Meghan Markle‘s return to supporting Canadian brands in asleeveless trench dresscame as an amazing surprise to the outfit’s designer.
Nina Kharey, Founder & Creative Director of NONIE, was aware that the new royal had few of her pieces in her closet, but that didn’t make it any less exciting to see Meghan step out with husbandPrince Harryat anexhibition marking the centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandelaon Tuesday in her design.
“She looked amazing! It’s so surreal — I couldn’t believe it was mine. I had to keep double checking,” Kharey tells PEOPLE. “It’s definitely a good feeling, especially when someone wears it so well. And she’s such a positive woman.”
The woman behind NONIE added that Meghan styled the$825 dressfrom the brand’s Spring/Summer 2018 collection “perfectly” with a coordinating clutch and heels, simple stud earrings and her signaturemessy bun.
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The brand also shared a photo of the American actress, who spent time in Toronto filmingSuits,on Instagramwith a shout out to Meghan’s stylist best friendJessica Mulroney.
“I have a great relationship with the Mulroneys,” says Kharey. “Jessica is an advocate of Canadian fashion, so I’m sure the team worked together on that.”
Meghan Markle and Jessica Mulroney.George Pimentel/WireImage
Kharey says she’s impressed with how Meghan has blended her personal fashion sense with therestrictions of royal style.
“To be thrown into the royal family and this huge role that she has, I think with the resources she has and her own knowledge of what she likes to wear and what makes her feel confident and bring out the best version of herself, she’s been able to refine that style,” says Kharey. “She knows what will feel good on her and what will look the part – I think she’s been doing amazingly well with her style and it’s just getting more refined.”
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As for Meghan’s protocol-breaking choices, likebare shouldersat herTrooping the Colour debut? Kharey thinks she’s changing the rules — much like her late mother-in-law,Princess Diana.
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Kharey says she’s been so busy that she hasn’t even had time to notice if the “Meghan Markleeffect” is in full swing, but she’s thrilled that the newlywed is bringing attention to Canadian designers.
“That’s what we work so hard for and then that one person believes in what you are doing, that’s all you need,” she explains. “It’s pretty amazing for us little guys.”
source: people.com
