Megan Markle's latest venture into fashion has come under scrutiny as her investment in the handbag brand Cesta Collective faces mounting backlash. Megan, who transitioned from domestic life to a high-profile fashionista, may now see her latest project unraveling faster than the threads of a newly acquired $750 purse.
The controversy began after Megan showcased her investment in Cesta Collective during a recent trip to Columbia with Prince Harry. The couple donated drum sets and educational resources, using the trip as a platform to highlight Megan’s involvement with the brand. Cesta Collective, known for its handwoven purses crafted by women in Rwanda and finished in Italy, seemed like a perfect match for Megan’s efforts to spotlight emerging designers and ethical fashion.
However, Megan's attempt to leverage her celebrity for good has hit a snag. The backlash started with the revelation of her investment in Cesta Collective and intensified as the public scrutinized the motives behind it. Critics have accused Megan of having a reverse Midas touch, suggesting that her involvement might tarnish the brand’s image rather than elevate it.
In an exclusive interview with the New York Times, Megan touted her ability to use global attention to promote lesser-known brands, claiming that her endorsements could be transformative. "One of the most powerful things that I'm able to do is simply wearing an earring," she said, emphasizing her commitment to supporting up-and-coming brands that deserve more recognition.
Despite Megan's enthusiasm, the reality is less glamorous. Royal fans have launched a boycott against Cesta Collective, expressing displeasure at the brand’s association with Megan. Social media comments reveal a wave of discontent, with some users stating that they would no longer support the brand due to Megan’s involvement. “I was considering this version of the bag,” one user lamented, “but now that Meghan Markle is personally involved with the company, I’ll never buy from them.”
The backlash may stem from perceived inauthenticity in Megan’s venture. Critics argue that Cesta Collective’s ethos of celebrating female artisans is overshadowed by Megan’s high-profile association. One particularly scathing critique described the handbags as “little more than woven balls that receive a superficial upgrade in Italy,” implying that the genuine artisans in Rwanda are not reaping the rewards of Megan’s involvement.
Further complicating matters is Megan’s past with former lifestyle brands like The Tig and her struggles with American Riviera Orchard. Her attempt to pivot from these setbacks by investing in Cesta Collective now seems fraught with complications. With Cesta Collective’s annual revenue reported at a modest $1 million and their production process taking days to complete, Megan’s investment might not be enough to counteract the growing backlash.
Megan’s knack for generating headlines hasn’t necessarily translated into sustained success. As negative sentiment mounts, Cesta Collective’s founders, Aon Ryder and Courtly W. Bloodfano, may be reconsidering the wisdom of their decision to accept Megan’s investment. While they have confirmed that Megan holds a minority stake, the specifics of her financial commitment remain undisclosed.
The question now is whether Cesta Collective will sever ties with Meghan Markle or find a way to navigate the storm of public opinion. Megan’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 distance itself from The Duchess or manage to weather the backlash remains to be seen. For now, Megan's fashion choices and business ventures continue to captivate and divide public opinion.
