Meghan Markle’s Iconic Moment in Tonga: A Custom Ivory Gown

Let’s talk about the time Meghan Markle stole the spotlight at a reception and dinner in Tonga, hosted by His Majesty King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u. Dressed in a stunning custom ivory gown, Meghan stepped out alongside Prince Harry, leaving everyone in awe. But here’s the twist: the story behind the gown is just as captivating as the Duchess herself. As it turns out, the creative director, Don O’Neill, and his team at THEIA not only created a jaw-dropping dress but also found themselves privy to one of the biggest royal secrets—Meghan’s pregnancy.

In a world where timing is everything, this story is a masterclass in adaptability and elegance. When Meghan’s stylist reached out to O’Neill, asking if he could craft a gown for the Australian press tour, the designer didn’t hesitate. “I stopped everything we were doing,” O’Neill revealed in a press release, as reported by People. And that’s not all—his bridal show was just a week away! Despite the tight schedule, O’Neill and his team worked tirelessly, creating a breathtaking gown in a mere two days and shipping it halfway around the world. But the surprises didn’t end there. Shortly after, Meghan’s team contacted them with a significant request: they needed to remake the gown with extra seam allowance.

The Duchess of Sussex looking radiant in a custom #THEIA gown!!!! #MeghanMarkle pic.twitter.com/qsNC8vUu9c
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— THEIA (@THEIACOUTURE) October 25, 2018

The Pregnancy Secret: A Last-Minute Adjustment

O’Neill explained the situation with a touch of humor and professionalism: “We needed to remake it with extra seam allowance.” The team understood immediately why this adjustment was necessary—it was all about accommodating Meghan’s growing belly. But here’s the kicker: they kept mum on the matter, maintaining the utmost discretion. With less than a week until his bridal show, O’Neill and his team went into overdrive once more. They recreated the gown, ensuring it was nothing short of perfection. According to O’Neill, Meghan loved the final result. In fact, he shared a memorable moment from that Friday night: “I literally had to run down Broadway to catch the UPS truck, making it with just two minutes to spare!”

Meghan’s Influence on THEIA Designs

Creating a dress for Meghan Markle is a dream come true for any designer, but for Don O’Neill, it meant so much more. The Duchess has been a long-standing source of inspiration for THEIA. “Her classic, effortless, and chic style coupled with all the excitement leading up to her wedding earlier this year inspired my Spring 2019 bridal collection,” O’Neill explained. This connection between the brand and Meghan’s personal style is what makes their collaboration so special. It’s not just about designing a dress; it’s about celebrating the elegance and grace that Meghan embodies.

O’Neill described the experience of designing for the Duchess as both humbling and exhilarating. “It has been an exciting whirlwind collaboration,” he said. “Her Royal Highness is a truly beautiful, inspiring woman—a bright shining light in this world—and we at THEIA are truly honored to be part of The Royal Tour of Australia, Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga, and New Zealand.” It’s clear that O’Neill and his team didn’t just create a dress; they contributed to a moment that captured the world’s attention.

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