Much has been said (and written) about Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex’s glamorous LA friends. One assumes that when you’re invited to one of the most-watched events of the year and that you’re an actress from a hit series designers would be clambering to dress you. Not the case.
True Blood actress Janina Gavankar arrived at Windsor Castle with Abigail Spencer who was wearing Alessandra Rich and Priyanka Chopra in Vivienne Westwood. It was only after Meghan’s LA contingent were snapped by the paparazzi that the actress revealed that her dress was from a fancy dress shop.
Her stylist, Niki Schwan, explained: ‘To be clear, we requested several designer brands & showrooms (for her to wear to the wedding) who either denied us or just ignored us. & obviously, this is not something you “shop” for, as we were committed to creating something special and unique.’ She adds that when they gained access to the Western Costume Company’s archives they discovered an original 1930s gown that they tweaked and paired with loaned jewellery and a 1940s-style hat.
‘I kinda love being denied sometimes, it just forces me to work harder, smarter, more creatively & continuously think outside the box!’ She added, ‘Which is what styling is really about. This trio of women KILLED this moment, with their Royal Wedding STRUT (Squad goals for real!) and @janina is one of the single most searched names of those who attended the wedding, due to this moment & we are overwhelmed & grateful by the response to her look. (Too bad to all the brands and showrooms that denied us). Keep on keepin on y’all. Rejection is Gods protection, I always say!'