Meghan Markle’s Glamorous Gala Night Overshadowed by Fashion Comparisons

In a dazzling display of style, Meghan Markle graced New York City on Tuesday to receive a Women of Vision award at an upscale gala.

Accompanied by her husband, Prince Harry, and her mother, Doria Ragland, the Duchess of Sussex turned heads in a stunning gold ensemble that reportedly cost around $12,000.

However, the evening was not without its controversies, as comparisons to Kate Middleton's iconic fashion choices sparked heated discussions online.

Arriving at the venue through the less-than-glamorous Hertz car rental area, Meghan showcased a custom version of a $1,850 gown from Colombian designer Joanna Ortiz.

True to the evening's feminist theme, she chose a dress from a women-owned brand, but with a twist.

Meghan opted to remove the original straps of the dress, allowing her sun-kissed skin to take center stage and highlight her California glow.

Sticking to the golden theme, she paired her eye-catching midi dress, which featured a daring front slit, with chic gold strappy heels from Tom Ford.

This fashion choice certainly made a statement, but it also drew attention for all the wrong reasons.

Some critics were quick to point out that Meghan's look paled in comparison to that of Princess Catherine, who had dazzled in a golden gown at the London premiere of “No Time to Die” just a year prior.

Joanna Ortiz, the designer behind Meghan's gown, found herself in a bit of a predicament.

Despite being celebrated for her work, she expressed embarrassment over the comparisons between Meghan's dress and the elegant attire worn by the Princess of Wales.

On her website, Ortiz lamented how her designs were being measured against Catherine's exquisite taste, stating that the Duchess of Cambridge's previous look was truly exceptional.

The online discourse didn't stop there.

Many fans of both duchesses took to social media to voice their opinions, with some claiming that Meghan's outfit bore striking similarities to Kate's yellow dress.

The latter wowed audiences in a stunning gold, beaded Jenny Packham gown that featured a dramatic cape, leaving Meghan's ensemble looking somewhat lackluster in comparison.

Critics went further, arguing that Meghan's fashion choices often seem to mimic those of Princess Catherine.

They pointed out that her attempts to replicate styles lack the same grace and elegance that Catherine effortlessly exudes.

Comments ranged from calling Meghan's dress “tacky and cheap” to asserting that she simply doesn't possess the same figure or poise as the Duchess of Cambridge.

Amidst the backlash, some supporters of Meghan argued that she has her own unique style, but the comparisons continue to dominate discussions.

Observers noted that while Meghan does have a figure that could potentially pull off various outfits, it seems that many of her choices fall flat compared to her royal counterpart.

Interestingly, Joanna Ortiz's designs have been donned by numerous celebrities, including Kate Hudson and Gwyneth Paltrow, who was recently spotted in one of Ortiz's creations.

Paltrow had shared a lovely moment on Instagram wearing a blue and white dress from the brand, showcasing its versatility and appeal among Hollywood's elite.

The brand even made an appearance at Meghan and Harry's wedding in 2018, when Delfina Blackear wore one of Ortiz's designs during the evening reception.

Yet, the current situation highlights the ongoing scrutiny Meghan faces as she navigates her role in the public eye.

As the fashion debate rages on, it's clear that Meghan Markle's choices will continue to be analyzed and critiqued.

Whether she can carve out her own niche in the fashion world remains to be seen, but for now, the comparisons to Kate Middleton are hard to ignore.

The evening may have been meant to celebrate women's achievements, but it also served as a reminder of the high stakes involved in royal fashion.