Stop everything! Meghan Markle made a surprise appearance at the 2018 British Fashion Awards in London on Monday, December 10, to present Givenchy creative director Clare Waight Keller (you know, the woman the Duchess tapped to design her royal wedding gown) with the British Designer of the Year Award. And, in addition to showing off her burgeoning baby bump in a one-shoulder haute couture gown by the French fashion house, the former Suits actress sent the internet into a tizzy with … her nail polish choice.
While there is no formal rule we can find on the matter, royal protocol seems to suggest that members of the family keep their nails manicured in neutral (read: barely there) polish colors (Queen Elizabeth II, for one, is an Essie Ballet Slippers devotee), but the Duchess of Sussex opted for a trendier deep onyx-like shade that complemented her black velvet dress at the super stylish event.
And let Us not forget about her matching pedicure. Since the mom to be opted to wear strappy gold Tamara Mellon sandals instead of pumps, the world got a glimpse at her royal toes, which were seemingly painted in the same dark color.
The look, complete with a sleek (not messy!) bun, glowing makeup and brushed gold jewelry made by artisans in Afghanistan, was all kinds of black tie chic, and one of many examples in which Markle has pushed boundaries with her fashion choices.
Just last month, the newly minted royal bared her shoulders in a $1,149 shimmering black and white tropical-print peplum top by Safiyaa at the Royal Variety Performance, and she’s made headlines before for showing off her décolleté at official engagements. And there are plenty of other ways she’s been changing royal style.
So while we doubt the Duchess set out to make some grand statement with her nail color choice at the British Fashion Awards, she is certainly redefining the neutral nail, and we would love to see more royal-approved mani/pedi trends from the palace in the future. Perhaps a sapphire blue polish on Duchess Kate to match that gorgeous engagement ring?! At this, anything could happen (in the nail department, at least!).
