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Duchess Meghan defies expectations in glamorous gold dress to receive epic award

Prince Harry’s wife looked dazzling at the celebratory awards  

Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, at the Women of Vision Awards
Tania Leslau
Lifestyle Writer
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Style runs through her veins, so the Duchess of Sussex’s dazzling appearance on Tuesday was far from a shock. Stepping out in New York to attend the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards where she was named as one of the honourees, Duchess Meghan gleamed as she took her place in the spotlight.

Meghan looked so glamorous as she arrived in a slinky, and strapless, gold mididress by Johanna Ortiz, from a past season, that featured a scallop design and an exposed zipper in the back, as well as discreet cut-out detailing on the torso. 

Doria Ragland, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex attend the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards© Kevin Mazur
Doria Ragland, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex attend the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards

The gorgeous look was paired with Bronze Metallic Lizard-Print Lock High-Heel Sandals by Tom Ford, ($1350) and she accessorized with a Carolina Herrara Metropolitan Insignia’ Small Box Bag in Yellow ($1420).  Meghan styled her raven locks in curls over one shoulder, and her radiant beauty shone through as she kept her make-up neutral and classic, with a bronzed glow and a nude lip.

The mother-of-two frosted herself a Cartier 'Love’ Yellow Gold Bracelet.

If you're feeling inspired by Meghan's golden look, scroll down for gold dresses to shop now...

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 16: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex attend the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards: Celebrating Generations of Progress & Power at Ziegfeld Ballroom on May 16, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Kevi© Kevin Mazur

Duchess Meghan received her award from legendary activist, journalist and feminist icon Gloria Steinem, who is also a co-founder of Ms Foundation. 

The pair previously teamed up for a conversation with Jessica Yellin in 2022, two days after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, to speak about the seismic event, and in 2020 where they discussed the importance of voting ahead of the US election.

In a biography on the Ms. Foundation's website, Meghan is described as "a feminist, champion of human rights and gender equity, and global role model". It adds: "Her lifelong advocacy for women and girls remains a constant thread she weaves through both humanitarian and business ventures".

Meghan Markle© Pool/Samir Hussein
The royal stepped out in New York City on Tuesday evening

Also named among the Women of Vision honourees were LaTosha Brown, Co-founder of Black Voters Matter, Wanda Irving, co-founder of Dr. Shalon's Maternal Action Project and Kimberly Inez McGuire, executive director of Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity.

Meghan’s eveningwear aesthetic follows a much more paired-down look sported by the Californian native earlier this week. On Monday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex paid a visit to a Santa Barbara-based youth groupengaging in a discussion around the pressures of social media, and how it impacts mental wellbeing. 

Meghan wore Diana's diamond bracelet as she and Prince Harry attended the 2021 Salute To Freedom Gala in New York City© Getty
Meghan is a certified red carpet veteran with the wardrobe to match

While fashion likely wasn't on Meghan's agenda as she joined her husband for the poignant discussion, the mother-of-two certainly delivered in the style stakes as she nailed the perfect balance between businesswear and Cali-girl chic. 

On the fashion side of things, Meghan kept things simple in a fitted black bodycon co-ord adorned with clear buttons. She sported Another Tomorrow’s ‘Rib-Knit Henley Top in Black’ paired with Lafayette 148 New York’s ‘Rafferty Midi Skirt in Black.’ Together, the pieces boasted a joint price tag of approximately $1,000 - roughly £800.

The Duke and Duchess were all smiles at the event
The Duchess wowed in all black earler this week


She elevated her low-key look by slipping into Aquazzura’s ‘Purist 105 Nude Nappa Leather Pump’ in a ballet-slipper pink. A sprinkling of Cartier jewels added a decadent touch to her all-black aesthetic.

The Sussexes wrote via the Archewell website: "AWF holds a core belief that mental health is of the utmost importance, and underpins all of our work. 

