News Meghan Markle Delivers Speech on Women's Suffrage in Custom Gabriela Hearst LBD By Alicia Brunker Alicia Brunker Instagram Alicia Brunker is a freelance writer who covers celebrity, royal, and fashion news for InStyle.com. She joined InStyle's digital team in 2017, and previously contributed to ELLE, T: The New York Times Style Magazine, and WWD. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on October 28, 2018 @ 11:00AM Pin Share Tweet Email Meghan Markle continues to prove that she's a pro at public speaking. After touching down in New Zealand, Meghan and Prince Harry attended a reception at the Government House, where the Duchess of Sussex delivered a powerful speech about feminism — and she had the perfect dress for the occasion. It's probably not a coincidence that she wore a Gabriela Hearst LBD with custom cap sleeves while speaking about a woman's right to vote, as Hearst is known for weaving feminist undertones into her creations. Pool/Getty Images The American designer crafted a collection of handbags that paid tribute to working women in the '40s and also made pieces inspired by feminist leaders, such as Angela Davis and senator Kamala Harris. The expectant mom accessorized the dress's neckline with a traditional Maori necklace and left her hair down around her shoulders. During her address to the audience for New Zealand's 125th anniversary of women's suffrage, Meghan praised the country for its forward-thinking view. “We are proud to be able to join you tonight in celebrating the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage in your country,” she began per People. “The achievements of the women of New Zealand who campaigned for their right to vote, and were the first in the world to achieve it, are universally admired,” the duchess continued. “In looking forward to this very special occasion, I reflected on the importance of this achievement, but also the larger impact of what this symbolizes.” Pool/Getty Images She added: “Because yes, women’s suffrage is about feminism, but feminism is about fairness. “Suffrage is not simply about the right to vote but also about what that represents: the basic and fundamental human right of being able to participate in the choices for your future and that of your community, the involvement and voice that allows you to be a part of the very world that you are a part of.” She drove her point home, emphasizing that the ability to vote is a basic human right, saying: "Women’s suffrage is not simply about the right to vote for women, but also about what that represents: the basic and fundamental human right of all people, including those members of society who have been marginalized whether for reasons of race, gender, ethnicity or orientation, to be able to participate in the choices for their future and their community.” Meghan Markle Gave an Impromptu Speech at Invictus Games Closing Ceremony, and Nailed It After commending New Zealand for granting the right to vote for women more than a century ago, Meghan concluded her speech by quoting the country's most prominent figure in the women's suffrage movement. "In the words of your suffragette, Kate Sheppard, ‘All that separates, whether of race, class, creed or sex, is inhuman and must be overcome.'” Another stirring speech in the books for this newly-minted royal. Bravo, Meghan!