Meghan Markle pairs her $9,000 gown with vintage onyx and diamond jewellery from the 1970s for gala honouring Beyonce's mother
Meghan Markle strayed from her minimalist fashion sensibilities for her most recent red carpet event. The Duchess of Sussex, 44, channelled 'Old Hollywood' glamour as she made a solo appearance at the Fifteen Percent Pledge fundraising gala in Los Angeles on Saturday night. In a nod to the organisation's mission supporting black-owned brands and businesses, Meghan wore a custom Charles Harbison strapless gown and cape worth nearly $9,000. While the outfit drew mixed reviews online, the Duchess's choice of jewellery was widely praised as fans noticed her 'exquisite' vintage accessories sourced by a Beverly Hills-based atelier. The former Suits actress donned onyx and diamond pendant earrings with a fluted bomb ring, circa 1970s, from Maison Mèrenor, with the set estimated to be worth between £12,000 and £20,000. Its founder, Amie Satchu, documented Meghan's look on the Californian estate jewellery brand's Instagram page on Sunday. One carousel post included photos of the Duchess taken at the gala and was captioned: 'Meghan Markle steps into the spotlight at the Fifteen Pecent Pledge Gala, channelling the timeless allure of Old Hollywood.'The brand also posted a video of Meghan's best red carpet moments from the event while praising her 'incredibly elegant' look. The Duchess of Sussex, 44, channelled 'Old Hollywood' glamour as she made a solo appearance at the Fifteen Percent Pledge fundraising gala in Los Angeleson Saturday night While the outfit drew mixed reviews online, the Duchess's choice of jewellery was widely praised as fans noticed her 'exquisite' vintage accessories sourced by a Beverly Hills-based atelierAttending the event without husband Prince Harry, Meghan opted for a $4,195 (around £3,100) floor-length pink dress from Charles Harbison's eponymous brand. She paired it with Harbison Studio's $4,495 'Galaxy' cape, with a long trail and dramatic, puffed sleeves. She finished her look with the onyx accessories that were a 'study in controlled elegance and intention,' according to jewellery expert Nilesh Rakholia. The founder of Abelini, Mr Rakholia praised Meghan's decision to wear pieces that aligned 'with the purpose of the evening' rather than creating a red carpet 'spectacle'. He told the Daily Mail: 'Meghan’s jewellery styling reflects a broader shift we’re seeing at purpose-led events: luxury expressed through refinement, not excess. 'The pieces are elegant, intentional, and quietly assured, proving that sometimes the strongest statement jewellery can make is knowing when to step back.'The founder of the New York-based luxury womenswear label is a favourite of stars including Beyonce and Mindy Kaling - who appeared on Meghan's Netflix show - as well as Olympic gymnast Simone Biles. Dripping in jewellery, Meghan appeared relaxed at the gala honouring Beyonce's mother, Tina Knowles, for her leadership, advocacy, and commitment to empowering Black communities and creators.The Fifteen Percent Pledge is a foundation focused on building sustainable, thriving networks where Black-owned businesses can flourish.Founded by Canadian creative director Aurora James, the charity works with businesses to support and advance equity.The charity's name is a nod to the 'Black people who make up 15 per cent of the US population'.The gala hosted by CNN news anchor Abby Phillip is part of the 15th Street Block Party Weekend at Paramount Studios. The former Suits actress donned onyx and diamond pendant earrings with a fluted bomb ring, circa 1970s, from Maison Mèrenor A closer look at Meghan's statement ring Meghan joined British fashion entrepreneur Emma Grede, as well as celebrities such as Winnie Harlow, Chloe Bailey, and Zendaya's stylist Law Roach at the high-profile event on Saturday. The designer behind Meghan's couture gown, Charles Harbison, was also present and posted an Instagram story of him and the Duchess hugging and holding hands at the gala. The clip is captioned: 'Me and the duchess in @harbison.studio.' The event follows the charity's fourth annual gala last weekend, attended by the likes of Kelly Rowland and Kim Kardashian.It comes after Meghan recently revealed her early Valentine's Day surprise for husband, Prince Harry. A clip posted to Instagram documented Meghan walking up to a beaming Prince Harry, who was busy working at a desk in his home office, with a selection of chocolate bars from her lifestyle brand, As Ever. In the short video, Meghan approaches Harry and hands over the chocolate - to which the Prince says 'Oh' before turning his response into an 'Oooh' and picking out a bar.He then says 'love you', with a cheeky smile still on his face.The bars of chocolate - which sold out within minutes following their initial release - use Meghan's 'signature ingredients' from her As Ever brand such as raspberry spread and flower sprinkles, to 'spark a little sweet nostalgia'.Meghan also gave fans a glimpse inside Harry's 'man cave' in their Montecito home - complete with a model helicopter, a poster with the word 'Papa' on it, and the prince's military badges.