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"We are regularly meeting with young people, parents, and professionals to understand the challenges they may be facing while working together to drive towards long-term solutions on- and offline."  

Meghan Markle's best throwback red carpet looks:

meghan markle red carpet© Getty Images
Meghan Markle dazzled in gold as she hit the red carpet
meghan markle red carpet© Getty
The Duchess rocked a black LBD with ruffles before she married Prince Harry
meghan markle red carpet© Getty
The royal-to-be dazzled in a red brocade mini dress for an ELLE event

GET THE LOOK: Gold dresses inspired by Meghan to shop now

  • TY Front NK Shirt Mini Dress

    Revolve Norma Kavali TY Front NK Shirt Mini Dress

    This elegant gold dress features a tie at the front which cinches at the waist for a lovely silhouette. It's short in a fun and flirty way and reviews are glowing, with several shoppers saying they're "obsessed" and have never had so many compliments over a dress.

  • Rixo Claudette Gold Bandana Dress

    Rixo Claudette Gold Bandana Dress

    If you're a fan of the Thirties-inspired look, the glam Claudette gold dress is the one for you. It's made of lightweight gold crepe and features a flattering ruched bodice and detachable straps and conceals a strapless bra.

  • Anthropologie gold dress

    Anthropologie Queens of Archive Romy One-Shoulder Mini Dress

    Talk about show-stopping! This gorgeous gold gown is a real attention-grabbing piece, featuring a one-shoulder puff-sleeved design and a thigh-skimming mini skirt and zipper closure.

  • Brandalley Herve Leger Gold Cap Sleeve Foil Bandage Dress

    Brandalley Herve Leger Gold Cap Sleeve Foil Bandage Dress

    This figure-hugging gold mini dress is cut from Herve Leger's signature bandage and features a faux crossover bust, sweetheart neckline, and cap sleeves. Gorgeous, and it's a real bargain too!

  • ASOS Miss Selfridge Embellished Sequin Tiered Mini Dress

    ASOS Miss Selfridge Embellished Sequin Tiered Mini Dress

    Looking for a design that combines gold, sequins and boho style? Then look no further! This dress has a pretty tiered skirt, v-neck and a button keyhole back. It's available in sizes 4-16.

  • Warehouse gold fluid lame maxi dress

    Warehouse Gold Fluid Lamé Maxi Dress

    Kitted out in flowing gold lamé, you'll really feel like the belle of the ball. This gold maxi dress, which features spaghetti straps, would be great styled with either heels or boots and a rockstar belt.

  • New Look Goddiva Gold Bandeau Tiered Hem Maxi Dress

    New Look Goddiva Gold Bandeau Tiered Hem Maxi Dress

    We're getting definite mermaid vibes from this stunning tiered hem maxi dress from New Look. It's made from comfy stretch jersey fabric for a figure-hugging bodycon fit. Pair with some statement earrings for a real VIP look.

  • gold dress revolve

    Bronx and Banco Gold Florence Strapless Gown

    Bronx and Banco's ultra-glam strapless gold dress features a cinched fitted bodice and a pleated skirt, complete with a feminine side slit. The maxi dress would make the perfect investment piece for very specia occasions, and the gold frock would look amazing teamed with a pair of strappy stiletto heels.

  • Selfridges The Vampire's Wife Mettalic Midnight Woven Dress

    Selfridges The Vampire's Wife Mettalic Midnight Woven Dress

    A real investment piece, The Vampire's Wife's gold creation is a dress that will surely stand the test of time. It has gorgeous fluttery sleeves, and a statuesque silhouette stitched with metallic thread that shimmers and flickers all the way to a thigh-grazing, flared skirt.  

  • Club London Anya Sequin Gold Dress

    Club London Anya Sequin Gold Dress

    Shimmering champagne gold sequins cover the fabric of this chic asymmetric dress, which features a draped cowl neckline and delicate cami straps which cross over the back and lace up for a high-impact design. The modest hemline is balanced with a daring thigh split and flattering ruching on the curves.

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