Japanese casualwear brand Uniqlo has announced the designer of Meghan Markle’s wedding dress as its new creative director.
The 54-year-old British designer, originally from Birmingham, became the first woman to lead Givenchy in March 2017, where she worked on men’s and women’s ready-to-wear.
But it was the Duchess of Sussex’s wedding dress that really made Clare a household name, after Meghan married 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 three years in the role, Clare left Givenchy in 2020, and the French fashion house this month revealed Sarah Burton, the designer of Kate Middleton’s wedding dress, as its new creative director.
The 50-year-old artist designed Kate’s dress during her role as creative director of Alexander McQueen, a position she held for 13 of her 26 years at the British brand, taking over from founder Lee Alexander McQueen following his death in 2010.
Japanese casualwear brand Uniqlo has introduced Clare Waight Keller (pictured), who designed Meghan Markle’s wedding dress, as its new creative director.
After Clare created Meghan’s wedding dress, the royal went on to wear a number of her Givenchy designs, turning to the brand to dress for many high-profile engagements, including her June 2018 outing at Ascot alongside the Queen.
In December 2018, Meghan made it 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 left her baby bump on full display.
While on stage, Meghan spoke about her very personal connection to fashion, noting that “we have a deep connection to what we wear.”
“Sometimes it’s deeply personal, sometimes it’s emotional,” he continued, before praising Clare’s “kindness” and “values.”
Once on stage, the designer also praised the former royal: “This woman is incredible. I got to know Meghan on a very personal level.”
“For someone like that to trust you at such a personal moment in their life… I can’t thank you enough because it was the most beautiful moment.”
According World Water Daywhich 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 of 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 designed the Princess of Wales’s wedding dress, will follow in Clare’s footsteps as creative director of Givenchy.
Sarah designed Kate’s wedding dress while working as creative director at Alexander McQueen
Clare did not address the reasons for her departure from the brand during a statement about her exit, which was provided to WWD, and instead said that her time at Givenchy has been “one of the highlights” of her career.
“Focusing on a couture-based world has been one of the highlights of my career,” said Clare, who was born in Birmingham.
‘I have shared so many incredible moments with Givenchy’s brilliant ateliers and design teams – their exceptional talent and dedication will remain forever in my memories.
‘My sincere thanks to each of the unsung heroes and heroines behind the scenes, for their contribution from product to communications to retail, and to 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, Tom Ford recruited her for a position at Gucci, where she was responsible for the women’s ready-to-wear and accessories collection, a position she held for four years.
A year later, she moved to Pringle of Scotland, where – according to her Givenchy biography – she “redefined the House’s style and knitwear heritage”, winning 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 present the designer with an award.
Meghan and Clare spoke highly of each other during the 2018 Fashion Awards, with Meghan praising Clare’s “kindness” and “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 to take on the role of creative director at Chloe, a role that truly helped define her career, while cementing her status as one of the most sought-after designers in the world.
She moved to Givenchy in 2017 and has since amassed a legion of celebrity fans, including Ariana Grande.
A 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 was kept a closely guarded secret until the day of the ceremony, when royal fans around the world were given their first glimpse of the beautiful bride and her stunning silk gown, which left Prince Harry in tears when he first laid eyes on his future wife.
An emotional Harry told his bride “you look amazing” after she walked down the aisle in the classic, pure white silk gown, with a 15-foot veil embroidered with Commonwealth flowers.
The custom creation is estimated to have cost $250,000, including $97,000 for the custom-made fabric and $5,000 for accessories.
The veil was made of silk tulle with a border of hand-embroidered flowers in silk and organza threads, while the look was completed with a bracelet and earrings by Cartier and a Queen Mary diamond bandeau tiara, loaned by the Queen.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that Clare would be moving to Japanese casualwear brand Uniqlo.
She previously collaborated with the brand in September last year to create the womenswear project: UNIQLO C.
In addition to leading the line, Clare will spearhead the brand’s core Fall/Winter collection this year.
Meanwhile, the designer behind Kate’s wedding dress, Sarah Burton, will follow in Clare’s footsteps and take on the role of creative director at Givenchy.
The 50-year-old artist worked as creative designer for Alexander McQueen for 26 years, 13 of which were as creative director. Sarah took over the role in 2010, following the death of its founder, Lee Alexander McQueen.
According Vogue BusinessIndustry estimates suggest it helped boost Kering brand sales to around €830 million by 2022.
His final collection for the British design house came in spring/summer 2024, after which he became a free agent.
The event was described as emotional, with a standing ovation and many tears. After his departure from McQueen, his next step was highly anticipated.
Last December it was revealed that Matthew Williams would be stepping down as creative director of Givenchy. No successor has been named.
Following Matthew’s three-year tenure at LVMH-owned Givenchy, his studio team led the design process while a search was underway for a new creative director.
Now, it has been announced that Sarah Burton, who described Givenchy as a “jewel”, will take the helm and be responsible for all women’s and men’s collections.
Sarah has collaborated with Kate Middleton on multiple occasions, leading some to call her the princess’s favorite designer.
Speaking about the role, which will take effect immediately, Sarah said: ‘It’s a huge honour to be joining the beautiful house of Givenchy, it’s a gem.
‘I am very excited to be able to write the next chapter in the history of this iconic house and bring my own vision, sensibility and beliefs to Givenchy.’
Ms Burton was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 2012 for her services to the fashion industry and remains one of the brightest figures in British fashion, having a huge impact on everyday style and formal wear, and designing for some of the world’s most famous names.