The CEO of Bottega Veneta took the rather drastic step of blacklisting her. This move sent shockwaves through the fashion industry, leaving many to ponder how Meghan's association would influence the brand's reputation and financial standing.
During the 2023 Invictus Games, Meghan Markle made a fashion statement wearing a cream blazer and belted mini jumpsuit from Zara, paired with black Saint Laurent leather lace-up stilettos. She accessorized her ensemble with a Leo zodiac diamond pendant from Brilliant Earth and chain hoop earrings from Bottega Veneta. Her husband, Prince Harry, joined her at the event, dressed semi-formally.
Despite the extensive media coverage of Meghan's presence, these fashion brands did not experience the anticipated boost in sales or positive feedback from customers. The adverse impact she had on retailers' merchandise was unexpected. The Bottega Veneta earrings that Meghan wore during the Invictus Games drew particular scrutiny.
They were featured on Meghan's Mirror, a website that many identified as a scam due to its sale of counterfeit products. The site displayed low-quality items labeled as Class 12 and Class 3, closely resembling genuine products. This raised questions about the website's authenticity and whether Meghan had any connections with such fraudulent sites, potentially benefiting personally from them.
This incident followed reports of Meghan being blacklisted by Fendi amid rumors of a dispute revolving around a request for complimentary items. Witnesses recounted a public dispute between Meghan and the store manager at the Fendi store on Rodeo Drive. Meghan accused the manager of disrespecting her, further fueling the controversy. The manager, allegedly offended, went public by posting a letter, complete with Meghan Markle's royal title, in which she requested freebies. This incident occurred several months ago when Meghan was spotted on her way to a salon appointment in Santa Barbara, engrossed in conversation and frequently checking her phone.
Meghan's fashion choices during the Invictus Games showcased a blend of street style and high-end fashion, with her clothing and jewelry estimated to cost nearly £300,000. Her outfits included affordable pieces from retailers like Zara, Banana Republic, and J.Crew, as well as mid-range designer items.
Notably, her jewelry collection featured Princess Diana's £17,000 watch, a £50,000 Lorraine Schwartz decorative ring with Middle Eastern diamonds, and a £2.2 million Tiffany tennis pinky ring.
Critics argued that Meghan's presence diverted attention away from the athletes and raised concerns about her association with dubious websites. Some questioned her role in endorsing these brands and her true motivations.
Allegations have also arisen, suggesting that Meghan Markle is primarily driven by financial gain and is unhesitant in exploiting Prince Harry to achieve her monetary objectives. Commentator Daniela Elsa has made these claims, highlighting Meghan's priorities and accusations of capitalizing on the royal family and Prince Harry for personal financial gain. Some even speculate that the Queen foresaw this move before her passing, as noted by Elsa.
