Does the bride have one last secret to spring on big day?

IT IS either the best or the worst kept secret in fashion this year.

If Meghan Markle arrives at St George’s chapel wearing a dress designed by Ralph & Russo, it will be confirmation of a choice that has been widely rumoured in recent months. If it is by anyone else, it will be a feat of discretion and subterfuge.

Ralph & Russo first became serious contenders for the commission after Ms Markle chose an embellished black chiffon gown from the AW16 couture collection for her engagement portraits. Despite controversy over the dress’s rumoured £56,000 price tag, Ms Markle appears not have to have been deterred from mirroring Diana, Princess of Wales’ decision to wear pieces by her wedding dress designer before the big day. Diana wore a blouse and a black taffeta evening gown by the Emanuels before they went on to create her era-defining bridal outfit.

The fashion industry has become a hotbed of speculation with names from Erdem to Roland Mouret and Burberry all mooted as contenders. Last night it was reported in the US that Stella Mccartney was the designer. It is believed that Ms Markle may have commissioned several options for the evening.

In an interview with Stella last week, Russo told of his plans to build a global luxury superbrand. “We had to start with couture to build an aspiration,” he said. A royal wedding dress would no doubt help things along nicely, too.