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Original poster

To think Meghan should have chosen a Nigerian stylist

278 replies

LateAF · 12/05/2024 07:33

For her Nigerian tour. Whoever put the outfits together for her has no clue on culturally appropriate attire. When I was a child it was drummed into me to cover my shoulders- especially in formal settings. So far all her dresses have been strappy or shoulder less (even backless!), while all the women in the photos with her have their shoulders covered as is the norm.

Also the relentless neutrals are uninspiring in a country where colourful clothing is standard. There are many amazing Nigerian or west African designers she could have highlighted on this tour (one of the images is from Lagos fashion week).

Please this is NOT a Meghan bashing thread so take your nasty comments to the Royal Family board (hence why I didn’t post on there). I think she looks stunning and her hair and makeup have been spot on. I also like how welcoming the Nigerian community have been- and I know they will give her a pass for her outfits since she’s an outsider. Just wondering what the consensus is.

YABU- she’s a foreigner so can dress how she likes
YANBU- clothing on a “royal” tour should be culturally appropriate and tailored to that region

To think Meghan should have chosen a Nigerian stylist
To think Meghan should have chosen a Nigerian stylist
To think Meghan should have chosen a Nigerian stylist
To think Meghan should have chosen a Nigerian stylist
To think Meghan should have chosen a Nigerian stylist
OP posts:
Thread gallery
9
StormingNorman · 12/05/2024 11:50

West African fabrics are beautiful and if cultural appropriation was a concern they could have been made into clothing in her usual minimal style, rather than going for Nigerian shapes and headwear.

As for shoulders - it wouldn’t hurt to cover them. Personally, I would feel a bit conspicuous if I was constantly going against the grain. Although it is often said that the English love a uniform for whatever they do so maybe an American isn’t so attuned to noticing these things.

Maybe she made a conscious decision to stand out in the photos?

FaeryRing · 12/05/2024 11:50

Bellevu · 12/05/2024 11:43

The majority of people in Nigeria are NOT Muslim and people in the South zealously guard against the encroachment on culture and daily life.

The big cities are incredibly cosmopolitan and it is unhelpful to suggest that her dress should assume Nigeria is reactionary or Conservative in the same way as the muslim theocracies.

Show quote history

I don’t think anyone is suggesting Nigeria is a theocracy.

But I would be surprised if a visiting dignitary or official to the U.K. turned up to their engagement in a strappy top or boob tube.

I appreciate Nigeria is a hotter country but I would assume the standards are still high for official events, especially judging by the (stunning) smart outfits worn by everyone greeting them.

Tbh I’ve been blown away by the style and have spent the last 10 minutes scrolling the photos to see what the ladies are wearing

EdgarsTale · 12/05/2024 11:53

It’s astonishing how she can get it so wrong. I mean the red dress is so unflattering & looks like an under-slip. The white dress looks like a wedding dress. She shows no respect to local culture or traditions. She could have made a great impression, but sadly she just looks tacky.

Original poster
LateAF · 12/05/2024 11:53

SherlockHomies · 12/05/2024 11:43

That's your opinion and you're entitled to it. I think the problem is you're stating it like a fact?

Either way, I'm sure she got a 'free pass' (to use your phrase) because all the Nigerians around her are adult enough to know that people from different countries, tend to have different styles.

I'm sure (at least I bloody hope) they wouldn't be expected to ditch what they like to wear when visiting the UK?

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No one is expected to ditch their country’s traditional clothes if they come to the UK as long as it’s as conservative (or more conservative) as required for the occasion. But if what they like to wear are strappy mini dresses or vest tops with skinny jeans and they are invited to a state dinner, then they would be expected to ditch the mini dress wouldn’t they? Even in the UK.

In the same way, Meghan wearing those exact same dresses but with sleeves would have made all the difference. But without the sleeves she is being less conservative than the cultural expectation. No one was expecting her to wear traditional wear but to cover up her shoulders would have been respectful. And from a fashion perspective- a bit of colour and pattern would have been the icing on the cake (though not required)!

I like the dresses- I think she looks beautiful but they would have been better with sleeves.

OP posts:
Willyoujustbequiet · 12/05/2024 11:58

fisherking1 · 12/05/2024 09:49

She is incredibly bright. There was intent to the clothing she wore. What that was/is I am not sure. I am a free, black American woman. I am my own woman. I know the media will pick this apart - great publicity. I love these clothes and I will wear what I want?

This was not an accident or an ill-thought out choice of dress, she knew what she was doing.

Edited

Absolutely.

SherlockHomies · 12/05/2024 11:58

LateAF · 12/05/2024 11:53

No one is expected to ditch their country’s traditional clothes if they come to the UK as long as it’s as conservative (or more conservative) as required for the occasion. But if what they like to wear are strappy mini dresses or vest tops with skinny jeans and they are invited to a state dinner, then they would be expected to ditch the mini dress wouldn’t they? Even in the UK.

