Paramount CEO Brian Robbins threw a lavish bash at his Montecito, California home, but one notable absence caught attention: Meghan Markle, the former royal.
Despite her connections and previous involvement with Oprah Winfrey, Markle found herself on the sidelines as Robbins toasted celebrity interior designer Jeremiah Brent. Brent, known for his Netflix show and connections to Winfrey, received glowing endorsements from the media mogul.
Winfrey even features in Brent's latest book, "The Space That Keeps You," where she discusses her own home in an interview with him. Notable guests at the event included Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi, Jordana Brewster, and others. However, Markle and her husband Prince Harry were conspicuously absent, seemingly snubbed by Robbins, perhaps due to lingering controversies surrounding the couple.
Speculation abounds regarding Markle's foray into the lifestyle brand arena. While she aims to emulate the success of lifestyle moguls like Gwyneth Paltrow with her brand, reports suggest it's off to a rocky start. Despite promises of reflecting Markle's loves for family, cooking, entertaining, and home decor, interest seems tepid.
Some have dubbed it "Sussex Goop," hinting at similarities with Paltrow's infamous brand. However, enthusiasm for Markle's products appears low, with little attention given to her cookbooks or home decor offerings. Markle may attribute some of the lackluster response to unfortunate timing, coinciding with announcements regarding health concerns in the royal family.
Yet, establishing herself as a lifestyle authority demands more than just promotional videos; active engagement and promotion are essential, challenges compounded by ongoing distractions in the media. As Markle navigates these hurdles, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on her royal counterparts, leaving her brand struggling to find its footing in the competitive market.
