Meghan Markle's recent foray into the fashion industry has sparked significant controversy, particularly surrounding her investment in the handbag brand Cesta Collective.
Meghan, who transitioned from a more private life into the spotlight as a prominent fashion figure, now faces the potential unraveling of her latest project. The brand, known for its handwoven purses crafted by women in Rwanda and finished in Italy, appeared to be an ideal match for Meghan’s mission to promote emerging designers committed to ethical fashion. However, the situation has taken a dramatic turn as public backlash against her involvement has intensified.
The controversy began during a recent trip to Colombia, where Meghan and Prince Harry donated a drum set and educational resources. Meghan used the opportunity to highlight her investment in Cesta Collective, a move that was initially intended to draw attention to the brand's commitment to ethical fashion. Unfortunately, what was meant to be a positive showcase quickly turned sour as critics began to question her motives. Some have accused Meghan of possessing a "reverse Midas touch," implying that her involvement might tarnish the brand's image rather than enhance it.
In an exclusive interview with The New York Times, Meghan defended her ability to leverage global attention to promote lesser-known brands, asserting that her endorsements have the potential to be transformative. "One of the most powerful things that I can do is simply wear an earring," she said, emphasizing her dedication to supporting up-and-coming brands that deserve greater recognition. Despite her enthusiasm, the reality has proven to be far less glamorous. Royal fans, displeased with the brand's association with Meghan, have launched a boycott against Cesta Collective. Social media has been flooded with comments expressing discontent, with some users vowing never to purchase from the brand due to Meghan's involvement.
The backlash appears to stem from a perceived lack of authenticity in Meghan's venture. Critics argue that Cesta Collective's ethos of celebrating female artisans is being overshadowed by Meghan's high-profile association. One particularly harsh critique dismissed the handbags as little more than "woven balls" given a superficial upgrade in Italy, suggesting that the genuine artisans in Rwanda are not benefiting from Meghan’s involvement as much as they should.
Compounding the issue is Meghan’s past with other lifestyle ventures, such as her now-defunct blog, The Tig, and her struggles with the American Riviera Orchard. Her attempt to pivot from these setbacks by investing in Cesta Collective now seems fraught with complications. With the brand's annual revenue reported at a modest $1 million and a production process that takes days to complete, Meghan's investment may not be sufficient to counteract the growing negative sentiment.
Meghan's ability to generate headlines hasn't always translated into sustained success. As the negative sentiment surrounding her involvement with Cesta Collective mounts, the brand’s founders, Ayon Ryder and Courtney Weinblatt-Wolf, may be reconsidering the wisdom of their decision to accept Meghan's investment. While they have confirmed that Meghan holds a minority stake, the specifics of her financial commitment remain undisclosed.
The pressing question now is whether Cesta Collective will sever ties with Meghan Markle or find a way to navigate the storm of public opinion. Meghan's influence, once seen as a potential boon for the brand, has become a double-edged sword. As public enthusiasm wanes, the future of Cesta Collective's association with Meghan remains uncertain. In the world of celebrity endorsements and fashion, where perception often outweighs reality, Meghan Markle's latest venture serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in aligning with high-profile personalities. Whether Cesta Collective will choose to distance itself from the Duchess or manage to weather the backlash remains to be seen. For now, Meghan's fashion choices and business ventures continue to captivate and divide public opinion.