In the same way, Meghan wearing those exact same dresses but with sleeves would have made all the difference. But without the sleeves she is being less conservative than the cultural expectation. No one was expecting her to wear traditional wear but to cover up her shoulders would have been respectful. And from a fashion perspective- a bit of colour and pattern would have been the icing on the cake (though not required)!

I like the dresses- I think she looks beautiful but they would have been better with sleeves.

Show quote history

Well if only she took fashion advice from you. What on earth was she thinking? She should've done that before the flights were booked 🙄

But I agree with you- on reflection I already asked mumsnet for the thread to be removed as it is quite critical

You said that ^^ 4 hours ago and yet here you are, still piling on the criticism.

JourneyToThePlacentaOfTheEarth · 12/05/2024 11:59

Meghan looks perfect arriving in Lagos wearing the Nigerian skirt she was gifted. I agree with you op, her outfits weren't great. I think it's because she knew it would be really hot so she's dressed in a more relaxed style. Igbos in Nigeria we wear white to funerals so I cringed at her strapless dress that seemed to be all white

Original poster
LateAF · 12/05/2024 12:00

Oriunda · 12/05/2024 11:27

Not going to post pic, but freely available on Twitter. Meghan arrived in Lagos today wearing the traditional wrap she was gifted only yesterday. Great move on her part. No room for the critics now, surely?

Just seen it and she looks great in it. Very respectful and complimentary decision on her part to wear it during the tour.

OP posts:
Willmafrockfit · 12/05/2024 12:02

can you link a photo of her in the Nigerian outfit she was gifted

YaMuvva · 12/05/2024 12:02

YANBU, the clothing is not appropriate

I do like the light brown dress and necklace though but for another occasion. It’s a shame she didn’t wear traditional dress especially when she claims she is Nigerian herself

YaMuvva · 12/05/2024 12:04

Willmafrockfit · 12/05/2024 12:02

can you link a photo of her in the Nigerian outfit she was gifted

This is the wrap.

Sorry but it’s weird to wear it with what is basically a work shirt. So mismatched.

To think Meghan should have chosen a Nigerian stylist
Original poster
LateAF · 12/05/2024 12:05

SherlockHomies · 12/05/2024 11:58

Well if only she took fashion advice from you. What on earth was she thinking? She should've done that before the flights were booked 🙄

But I agree with you- on reflection I already asked mumsnet for the thread to be removed as it is quite critical

You said that ^^ 4 hours ago and yet here you are, still piling on the criticism.

Show quote history

Ahaha I wish I could be a stylist - but doubt I’d do as good a job as she/ her stylist does on her other visits.

like I said I intended this to be a fashion critique - the thread still stands so I’m still responding to give context to my initial comments which come from a place of critique rather than criticism.

And she’s worn the traditional skirt she was gifted yesterday to Lagos airport today with a long sleeved shirt. Seems like she’s taken on board any comments she’s had (a pp put quoted a statement she made yesterday admitting she should have worn more colour)! Seems like she just didn’t know about the cultural differences, and I think her lighthearted response and correction of her outfit choices while still on the tour is the perfect response!

OP posts:
Original poster
LateAF · 12/05/2024 12:07

YaMuvva · 12/05/2024 12:04

This is the wrap.

Sorry but it’s weird to wear it with what is basically a work shirt. So mismatched.

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I think she looks great. She may not have had another top to wear with it- they didn’t gift her a two piece.

OP posts:
YaMuvva · 12/05/2024 12:07

Just googled clothes from the tour and this popped up - I’m not a Diana sycophant by any means but how nice is this dress she wore in 1990!

Does anyone know where these dresses end up going?

To think Meghan should have chosen a Nigerian stylist
YaMuvva · 12/05/2024 12:08

LateAF · 12/05/2024 12:07

I think she looks great. She may not have had another top to wear with it- they didn’t gift her a two piece.

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I find it hard to believe the only tip she had was a white shirt, I’m sure she’s brought plenty with her

Westfacing · 12/05/2024 12:10

I was surprised at the backless dress, but she can't do right for doing wrong no matter what she does or wears!

They both look relaxed and happy - what a pity things didn't work out for them within the RF and they left for Canada/USA. Visiting Commonwealth countries and the like as working royals could have been a successful venture and an asset to the RF, but it seems it wasn't what H&M wanted.

I'm sure they're happy in the US but wonder if they ever regret not giving things time to settle down instead of upping sticks so quickly.

I would have like to have seen Meghan in full royal regalia at State banquets wearing sashes and tiaras like Kate!

