Meghan Markle’s Paley Gala Appearance Sparks Controversy and Critique

Meghan Markle recently attended the Paley Honours gala, and her presence ignited a whirlwind of mixed reactions, cultural misunderstandings, and an eye-popping price tag.

According to reports from the Daily Mail, Meghan dazzled in a custom Oscar de la Renta gown, complemented by a staggering $20,000 worth of accessories.

But as royal enthusiasts scrutinized her outfit, questions arose: Was this truly an Oscar de la Renta creation, or did it look like it was plucked from a clearance rack at David's Bridal?

Let's dive into that dress.

Described as a strapless black evening gown with a bold slit, it certainly sounds glamorous on paper.

However, in reality, it raised eyebrows for all the wrong reasons.

The boning seemed to struggle under the pressure of Meghan's noticeable weight loss, likely aided by the latest diet craze.

One commentator quipped, “She's Markled Oscar de la Renta, cryptocritic,” while another remarked, “Didn't know they made cheap-looking gowns.” If this was indeed designed by the famed label, why did it evoke memories of a 1990s prom queen with its outdated sweetheart neckline?

Moving on to the jewels, because what's a custom gown without some bling?

Meghan adorned herself with a $14,000 Logan Hollywood diamond necklace and rings from Lorraine Schwartz, along with a $6,360 Cartier love bracelet.

Critics wasted no time pointing out that the necklace, rather than looking exquisite, appeared more like a bargain bin find.

One observer questioned, “Why does the media always highlight the price of jewelry?

It just makes everything seem tacky.” Another jabbed at Meghan's choice of accessories, suggesting she was still sporting items linked to her ex-husband.

Even her footwear, custom Celine heels, faced scrutiny over how cramped her toes appeared.

And while one might expect a professional hairstylist to create a stunning look, Meghan's low bun felt repetitive and uninspired—so much so that it could earn its own attendance award.

Yet, the most talked-about aspect of her appearance was her face, described by some critics as waxy and manic.

One comment joked, “She looks coked out of her mind in every photo.”

Makeup artist Daniel Martin, known for his work at a royal wedding, was behind Meghan's beauty look, which featured pink lip gloss and a hint of glow.

Unfortunately, the outcome resembled more of a department store mannequin than a glamorous duchess.

The gala itself, billed as a pay-to-play event, seemed to focus more on keeping Meghan in the limelight than celebrating honoree Tyler Perry.

As expected, a team of photographers ensured a deluge of images was disseminated to the media, leading some to criticize the overt attention-seeking behavior.

One observer lamented, “I've never seen so many photos of just one person,” while others accused Meghan of being “pathologically hungry for attention.”

Adding to the drama, fashion sleuths speculated whether the gown was even a recent design by Oscar de la Renta.

Some suggested it might not be from any current collection, while others theorized that she may have opted for a knockoff seamstress to replicate high-fashion looks at a lower cost.

If Meghan's goal was to leave a lasting impression, as the Daily Mail suggested, she undoubtedly achieved that—though perhaps not in the manner she intended.

From the mismatched accessories to the ill-fitting gown and her ever-recycled hairstyle, the ensemble screamed more disaster than duchess.

Ultimately, Meghan's appearance at the Paley Gala exemplified her uncanny ability to transform expensive fashion into something painfully ordinary.

It seems you can take the girl out of the suitcase-holding days, but you can't take the suitcase out of the girl.