During her whirlwind three-day tour of Nigeria, Meghan Markle made headlines by blending vintage attire with a relaxed, yet somewhat disheveled, aesthetic.
Despite the casual vibe, she didn't shy away from donning over £120,000 worth of jewelry and new wardrobe pieces, including selections from prestigious labels like Carolina Herrera, Alara, and Joanna Ortiz. While her intention was to foster cultural exchange during her visit to Nigeria, it inadvertently transformed into a spectacle of fashion frenzy.
Critics were quick to pounce on Markle's choice to flaunt nine distinct outfits within such a short timeframe, accusing her of trivializing the purpose of her visit and reducing it to a mere fashion show. This backlash was particularly poignant considering Markle's declaration of Nigeria as "my country," signifying her desire for a deeper connection. Despite this, her wardrobe choices seemed to overshadow her diplomatic aspirations.
Markle showcased garments from local Nigerian designers alongside pieces from her favored designers, such as Lagos-based women's wear brand Rear and Santa Barbara designer Heidi Merrick. However, the bulk of the expense accrued from Markle's ensemble stemmed from her lavish jewelry collection, including notable pieces like Princess Diana's £17,800 Cartier watch and a £15,100 Lorraine Schwartz bracelet designed to ward off the evil eye.
A meticulous breakdown of Markle's wardrobe expenditures over the three-day tour revealed staggering sums, including a £78,300 tab for her attire on the first day alone. This expenditure pattern continued, with significant sums allocated to each subsequent day's outfits, culminating in a grand total of £117,270 by the tour's conclusion.
Despite expressing a desire for financial independence, Markle and her partner Prince Harry found themselves embroiled in controversy over the funding of her wardrobe. Reports surfaced suggesting that Markle sought financial support from both the Nigerian government and the Invictus Foundation to foot the bill. Additionally, her sartorial choices drew criticism from her hosts, who found her attire overly revealing and inappropriate for the cultural context.
Throughout the tour, Markle appeared unfazed by the disapproving glances and subtle hints from her hosts regarding her attire. Her insistence on flaunting daring ensembles, characterized by bare shoulders and daring slits, raised eyebrows and discomfort among locals, who deemed her clothing choices disrespectful and out of touch with cultural norms. Despite the silent reproach, Markle remained steadfast in her belief that her bold fashion statements set her apart, oblivious to the cultural sensitivities she inadvertently trampled upon.
