Designer of Meghan Markle's pregnancy announcement dress says the outfit sent a 'powerful message'

• Meghan Markle wore a sleeveless Carolina Herrera dress to announce her second pregnancy.
• The dress was custom-made for Markle when she was pregnant with Archie in 2018.
• The designer, Wes Gordon, said Markle made a statement by wearing a dress she's had for years.

Meghan Markle wore a dress with a special meaning to announce that she's expecting her second child with Prince Harry.

The couple announced their pregnancy news on February 14 with a black-and-white photo that shows Markle resting her hand on her stomach.

"We can confirm that Archie is going to be a big brother. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to be expecting their second child," a spokesperson for the couple told Insider.

A post shared by Misan Harriman (@misanharriman)

In the picture, Markle is wearing a sleeveless, white Carolina Herrera dress that was designed by the brand's creative director, Wes Gordon. The outfit was actually custom-made for her when she was pregnant with Archie in 2018.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Gordon said Markle's look sent an important message about sustainability.

"The number one thing someone can do for sustainability is hold on to those pieces you buy and use them for a longer amount of time," he told the publication. "That's why I think what Meghan did is such a powerful message. She wore a dress that's no less beautiful, because it's two years old ... it makes her feel no less special or no less happy."

Harry and Markle's second pregnancy announcement was packed with subtle messages

The photo was shot remotely from London by Misan Harriman, a Nigerian-born British photographer and longtime friend of the couple. Harriman used an iPad to take the photo of Markle and Harry under a tree in Santa Barbara, California. He told British Vogue the setting was chosen on purpose.

"With the tree of life behind them and the garden representing fertility, life, and moving forward, they didn't need any direction, because they are, and always have been, waltzing through life together as absolute soulmates," he said.

The fact that Markle and Harry announced their pregnancy on Valentine's Day could have also been a nod to Princess Diana, according to Elle. The late royal and Prince Charles announced they were expecting their second child, Prince Harry, on February 14, 1984. He was born a few months later on September 15, 1984.

Representatives for Carolina Herrera and Wes Gordon did not respond to Insider's request for comment.