Meghan Markle’s dress is named dress of the year—but you’ll be surprised by which one...

Meghan Markle’s dress has been selected as the dress of the year for a fashion exhibition, but it may not be the dress you're thinking of...

Meghan Markle's dress
(Image credit: WPA Pool / Pool / Getty Images)

Meghan Markle's dress that she wore for her tell-all Oprah interview with Prince Harry has been selected as the Dress of the Year 2021 for a fashion exhibition.


The Fashion Museum in Bath has launched a headline exhibition titled A History Of Fashion In 100 Objects. The dress worn by the Duchess of Sussex during her explosive Oprah interview is one of the garments selected to feature in this show.

The exhibition creators commented on this black dress worn by Meghan Markle and said it had a “symbolic association with rebirth, self-regeneration and spiritual enlightenment, and its ability to flourish despite seemingly challenging conditions".

Dazed magazine’s Ibrahim Kamara and Gareth Wrighton, who selected Meghan's look for Dress of the Year, suggested that this garment was picked because of its cultural significance.

“In today’s hyper-stylized pop culture, the Dress of the Year now has the potential to also be 'meme of the year' and we both latched upon Meghan and Harry’s now-iconic interview with Oprah as the definitive anti-establishment moment that will forever endure in the British collective consciousness,” said the fashion experts.

UNSPECIFIED - UNSPECIFIED: In this handout image provided by Harpo Productions and released on March 5, 2021, Oprah Winfrey interviews Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on A CBS Primetime Special premiering on CBS on March 7, 2021. (Photo by Harpo Productions/Joe Pugliese via Getty Images)


(Image credit: Harpo Productions/Joe Pugliese via Getty Images)

Long triple silk georgette dress, Armani | $4,800 (approx £3,500)
$4,800 at armani.com

Long triple silk georgette dress, Armani | $4,800 (approx £3,500)

Armani says, "This triple silk georgette dress is sensuous with a subtle, refined twist. Its value and prestige are increased by the large quantity of fabric used."

The interview had a huge impact around the globe as shocking comments about Archie and his skin tone were discussed and the Royal Family was forced to respond to the racism allegations made in the interview. 

The experts went on to add, “Meghan’s wrap dress by Armani, worn to showcase a divine pregnancy, framed the Duchess in black against the bountiful landscaping of Tyler Perry’s Hollywood garden.

“This look now, through sheer association with a viral television moment, is firmly ingrained in our pop culture psyche.”

This dress is rather expensive, so if you want to emulate the look without breaking the bank, don't worry, we have you covered...


V-Neck Midi Dress, $159.00 | M&S
$159 at Marks and Spencer US

V-Neck Midi Dress, $159.00 | M&S

The brand says about this dress, "With its super-soft and lightweight jersey fabric, this wrap dress from Jaeger is full of feminine charm. It's designed for a comfortable regular fit in a midi length with added stretch."

 Belted Satin Midi Dress, $103 |
was $160 now $103 at Selfridges

 Belted Satin Midi Dress, $103 | Whistles

This dress is described as a "midi length, long sleeves, satin fabrication, button-through front, collarless, tunic neckline dress in navy."

Although this dress was featured during a pivotal interview that many of us remember vividly, this isn't perhaps the most iconic outfit that springs to mind when thinking about Duchess Meghan's best-dressed moments over the past year.

In November 2021, Prince Harry and Meghan attended the Salute to Freedom Gala in New York. Meghan wore a gorgeous red Carolina Herrera gown from the Pre-Fall 2022 collection. The Duchess looked absolutely stunning in this gown and fans were delighted as they were able to glimpse the Duchess in black-tie attire for the first time since having her baby Lilibet.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

(Image credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

In September 2021, Meghan joined her husband Prince Harry to speak on stage at the Global Citizen Live in New York.

Meghan made a bold fashion statement that paid tribute to Princess Diana as she paired her white Valentino shift dress with a personalized black Dior handbag in the style that her late mother-in-law made famous.

This white dress was paired with a monochrome look and was the perfect semi-casual dress that showed the Duchess' youthful but classic style.

Meghan Markle

(Image credit: Gotham / Contributor / Getty Images)

While the Duchess had many other fantastic looks in 2021, it's clear that the cultural significance of her Giorgio Armani dress trumps some of her others from the past year.

Laura Harman

Laura is the Entertainment Editor for woman&home who primarily covers television, film, and celebrity news. Laura loves drinking and eating and can often be found trying to get reservations at London's trendiest restaurants. When she's not wining and dining, Laura can also be found travelling, baking, and hiking with her dog.