Meghan Markle has been enthusiastically showcasing her close friendship with Clare Waight Keller, the former artistic director of Givenchy.
Keller, who gained widespread recognition for designing Meghan's iconic wedding dress, is now reportedly pursuing a career in the more accessible realm of fast fashion with her new brand, "Uni." However, the contrast between their fashion journeys appears to be as vast as the industry itself. In a recent email to The New York Times, Meghan expressed her excitement about owning several pieces from Uni, stating that after having worn countless luxurious designer gowns adorned with diamonds, there's nothing more aspirational than a trench coat from a brand known for vending machines at airports.
But who are we to question the Duchess of Sussex's taste? After all, she praises Waight Keller's unique designs for their "movement and modern grace." Nevertheless, the trajectory of Keller's career seems to be taking a nosedive, as she transitions from high glamour to bargain racks. This isn't merely a change of direction; it feels more like a dramatic fall from grace, akin to a "Markled exit" from the lofty heights of high fashion.
We can't help but reminisce about the days when Meghan was seen alongside Queen Elizabeth II, draped in opulent designer labels that made her wardrobe the envy of many. Those outfits were perfectly curated for royal engagements, exuding elegance and sophistication. Today, however, Meghan appears to favor neutral tones and soft fabrics that come across as rather basic. Additionally, there's a peculiar aspect to Meghan's frequent need to publicize her friendships. Is it a red flag when someone feels the urge to announce, "Look, everyone, I have friends"? Friendships are usually understood without such proclamations. However, in Meghan's world, it seems imperative to broadcast her camaraderie with a designer, even if that designer's new venture leans towards fast fashion.
Moreover, it’s noteworthy how Clare Waight Keller, after being unceremoniously let go from Givenchy, quickly became Meghan's close confidante. One can't help but ponder how Keller feels about aligning herself with Meghan, whose own relevance in the fashion world appears to be dwindling. Perhaps Keller is biding her time, hoping to distance herself from the Markle chaos and reclaim her former status—if that's even feasible at this point.
Let’s also confront the rather delicate issue of Meghan's fashion sense. There exists a fine line between being trendy and trying too hard, and Meghan seems to be dancing precariously close to that line. Her poses, such as the one reminiscent of Demi Moore's iconic Vanity Fair cover, evoke mixed reactions. Meanwhile, her evident annoyance at Princess Catherine’s ability to wear exquisite historical jewelry feels disproportionate. While Meghan flaunts her Uni outfits, Catherine showcases breathtaking pieces that carry genuine historical significance, contrasting starkly with Meghan's collection, which could very well be nothing more than glorified cotton.
Meghan Markle's current fashion ventures and her attempts to elevate a former Givenchy designer to the status of her latest friend are both laughable and somewhat tragic. While the clothes from Uni might be nice, they lack the chic luxury that once defined Meghan’s reign in the fashion world. Here’s hoping Clare understands what she’s getting into, as history has shown that once someone has been "Markled," there often seems to be no turning back.
