There is no doubt that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's upcoming nuptials will be the wedding of the year. However, what is surprising is if you look at the influence Markle is already having on wedding-dress trends before we even see what she's going to wear.
According to global fashion search engine Lyst, which has just released its 2018 Wedding Report, the future duchess is already having an impact on which designers future brides are choosing. Despite knowing next to nothing about what Markle will walk down that aisle in, rumours about who she will choose have caused certain brands to surge in popularity.
A number of labels that Markle is rumoured to be considering for her big day have seen fairly significant search increases around them in the past year. Searches for Erdem have increased by 43 per cent, while Ralph & Russo has seen a staggering 82 per cent increase in internet interest and Roland Mouret – also rumoured to be the designer of choice – has seen a 38 per cent spike.
Whether or not these brands will actually see the 'Meghan Effect' in action before the big day remains to be seen, but we can be quite sure that her wedding dress will be one of the most significant factors in determining wedding-dress trends for years to come.
