As explained in a press release from the Fashion Museum of Bath, Meghan Markle’s Oprah Winfrey interview dress was chosen as its Dress of the Year because it was worn during “one of the defining pop-cultural moments of 2021.” They also noted the symbolism in the dress, as it’s highly unlikely the dress was randomly chosen. The embroidered lotus featured on the dress symbolizes resiliency and rebirth, which is notable because Markle described her time within the royal family at one point as being “almost unsurvivable” (via Town & Country). Now, the couple is working to redefine their lives, another rebirth.
The dress will be on display at the Fashion Museum of Bath as the final piece in a collection called A History of Fashion in 100 Objects. The museum display features items from the 1600s to today, focusing on “era-defining outfits and headline pieces.” The dress isn’t the actual dress that Markle wore, but rather a “version” of it. If you want to get your hands on one yourself, it currently retails at Armani for $4,700.
The Dress of the Year 2020 title was given to a collaboration of outfits, including a set of scrubs and a mask, a Black Lives Matter t-shirt, and a replica of Naomi Campbell’s hazmat suit that she wore on an airplane.
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
