack of return to the publication or the designer.
The third person who knows about the issue gives a different version of the story, that the confusion was the cause, not the wrongdoing. According to the source, Markle might have thought that she had to keep a record of all the things that she wore in public as a member of the royal family, however, no official paper or confirmation of such a protocol has been shown. Moreover, an industry insider dismissed the statement, saying that they had never been informed of such an instruction. The source considered the suggestion of compulsory archiving far from the truth.
Fashion industry insiders explain that it is not without precedent for celebrities to be given clothing after the photo shoots, but it is usually them being advised beforehand. The first fashion insider said that the talent sometimes would like to purchase the item or ask for leaving it with them. Depending on the availability and production needs, designers may agree to release samples or offer a discount. If no one has given permission, the items should be back with the stylist or brand representative.
The handling of wardrobe being questioned is back in the news this year when journalist Vanessa Grigoriadis on the "Heretics" podcast said that Markle had kept numerous items from the photos of high profile shoots. Grigoriadis made a point of the difference between the reported value of the items and the money that the ex-royal could have, and that the behavior seemed to be at odds with her public persona.
Markle's team didn't provide a response to the questions about the dress. Variety and The Cut agents also, either, did not respond or declined to comment. At present, there is no official pronouncement as to where the dress is or if any rules were violated in the 2022 session.
FAQs
- Did Meghan Markle receive permission to keep it?
One source claims she did not ask. Another source argues she may have believed she was required to archive the look. No official confirmation supports either explanation. - Is there a royal rule that requires clothing archiving?
No verified protocol has been identified. Sources disagree about whether such a rule was communicated. - How common is it for public figures to keep clothing from shoots?
Industry professionals say it can occur, but it usually requires prior approval or purchase.