Meghan Markle stuns in her Givenchy wedding dress

The dress didn’t disappoint.

After months of speculation over what Meghan Markle would wear wearing a gown from the storied French house Givenchy (rumored contenders included Ralph & Russo, Erdem and Stella McCartney).

Designed by the brand’s artistic director, Clare Waight Keller, the silhouette was relaxed, minimal and modern, much like the woman wearing it. Finished in a bright white, double-bonded silk cady, complete with a bateau neckline and three-quarter-length sleeve, the gown — which she wore with a pair of white satin Givenchy pumps — channeled another famous actress, Audrey Hepburn (who was recently deceased Hubert de Givenchy’s most famous muse).

Classic. Iconic. American.

Markle’s decision to work with a female designer was meaningful. Keller is British but has an extensive fashion resume at major fashion labels, such as Pringle of Scotland and Chloé. She is also the first woman to be appointed artistic director at Givenchy.

Also symbolic was Markle’s choice in accessories. A statement from Kensington Palace said that the veil — made of a delicate silk tulle that contrasted beautifully with her structured gown — was hand embroidered with flowers, each of which represented the 53 countries of the Commonwealth (a nod to Harry, who is Commonwealth Youth Ambassador). The shrub Wintersweet (found on the grounds of Kensington Palace, the newlyweds’ home) and the California Poppy (the state flower of Markle’s birthplace) were also represented. At over 16 feet long, the grand length evoked Harry’s mum Princess Diana’s famously long veil from her wedding day. A subtle but memorable homage.

Markle cinched her veil with a tiara borrowed from Queen Elizabeth. The headpiece was made in 1932, but the center brooch dates from 1893. Though it was made entirely of diamonds, it didn’t overwhelm Markle’s sparkle. Neither did the Cartier diamond studs and bracelet she accessorized with. They only added to her radiant smile.

The takeaway was clear: The narrative of this royal wedding — in all of the ways it broke with convention — was never going to be just about the dress. Instead, it was about the woman in the dress, and the path she looks to forge one ground-breaking step at a time.