When Meghan Markle embraces a Barbie doll-inspired style, it's a clear indication that Barbie fever has reached an unprecedented peak.
To kickstart her 42nd birthday celebrations, Meghan reportedly arranged an early screening of Greta Gerwig's highly acclaimed Barbie movie at a Santa Barbara theater. Accompanied by Portia de Rossi and a select group of renowned friends on Monday night, she immersed herself in the Barbie-themed ambiance. Meanwhile, Prince Harry opted to stay home but later joined her for a pre-birthday dinner at the Montecito-based Italian restaurant, Tre Lune.
During the dinner, Meghan made a fashion statement by donning a strapless black-and-white striped dress designed by POSSE. The dress featured a pattern reminiscent of Barbie's iconic retro bodysuit, evoking a sense of nostalgia. Completing her look, she accessorized with black thong sandals, a beaded clutch, and a stack of gold bangles adorning her wrist.
This isn't the first time Meghan has incorporated her own refined touch into the Barbiecore aesthetic. In April, she caught attention while attending a Los Angeles Lakers game with Prince Harry. Her ensemble for the occasion included a pink short suit, featuring an oversized blazer paired with a white top and tailored shorts.
Meghan's actual birthday fell on Friday, August 4. According to People magazine, she likely spent the day at home in the company of Harry and their two children, four-year-old Archie and two-year-old Lilibet. While her closest loved ones were by her side, the absence of public birthday wishes from her family across the pond raised eyebrows. Typically, official social media accounts belonging to Prince William, Kate Middleton, King Charles, and Queen Camilla extend their birthday greetings to the Duchess of Sussex. However, this year, no such messages were shared, resulting in a noticeable silence.
In response to the ensuing controversy, royal aides clarified to The Daily Mail that birthday messages are reserved for “working members of the Royal Family.”