Meghan Markle Turns Heads in a Custom Look While Supporting the Fifteen Percent Pledge
Paramount Studios in Los Angeles set the scene for a night focused on purpose, fashion, and community as the 15 Percent Pledge hosted its annual gala. The event, held on February 7, brought together leaders from business, fashion, and entertainment to spotlight Black-owned brands and continued economic change. CNN anchor Abby Phillip hosted the evening, according to coverage shared by the organization and attending designers.
One of the most meaningful moments of the night came when Tina Knowles received the gala’s top honor. She was recognized for years of advocacy for Black designers and entrepreneurs, as well as her leadership behind the scenes in creative industries. Guests gave her a standing ovation as her influence was celebrated across generations.
Duchess Meghan arrived later in the evening and immediately drew attention with her elegant look. She wore a custom strapless gown designed by Charles Harbison, created especially for the gala’s black tie Black designer theme. The soft oyster-colored dress featured a clean column shape with a sweetheart neckline outlined in black piping.
Meghan paired the gown with a dramatic black velvet and silk shawl that flowed behind her as she walked the green carpet. Her styling stayed timeless, with her hair pulled back into a smooth chignon and vintage black onyx and diamond drop earrings completing the look. She attended the event on her own and posed for photos with Emma Grede, a board member of the 15 Percent Pledge.
Designer Charles Harbison shared his excitement ahead of the event on social media. He wrote that the lead-up had been intense but said the final fitting went beautifully, calling the gown one of the ones I am most proud of. Harbison also dressed model Winnie Harlow for the gala, marking a strong night for his studio.
The gala capped off a full weekend of events tied to the organization’s mission. Earlier activities included the 15th Street Block Party, which highlighted Black-owned businesses and community voices. Since launching in 2020, the 15 Percent Pledge says it has helped shift billions of dollars toward Black founders.
Meghan Markle was stunning as she stepped out for the 2026 Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala, which honored Tina Knowles in LA on Saturday. 🖤✨ pic.twitter.com/FNcdmg9lKf
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) February 8, 2026
Outside of the gala, Meghan is heading into a busy year of personal projects. She recently rebranded her lifestyle company to As Ever, expanding it into a broader global brand. The first product drop is expected in March and will include home items, garden pieces, and her well-known fruit preserves.
Meghan is also returning to the screen as the executive producer and lead of the upcoming Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. The show focuses on cooking, gardening, and friendship, and reflects the values she often speaks about publicly. It follows her recent work with Prince Harry on the documentary Cookie Queens, which premiered at Sundance in January.
She is also a producer on Polo, a five-part Netflix documentary series released through Archewell Productions. The series looks at elite polo players competing at the US Open Polo Championship and highlights the intensity of the sport behind the glamour.
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