LONDON • Which designer stands to earn a crowning moment in his or her career?

For the fashion world, when American actress Meghan Markle marries Britain's Prince Harry in less than two months' time, there is only one issue that matters - the person who will design her gown.

British newspapers have been rife with rumours that she has chosen the dress and already attended her first fitting.

One name suggested is Stella McCartney, who was behind British human rights lawyer Amal Clooney's cream-coloured trouser suit for her civil marriage to actor George Clooney, as well as the coat Markle wore on a visit to Cardiff earlier this year.

British-Australian brand Ralph & Russo is another contender after Markle, 36, chose a dress made by the duo for her official engagement portraits.

The venue for the wedding, Windsor Castle, could also be a factor, said Ms Anna McGregor, curator of London's luxury wedding department store, The Wedding Gallery.

"She's getting married in the chapel at Windsor. So, you need to find something that's going to work for that location," she said.

For fashion brands, having apparel seen on a member of Britain's royal family can lead to a spike in sales.

Prince William's wife, Kate Middleton, has become a fashion icon since she got married in 2011, with huge interest in her choice of outfits for official engagements.

British retailer Marks & Spencer received a publicity boost in January when Markle was photographed wearing one of its jumpers during a visit to a London radio station.

Similarly, Canadian luxury outerwear brand Sentaler got a lift last year when she wore one of its coats to a Christmas church service attended by the royal family.

REUTERS