Vancouver: During a visit for the 2025 Invictus Games, Meghan Markle wore a vintage-style outfit reminiscent of Princess Diana, stirring royal nostalgia. The Duchess’s elegant ensemble included a distinctive Duccio blazer that echoed Diana’s iconic fashion, showcasing the influence of past style on contemporary royalty.
During a recent visit to Vancouver for the 2025 Invictus Games, Meghan Markle showcased a vintage-inspired look that has captured the attention of royal enthusiasts. Out to watch the finals of wheelchair basketball over the weekend, the Duchess of Sussex opted for an elegant yet understated outfit, which included a navy jumper, flared jeans, and heeled boots. However, it was her distinctive blazer that truly evoked a sense of nostalgia, stirring comparisons to the iconic style of her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.
Markle selected the slate gray, tweed Duccio jacket from Californian brand Dôen, which is characterised by its two lines of faux-leather buttons, exaggerated lapels, and a rich chocolate brown velvet collar. This ensemble elicited a double take among royal watchers due to its striking resemblance to a coat often worn by Diana. The late princess was frequently photographed in her grey pinstripe coat featuring a velvet collar, with her first public appearance in the design taking place during a visit to a health centre in Lisson Grove, London, back in 1984. On that occasion, Diana paired the coat with black heels, a white shirt, and a ribbon bow-tie, highlighting the fashion-forward sensibilities she was known for.
Throughout her life, Diana continued to favour the Jan Van Velden coat, donning it on multiple significant occasions, including a charity event for Barnado’s children’s charity shortly after she debuted a new hairstyle that generated media buzz. The tailored coat, bespoke to her by London-based designer Jan Van Velden, became one of her most beloved pieces and exemplified her affinity for clean lines and polished looks.
The influence of Princess Diana’s timeless style is evident in the wardrobes of her daughters-in-law, as both Meghan Markle and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, have drawn inspiration from her iconic fashion choices. In a notable instance in 2018, Catherine showcased a black-and-white tweed Smythe blazer with a velvet collar during a visit to Essex, echoing the same blend of casual elegance that has become a hallmark of royal fashion.
The interest in vintage aesthetics in modern celebrity wardrobes illustrates the enduring legacy of style icons like Diana. As fashion historians examine these trends, they highlight the interplay between past and present sartorial choices that continue to shape the wardrobes of contemporary figures. Celebrities and influencers alike frequently revisit design elements from iconic fashion eras, lending a retro vibe to their ensembles while making them relevant to today’s audience. This dynamic relationship between vintage styles and contemporary fashion not only commemorates past influences but also reinterprets them for new generations to enjoy.
Source: Noah Wire Services
