Witnesses reported that Meghan was seen and heard engaging in a loud and public dispute with the manager inside the Fendi store. She accused the manager of showing disrespect towards her, which added fuel to the fire.
The allegedly offended manager took things a step further by publicly posting a letter, complete with Meghan Markle's royal title, in which she requested freebies. This incident unfolded several months ago when Meghan was spotted on her way to a salon appointment in Santa Barbara. During her walk, she appeared deeply engrossed in conversation and frequently checked her phone.
Interestingly, Meghan opted for a casual, makeup-free look, sporting black ballet flats, black skinny jeans, a striped sweater, and an array of gold bracelets. She completed her ensemble with a Fendi Peekaboo ICU bag valued at $5,400.
Following her visit to the Fendi store, Meghan returned to her Montecito home, and at that time, neither her husband Prince Harry nor their children were seen with her.
Nikki Martinez, a manager at the Fendi store on Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive, retweeted an old report about Meghan's visit, confirming that Meghan had indeed been at the store on that specific day. Martinez disclosed that Meghan's shopping excursion didn't go smoothly due to her impatience and allegations that Martinez did not treat her with the proper respect.
It came to light that a few days before her visit, Meghan had sent an unofficial letter to Fendi, signing it with her royal title, in which she requested free bags and shoes for her upcoming press appearances. However, the Fendi team decided not to respond to this request, fully aware that providing complimentary items to royal family members was not a standard practice.
Martinez emphasized his attempts to maintain politeness during Meghan's visit but ultimately had to decline her request. Additionally, Meghan appeared uneasy while carrying the Fendi Peekaboo ICU bag during her visit. Since then, Meghan has not been spotted wearing any Fendi clothing or accessories.
Before her marriage to Prince Harry, Meghan was known for attending celebrity gifting events, where celebrities are invited to select products with the expectation of being photographed with them for media coverage. Meghan attended several such events, accumulating various freebies. It appears that Meghan may now be in need of Fendi more than Fendi needs her, which could explain why she's been encountering difficulties in the fashion industry.
According to a Hollywood Insider, the real reason Meghan Markle has yet to secure an endorsement deal with any fashion houses is due to the perceived toxicity associated with her brand. Brands appear to be keeping their distance from Meghan and Prince Harry. Dior, for instance, has made it clear that they have no intention of working with Meghan.
Entertainment journalist Kenzie Schofield suggests that brands may be hesitant to associate with the Sussexes because they can't keep matters confidential. She mentioned their high-profile interview with Oprah, where they openly discussed their grievances. Brands might want to distance themselves from the potential backlash associated with such associations.
Once celebrated as a style icon, Meghan Markle's ability to boost sales for brands she wore was well-documented. For example, she significantly helped Australian Heritage brand Oroton when she carried one of their bags during a Royal Engagement in 2018. Her endorsement had a positive impact on Oroton's sales during a financially challenging period.
However, Miss Schofield suspects that brands may be steering clear of Meghan and Harry due to guilt by association, given their propensity to speak openly about their experiences and concerns. This has made brands wary of potential negative fallout.
