Meghan Markle sent a “hidden message” with her latest solo red carpet appearance last weekend, it has been claimed. The Duchess of Sussex attended the Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala last Saturday. The event took place at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles and celebrated black-owned businesses.

Meghan looked elegant in a custom-made cream and black gown from Harbison Studio, which featured a dramatic black cape placed on her arms. She finished the look with a pair of black heeled sandals and statement black earrings.

According to reports, Meghan’s striking ensemble sent a “subtle yet powerful” statement.

Harbison Studio is a Los Angeles-based luxury label founded by African-American designer Charles Harbison.

The Fifteen Percent pledge, a charity which encourages retailers to pledge at least 15% of their shelf-space to black-owned businesses, hosted the gala during Black History Month, which is celebrated in February in the US.

According to GB News, Meghan’s decision to wear Habison Studio aligned with the evening’s principles, adding “additional weight” to her sartorial decision.

The report said: “Meghan’s decision to wear a creation by a black designer at an event promoting equity for black entrepreneurs sent a clear message of endorsement.”

Meanwhile, Meghan’s sartorial choice gained mixed reviews from fans, as while some loved it, others were not as impressed and said the garment was not tailored to her body shape.

One user wrote on X: “What a hideously terrible dress! It’s horribly fitted and makes her look like a bit of a linebacker by accentuating her wide shoulders and large rib cage. Oh, that’s all sorts of awful.”

A second user commented: “I think the dress itself was fine, but I feel the fabric was too heavy. You can tell it was off the rack and not made for her and she definitely didn’t have a(sic) tailored. She did not show it to its full potential at all, and that black cloak train thing was ridiculous.”

Meanwhile, another user wrote on Instagram: “So stunning! I especially love how the dress and the shawl are perfectly proportioned to her petite frame. Iconic!”

A second one added: “So serene and elegant. This designer more than did her Justice.”