Meghan Markle might be feeling quite frustrated right now, and who could blame her? Netflix has once again managed to stir controversy with a subtle, yet unmistakable, nod to Catherine, the Princess of Wales, in the latest season of "Emily in Paris."
It almost seems as though the streaming giant is relishing in taking a dig at Meghan, especially after her bold pitch for a show that would be a cross between "Emily in Paris" and a show about Meghan herself. In the premiere of "Emily in Paris" season 4, viewers are presented with a sly reference to Princess Catherine during a scene set at the French Open.
Mindy, played by Ashley Park, is seen wearing a pink dress gifted to her by her boyfriend, Nicholas, portrayed by Paul Forman. Emily, played by Lily Collins, comments, "It's a little more Kate Middleton than you normally go, but couture is couture." While this offhand remark might seem innocuous, it’s anything but. It’s a clear homage to Catherine's iconic tennis style, with Mindy's dress, featuring a pastel hue, white trim, and button detailing, strikingly similar to the Balmain dress Catherine wore to Wimbledon in 2023. Netflix, always the provocateur, even confirmed that Mindy's dress is a vintage Balmain, almost as if they're saying, "Look at how effortlessly chic Catherine is," something Meghan might take as a pointed critique.
Let’s face it, if anyone could use a lesson in demure elegance, it’s Meghan Markle. While Catherine epitomizes grace with her carefully curated wardrobe choices, Meghan's style has often ventured into more controversial territory. Catherine’s attire at the wedding of King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan’s son was the pinnacle of sophistication—a flowing, high-neck dress in a soft coral hue that highlighted her elegance and respect for the occasion. It was the embodiment of demure chic. In stark contrast, Meghan’s fashion choices have sometimes strayed far from this standard. From questionable strapless bras to outfits that seem more suited for a night out than a royal tour, her wardrobe has frequently missed the mark of modest elegance. It’s no wonder she might feel envious of Catherine’s effortlessly stylish ensembles.
Before her royal duties, Catherine worked as a fashion buyer, a role that undoubtedly honed her impeccable sense of style. She listens to fashion advisers and seamlessly integrates their suggestions with her own taste, resulting in a wardrobe that is consistently flawless. On the other hand, Meghan’s outfits, with their occasional sweat stains and ill-fitting cuts, often lack this polished finish. And when it comes to fashion blunders, Meghan's wardrobe choices sometimes resemble more of a muddled attempt at high fashion than the refined style expected of a royal. Her fashion faux pas contrast sharply with Catherine's on-point choices, whether it’s chic shorts for athletic events or a sophisticated gown for formal occasions. Catherine knows how to dress appropriately for every event, a skill Meghan could certainly learn from.
The ongoing tension between Meghan and Netflix adds another layer to this fashion drama. Despite the Sussexes' exclusive deal with the streaming giant, their pitches for new projects have faced significant setbacks. Netflix has rejected several of their proposed shows, including a sitcom akin to "Emily in Paris" but with a male lead, and an animated series intended to replicate the success of other Netflix originals. It feels almost like poetic justice that Netflix would choose to feature a nod to Princess Catherine’s fashion in "Emily in Paris," especially given the Sussexes' recent struggles with the platform. This reference seems like a subtle yet pointed reminder of Catherine's style dominance over Meghan's fashion missteps.
