Meghan Markle, 42, looked effortlessly beautiful in a series of neutral and bright colored ensembles when she and husband Prince Harry, 39, briefly visited Nigeria on their unofficial royal trip earlier this month.
However, Nigeria’s First Lady may not have been too enamored with the Duchess of Sussex’s wardrobe, as she gave an address referencing American celebrity women’s wardrobes not long after they visited. Coincidence?
Nigeria's First Lady Says 'We Don't Accept Nakedness In Our Culture'
In a powerful speech to mark the first anniversary of her husband President Bola Tinubu's administration earlier this month, Senator Oluremi Tinubu tried to discourage teenagers and young women from being inspired by the risqué wardrobes of Hollywood stars. Although she didn't mention the former Suits actress by name, the timing of the address does seem to suggest that there is some correlation.
"We have to salvage our children," Tinubu reportedly said, according to the New York Post. "We see the way they dress. We are not having the Met Gala. And everyone, the nakedness, is just everywhere and the men are well-clothed."
"Tell them we don't accept nakedness in our culture," she continued, which could have been partly brought on by the sheer dresses that graced this year's Met Gala red carpet, adding: "That is not beautiful. It's not beautiful at all."
Tinubu went on to share some inspirational words for Nigerian women, saying: "They're all beautiful girls, but they should be confident in who they are. We are fashionable, we see what is going on." She added: "When mothers stand with you, the house is in order. Looking ahead, we must endeavor to become the unifying force in our homes and our communities, to bring about greater prosperity for our nation."
Some Of Meghan Markle's Nigeria Wardrobe Was Criticized
The mom-of-two was previously criticized for some of her wardrobe choices during the Nigeria trip, as Nigeria is a predominantly Muslim country and therefore requires more modesty. One of the risqué dresses in question was a halter-neck backless dress, which apparently wouldn't have been chosen had Prince Harry and Meghan still been working members of the royal family. (Check out some more pictures of Meghan in the dress, where her back can be seen a little better, here.)
"As Meghan is no longer a working royal, and this was a private visit, she didn't have to think about royal rules and protocol regarding her clothes," fashion expert Susie Nelson told The Mirror earlier this month. "The blush pink Heidi Merrick dress would not have been seen on an official royal tour having an open back," she continued, adding: "A royal official would have taken note of Nigerian travel site suggestions that modesty in clothing is preferred. I believe Nigeria is predominantly a Muslim country."
Meghan Markle Was Praised For Wearing Bright Colors And Promoting Nigerian Designers
Not every part of Meghan's Nigeria wardrobe was criticized though, as she was praised for embracing Nigerian designers and wearing bright colors, such as the yellow Carolina Herrera dress pictured above. Nelson also praised her bright red dress which was "ethically" created by Nigerian designer Orire, and told The Mirror: "The wearing of bright colors was a good idea, Nigerian clothes are colorful and Meghan wanted to be noticed." She added: "The red dress was by a Nigerian brand Orire, a thoughtful choice."
And Nelson doesn't think that the American Riviera Orchard founder *did* bare too much skin, although perhaps she could have covered up with something like a scarf in some places. "While there is really no dress code in Nigeria, people have been asking if Meghan bared too much skin while attending multiple events or if she broke any of the formal dress codes that the royal family must follow," Nelson said.
"I thought Meghan's style for this trip was timeless, effortless and chic – and she usually doesn't disappoint," Nelson added. "One thing to note is that she was very much dressing for the temperatures in Nigeria which were in the high 30's (Celsius) and very humid. Maybe she could have added a scarf for a little more coverage, but I thought she was respectful and elegant."
