On Thursday, Meghan unveiled a new website and Instagram page, teasing what seems to be the launch of a lifestyle brand.
While both platforms remain somewhat cryptic, showcasing the phrase "American Riviera Orchard" in elegant gold script font alongside a matching logo, speculation brews about the brand's essence. The anticipation deepens as details from the official trademark application, filed on February 2nd and currently under review by the US Patent and Trademark Office, suggest a broader picture.
American Riviera Orchard ambitiously outlines its scope within the trademark application, listing an array of goods and services. From tableware and cutlery to downloadable and printed cookbooks, the brand's offerings span an eclectic mix. The envisioned collection encompasses not only coffee and tea services but also serving ware, decanters, napkin rings, and more. Beyond the realm of kitchen essentials, the brand seeks to introduce a range of food items, including jellies, jams, marmalades, and edible oils. Intriguingly, the application also hints at retail store services, both physical and online, encompassing food, books, and elegant tablescapes.
Interestingly, Megan's venture into lifestyle branding draws comparisons to Martha Stewart's iconic presence in the domestic realm. Stewart, renowned for her eponymous show "Martha Knows Best" on HGTV, captivated audiences with her pandemic-era activities at a Bedford, New York farm. Through gardening and household projects, Stewart shared her expertise and domestic insights with celebrity guests, including Drew Barrymore and Snoop Dogg. However, accusations of plagiarism arise as critics juxtapose Megan's aspirations with Stewart's established legacy.
Reports suggest that Megan intends to leverage her remaining year under a Netflix contract to challenge America's lifestyle titans, such as Martha Stewart and Joanna Gaines. While her current contract with Netflix, signed in 2020 alongside Prince Harry, extends until the end of 2025, indications point towards a departure from the streaming giant's roster. Instead, Megan aims to position herself as a lifestyle entrepreneur, following in the footsteps of household names like Stewart and Paltrow.
Industry insiders speculate on Megan's potential foray into the lifestyle domain, debating her ability to resonate with audiences authentically. Drawing parallels to Drew Barrymore's natural charm, observers stress the importance of relatability in Megan's endeavor. However, establishing a lifestyle empire akin to Stewart's or Gaines' would require a delicate balance of authenticity and transparency, allowing viewers into her personal life while sharing valuable insights and secrets, as exemplified by the industry's trailblazers.
