Meghan has recently unveiled her latest venture into the lifestyle industry: the American Riviera Orchard brand.
However, the reception has been less than stellar, likened to the disappointment of finding a soggy sandwich at a picnic. Joanna Gaines, renowned for her expertise in lifestyle branding, didn't hold back in throwing shade at what she perceives as a branding catastrophe. The brand's name, reminiscent of something one might stumble upon in a poorly translated tourist menu, has faced widespread criticism for its apparent detachment from reality.
In her infinite wisdom, Meghan took to Instagram to offer a sneak peek into her grand vision. It seems to involve a rather extravagant portrayal of life, with images of her roaming her sprawling 14-million-dollar mansion in ball gowns. However, this portrayal seems far removed from the everyday experiences of the average person. The moniker "American Riviera Orchard," inspired by her local Santa Barbara's nickname, aims to capture the scenic beauty of the area but falls short, sounding both verbose and devoid of meaning to the average consumer.
The brand, dubbed "bi by Megan, The Duchess of Sussex," established in 2024, exudes an aura of unearned prestige. Its website, adorned with a logo reminiscent of royalty, has left many perplexed. The question of what exactly American Riviera Orchard represents—a hotel, a wine label, or a blog—remains unanswered, leaving critics and consumers alike scratching their heads. The venture's promotional video, featuring Meghan in opulent attire, has drawn mockery for its evident disconnection from the realities of everyday life.
Comparisons have been drawn to Blake Lively's failed venture, Preserve, which similarly struggled to resonate with audiences. Social media users have expressed confusion and irritation, labeling the brand as pretentious, nonsensical, and a transparent attempt to capitalize on Meghan's duchess title for commercial gain. The decision to label a small section of California as the "American Riviera" reflects a narrow-minded, American-centric perspective, disregarding the existence of other rivieras in the US and Mexico.
Meghan's insistence on this name despite its absurdity suggests a lack of critical feedback in her inner circle. Joanna Gaines' critique encapsulates the widespread bewilderment and disapproval surrounding Meghan's latest foray into lifestyle branding. The name "American Riviera Orchard" fails to provide any meaningful insight into the brand's identity, except perhaps Meghan's desperate attempt to leverage her royal status for commercial success.
Ultimately, this branding debacle underscores Meghan's failure to connect with the audience she claims to serve, solidifying her reputation as an out-of-touch Duchess of Sussex.
