When Meghan Markle stepped out in a blush pink Nonie trench coat dress yesterday afternoon, it provoked audible gasps from the ELLE UK given it’s stunning colour and cut.
However, for Canadian designer Nina Kharey - the founder of high-fashion brand House of Nonie - images of the Duchess of Sussex at a visit to the Nelson Mandela Centenary Exhibition in her design resulted in somewhat of a different reaction.
‘My dad was in tears,’ the Calgary native told HELLO!. Fortunately for Kharey, they were happy tears.
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Kharey first became aware Markle was wearing one of her designs when she was in bed and her publicist started texting her at 6.45am. She described the moment as ‘unbelievable’ and ‘really surreal’.
‘I just started Googling right away and looking, and I was in awe of how she looked. She just looked so amazing it,’ the former CAFA nominee gushed.
However, for Kharey, Meghan’s decision to wear the classic piece meant far more to her than a boost in sales for the company.
‘I finally not only get to prove it to the world that I'm worthy of attention and time, but in a way I also proved it to myself and my family,’ the designer revealed. ‘I have something!
‘My Instagram has blown up, [and] my emails, and I can just imagine how the orders are looking at the moment!’
The designer revealed Meghan's friend and stylist Jessica Mulroney has been a Nonie client for several years and is a ‘strong advocate for Canadian designers’, so she believes that’s how Meghan came across the design.
‘They both are amazing women,’ Kharey said of Meghan and Jessica. ‘I love supporting other women and I love dressing strong, influential women and I would love for it to happen again. I am relishing in this; I’m enjoying the moment!’
The Calgary native also opened up about the Duchess’ ‘classic’ and ‘chic’ aesthetic and style evolution since becoming a royal.
‘I think her style has just been refined,’ she explained. ‘I think that’s natural, [and] that would happen with anyone that goes from being a normal person or an actress to royalty, you’re all of a sudden exposed to so many things, so many designers.
‘Naturally, your style would become more fine-tuned. It’s nice to see that she knows what she likes and she knows what looks good on her.’
You can say that again!
Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.
