Meghan Markle’s favourite designer Clare Waight Keller unveiled as Uniqlo’s new creative director

Japanese casual wear brand Uniqlo have unveiled Meghan Markle‘s wedding dress designer as its new creative director.

The British designer, 54, originally from Birmingham, was the first ever woman to head up Givenchy in March 2017, where she worked across men’s and women’s ready-to-wear.

But it was the Duchess of Sussex’s wedding dress that truly made Clare a household name, after Meghan tied the knot with Prince Harry in May 2018 at St George’s Chapel in front of the world while wearing one of the British designer’s creations.

After a three year tenure, Clare left Givenchy in 2020, with the French fashion house this month revealing Sarah Burton, the designer of Kate Middleton‘s nuptial gown, as its new creative director.

The 50-year-old artist designed Kate’s dress during her role as creative director for Alexander McQueen – a position she assumed for 13 of her 26 years at the British label, taking over from founder Lee Alexander McQueen following his death in 2010.

Japanese casualwear brand Uniqlo has unveiled Clare Waight Keller (pictured), who designed Meghan Markle’s wedding dress, as its new creative director

After Clare created Meghan’s wedding gown, the royal went on to don several of her Givenchy designs, turning to the label to dress her for many prominent engagements, including her June 2018 outing at Ascot alongside the Queen.

In December 2018, Meghan made clear how close the two women had become when she made a surprise appearance at the British Fashion Awards, where she presented Clare with the prestigious British Womenswear Designer of the Year award.

The Duchess of Sussex, who was pregnant with her son Archie at the time, looked stunning in a one-shoulder Givenchy gown, which showed off her bump to full effect.

While on stage, Meghan opened up about her very personal connection to fashion, noting ‘we have a deep connection to what we wear’.

‘Sometimes it’s deeply personal, sometimes it’s emotional,’ she went on, before praising Clare’s ‘kindness’ and the ‘values’.

Once on stage, the designer was just as complimentary about the former royal, saying: ‘This woman is so amazing. I got to know Meghan on such a personal level.

‘To have someone like that trust you on such a personal moment in their life… I can’t thank you enough because it was the most beautiful moment.’

According to WWD, which broke the news of Clare’s departure from Givenchy, her decision to step down came at the end of her initial three-year contract, and follows the debut of her final collection for the brand, which was shown on the runways at Paris Fashion Week, shortly before the Covid-19 outbreak shut down much of Europe.

After moving to Givenchy in 2017, the Birmingham-born designer was chosen by Meghan to design her wedding dress 

Meanwhile, Sarah Burton, who created the Princess of Wales’s wedding dress, will follow in Clare’s footsteps as the creative director of Givenchy

Sarah designed Kate’s wedding dress while working as creative director at Alexander McQueen 

Clare did not address her reasons for exiting the brand while making a statement about her departure, which was given to WWD, instead saying that her time at Givenchy has been ‘one of the highlights’ of her career.

‘Focusing on a world based on haute couture has been one of the highlights of my professional journey,’ Clare, who was born in Birmingham, said.

‘I have shared so many incredible moments with the brilliant Givenchy ateliers and design teams: Your exceptional talent and dedication will forever remain in my memories.

‘My heartfelt thanks go out to each of the unsung heroes and heroines behind the scenes, for their contribution from product to communications and retail, and every global team member, partner and supplier in between.’

Clare began her career as a stylist for Calvin Klein in New York City, before joining Ralph Lauren.

In 2000, she was hired by Tom Ford for a role at Gucci, where she was responsible for women’s ready-to-wear and accessories, a position that she held for four years.

A year later, she moved to Pringle of Scotland, where – her Givenchy bio notes – she ‘redefined the House’s style and knitwear heritage’, earning the title of Designer of the Year at the Scottish Fashion Awards in 2007.

Clare and Meghan are close friends, and in December 2018,  a pregnant Meghan made a surprise appearance at the British Fashion Awards to give the designer an award

Meghan and Clare spoke very highly of one another during 2018 Fashion Awards, with Meghan praising Clare’s ‘kindness’ and the ‘values’

Meghan has worn Clare’s Givenchy designs many times, including during an official engagement at Ascot in June 2018, when she and Prince Harry joined the Queen 

In 2011, she moved to Paris in order to take on the position of creative director at Chloe, a role that truly helped to define her career, while cementing her status as one of the world’s most sought-after designers.

She moved to Givenchy in 2017, and since then she has amassed a legion of celebrity fans, including Ariana Grande.

One year after joining the brand, Clare was chosen by Meghan to design her wedding dress – in what many saw as a rather surprising decision on the part of the Duchess of Sussex.

The designer behind the dress remained a closely-guarded secret until the day of the ceremony, when royal fans around the world were treated to their first glimpse at the beautiful bride – and her stunning silk gown, which left Prince Harry in tears when he first saw his future wife.

An emotional Harry told his bride ‘you look amazing’ after she wafted down the aisle in the classic silk gown in pure white, with a 15ft veil embroidered with flowers of the Commonwealth.

The bespoke creation is estimated to have cost $250,000, including $97,000 for custom-made fabric and $5,000 for fittings.

The veil was made from silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers in silk threads and organza, while the look was completed by a Cartier bracelet and earrings and a Queen Mary diamond bandeau tiara, loaned to her by the Queen.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Clare would move to Japanese casualwear brand Uniqlo.

She previously collaborated with the brand in September last year to create womenswear project – UNIQLO C.

In addition to running the line, Clare is set to lead the brand’s mainline collection from this year’s Fall/Winter collection.

Meanwhile, the designer behind Kate’s wedding dress – Sarah Burton – will follow in Clare’s footsteps and assume the position of creative director at Givenchy. 

The 50-year-old artist worked as creative creator for Alexander McQueen for 26 years – she was its creative director for 13 of those years. Sarah took over the role in 2010, following the death of its founder Lee Alexander McQueen.

According to Vogue Business, industry estimates suggest she helped grow the Kering brand’s sales to around €830 million by 2022.

Her last collection for the British design house came in Spring/Summer 2024, after which she became a free agent.

The event was described as emotional, featuring a standing ovation, and many tears. Following her departure from McQueen, her next move was highly anticipated.

Last December, it was revealed that Matthew Williams would be stepping down from his role as Givenchy’s creative director. No successor was named.

Following Matthew’s three-year tender at LVMH-owned Givenchy, its studio team led the design process, while a new creative director was found.

Now, it has been announced that Sarah Burton – who described Givenchy as a ‘jewel’ will be taking over and will be responsible for all the women’s and men’s collections.

Sarah has collaborated with Kate Middleton on multiple occasions, leading some to dub her the Princesses favourite designer.

Speaking about the role, which is effective immediately, Sarah said: ‘It is a great honour to be joining the beautiful house of Givenchy, it is a jewel.

‘I am so excited to be able to write the next chapter in the story of this iconic house and to bring to Givenchy my own vision, sensibility and beliefs.’

Mrs Burton was awarded with an Order of the British Empire in 2012 for her services to the fashion industry, and remains one of the brightest lights in British fashion, having a huge impact on everyday style and formal wear, and designing for some of the world’s most famous names.