YaMuvva · 12/05/2024 12:11

EdgarsTale · 12/05/2024 11:53

It’s astonishing how she can get it so wrong. I mean the red dress is so unflattering & looks like an under-slip. The white dress looks like a wedding dress. She shows no respect to local culture or traditions. She could have made a great impression, but sadly she just looks tacky.

Meghan has an incredible figure and is a beautiful woman so I’m always surprised when she wears clothing that is so, so unflattering. She seems to choose clothes that make her look flat chested and boxy.

I loved her wedding dress though, it’s by far the best Royal wedding dress IMO - classic and beautiful and I know she got stick for it being baggy but I disagree, that’s how wedding dresses SHOULD be we are just used to seeing women stuffed into them like sausages!

Februaryfeels · 12/05/2024 12:14

KeinLiebeslied54321 · 12/05/2024 08:07

Has Meghan "bashing for the sake of it' not gone out of fashion yet?

Still in fashion it appears.

And creeping onto AIBU

JourneyToThePlacentaOfTheEarth · 12/05/2024 12:14

I really don't think this is about policing Women's bodies. Im a woman of Nigerian heritage but I was born and brought up in London. when a colleague invited me to a black tie event I spent a long time goggling what to wear, dress length etc as well as which fork to use, which knife, napkin on lap, don't start eating until all plates arrived etc etc

Although I was born here I was raised by Nigerians who do things differently at dinner so I informed myself and bought a dress from Ebay to fit the occasion. This was out of respect to the hosts. I see this as the same

x2boys · 12/05/2024 12:16

EdgarsTale · 12/05/2024 11:53

It’s astonishing how she can get it so wrong. I mean the red dress is so unflattering & looks like an under-slip. The white dress looks like a wedding dress. She shows no respect to local culture or traditions. She could have made a great impression, but sadly she just looks tacky.

It's astonishing how fucking nasty some posters are about whatever she does or wear,s ,and will take every opportunity to rip her to shreds

Bellevu · 12/05/2024 12:22

EdgarsTale · 12/05/2024 11:53

It’s astonishing how she can get it so wrong. I mean the red dress is so unflattering & looks like an under-slip. The white dress looks like a wedding dress. She shows no respect to local culture or traditions. She could have made a great impression, but sadly she just looks tacky.

My family are local and I'm saying AGAIN Meghan did NOT breach any local customs or traditions.

No one in my family WhatsApp chats or the daily newsround that landed in my mailbox is even hinting she mocked any type of tradition.

Thank you to another poster who shared a photo of Diana on a previous official royal visit with Nigerians. Gasp. She has bare shoulders. Was Diana also ignoring 'protocol', 'advice' or 'tradition'? Of course, Diana was not black, so has magical racial ability to avoid being pilloried and hounded that Meghan ends up with even as other royals do the same. Nothing to do with race...

Original poster
LateAF · 12/05/2024 12:28

Bellevu · 12/05/2024 12:22

My family are local and I'm saying AGAIN Meghan did NOT breach any local customs or traditions.

No one in my family WhatsApp chats or the daily newsround that landed in my mailbox is even hinting she mocked any type of tradition.

Thank you to another poster who shared a photo of Diana on a previous official royal visit with Nigerians. Gasp. She has bare shoulders. Was Diana also ignoring 'protocol', 'advice' or 'tradition'? Of course, Diana was not black, so has magical racial ability to avoid being pilloried and hounded that Meghan ends up with even as other royals do the same. Nothing to do with race...

Show quote history

No idea at what Diana wore as I wasn’t even born then. It’s not current is it and I have no idea how the dress was received at the time, so it’s not too relevant to this thread.

Some of my Nigerian family have commented- their view is she’s doing a great job, very proud but her dresses are a tad revealing. But then they all are religious so maybe depends on then specific Nigerian communities…many of which are religious.

Just want to make a correction. I said that I would have liked to see her wear clothes but Nigerian designers but just seen that the red dress she wore yesterday was by a Nigerian designer- so I was wrong in that criticism.

OP posts:
KeinLiebeslied54321 · 12/05/2024 12:33

Februaryfeels · 12/05/2024 12:14

Still in fashion it appears.

And creeping onto AIBU

Show quote history

Yes, my comment was more a rhetorical question, being as it's clearly evident on the thread.

(I don't have feelings either way toward MM, being as I've never met her/don't know her, just sick of pointless and unfounded opinions from other folk who also don't know her)

Ireolu · 12/05/2024 12:36

She is wearing something typically Nigerian on touching down in Lagos. I am of the opinion that she shd be comfortable. They are representing themselves and not the BRF.

Noseyoldcow · 12/05/2024 12:58

Well, it's not a royal tour, though maybe someone should have told the Nigerians that......
On a private tour Meghan she can wear whatever she wants. And clearly she has. But the lovely Nigerian ladies are sure well and truly out shining her clothes wise, so a Nigerian stylist and some decent underwear would have stood her in good stead.