Meghan Markle attended the "Women in Leadership" panel of 50 Nigerian women in politics, culture, and philanthropy on Saturday, May 11. Wearing minimalist neutrals such as Altuzarra, St. Agni, Heidi Merrick, and Johanna Ortiz, Markle kept her schedule jam-packed with quiet luxury, opting instead for a bright red midi dress with a dramatic, sculptural hem It was.

The Duchess of Sussex explained her decision to wear the red dress by up-and-coming Nigerian designer Orielle during a conversation with media executive Mo Abudu and World Trade Organization Director General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. After all, she used the color to get closer to Nigerian traditions.

According to reports in People and Hello, Markle referred to her wardrobe choices on the trip when asked about revealing her Nigerian heritage." "'It's been a dizzying 24 hours since we arrived,' Markle said." I very quickly got the memo that I needed to wear more colorful clothes so that I could blend in with your fabulous fashion!"

Markle also elaborated on the time she discovered on a genealogy test that she was 43 percent Nigerian and discussed that knowledge with her mother. She said, "Being African-American also means that you don't know a lot about your ancestry, your background, where you come from specifically. And for both of us, it was exciting to discover more and understand what that really meant."

Markle's red dress also demonstrates her resourcefulness in researching travel destinations and choosing designers accordingly. She embraced diplomatic attire during her active royal style years and, on official visits, chose clothing and accessories that had ties to the places she visited and the causes she promoted. Orire, which designed Saturday's red midi, is a female-led brand based in Lagos, Nigeria, and a fitting choice for Markle's first visit. The brand plays with composition and texture with exaggerated ruffle details and specializes in bright, energetic colors. (The company's website also crashed after news that Markle wore its designs)

.

Orire's pieces are available in the U.S. at Nordstrom, Free People, and Shopbop. Like St. Agni and Heidi Merrick, she knows that Markle re-wears designers she really likes, two labels that are repeatedly credited in her closet.

Markle's first visit to Nigeria will conclude on Sunday, May 12, with another day filled with meaningful activities and outfits.