Royal | News - Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, continued her tradition of supporting local designers during her recent tour to Colombia.
On August 16, the second day of her visit, the 43 year old Royal showcased a skirt by Colombian brand Juan De Dios while visiting the Centro de Rehabilitacion Inclusiva in Bogota with Prince Harry.
Pairing the stylish patterned skirt with a white button-down shirt tucked into the Amaime Silk Martellato Midi Skirt, Meghan exuded casual elegance as she met with Colombian veterans and members of the country’s Invictus Games team at a special reception alongside Vice President Francia Marquez.
This was the second outfit created by a Colombian designer that Meghan wore on the trip.
The choice was not only a nod to the host nation but also held particular significance for Harry and Meghan, as the brand promotes female empowerment – a cause close to the heart of their Archewell Foundation.
Founded by entrepreneurs Maria Fernanda Valencia and Isabella Gutierrez, the brand boasts outlets in both Bogota and Cali, two cities on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s itinerary.
The brand is deeply committed to social responsibility and supports the local area, with all items in the collection being “made in Colombia by women head-of-household using artisanal methods and recyclable yarn fabrics,” according to its website.
Moreover, the brand contributes to the local community, donating five per cent of all online sales to the El Banco de Alimentos Cali Foundation, a charity providing meals to those in need in the Cali region, reports the Mirror.
“To represent Latin American design across the globe; to exemplify effortless sophistication; to blend Colombia’s artisanal heritage with versatility, fine quality, innovation and environmentally friendly practices,” states Juan De Dios.
The fashionable choice marked Meghan’s second time wearing a Colombian designer’s work during her four-day visit, having previously worn a metallic gold, red and pink dress by Colombian-born designer Johanna Ortiz on the first day of her trip last week.
While the Duchess’s choice to wear the dress in the designer’s home country held a particular significance, it is not her first time donning Ortiz’s creations.
In fact, the designer’s work was showcased earlier this year when the Duchess attended the Women of Vision Awards: Celebrating Generations of Progress and Power in New York City.