Richard Christensen has accused Meghan Markle of mimicking his brand, Flamingo Estate, after he declined to collaborate with her.
Speculation is rife about the nature of Meghan Markle's new lifestyle brand. However, insiders suggest it draws inspiration from another Instagram-perfect Californian brand. Markle's own brand has debuted on Instagram, but there are whispers that it may have drawn influence from a rustic Californian brand, hinting at potential plagiarism.
In a recently released trailer, Markle is depicted in a kitchen, wearing a ball gown, arranging flowers, and stirring a pot to the tune of "I Wish You Love" by Nancy Wilson, fueling speculation that her brand, American Riviera Orchard, will focus on cooking. Trademark applications suggest the brand will offer cookbooks and homewares like jellies and marmalades.
Many avid followers suspect Markle may have borrowed ideas from Flamingo Estate, a luxury goods brand founded in 2020 by stylist Richard Christensen. Flamingo Estate specializes in selling soaps, candles, and other products sourced from lush orchards and gardens in Los Angeles.
Celebrities such as Chrissy Teigen and Will Ferrell endorse Flamingo Estate, with Martha Stewart even contributing to their cookbook. Rachel Strugatz, an entertainment writer, revealed that Markle expressed interest in becoming an active partner in Flamingo Estate in 2022. Despite multiple meetings, no partnership materialized, leading to speculation about Markle's motivations.
Markle has been labeled an influencer due to her activities on The Tig, a platform she once managed. Despite this, some critics argue she lacks originality and relies on a victim narrative. Rumors circulate about her potential earnings from Instagram posts, with estimates reaching up to $1 million per post. However, achieving such figures would require a substantial following. Markle's aspirations to rival successful brands like Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop and Jessica Alba's Honest Company have fallen short, with her new venture failing to match the success of The Tig.
