From podcast host to domestic goddess, there’s not a string that Meghan Markle hasn’t added to her bow – and now, she’s going full-blown influencer.
The Duchess, 43, announced last week that fans can now copy her lavish wardrobe through a ‘handpicked and curated’ online shop. The ShopMy platform allows users to browse a collection of clothing, accessories, and jewellery, all approved by the Duchess herself.
Of course, not everyone can afford to dress like Meghan, with the majority of items far from bargain buys. A Tracy Jones black linen dress will set buyers back £270, while a pair of Saint Laurent sandals retail at a hefty £595. This isn’t to say Meghan doesn’t love a steal, though. Among the many luxury brands were a handful of high-street offerings, including a £99 Uniqlo trench coat.
And clothes certainly turn to gold when she touches them. Clothing brand Line the Label saw their website crash in 2017, after Meghan wore their white coat when she and Prince Harry, 40, announced their engagement. A month later, she was spotted carrying a £500 tote bag from Strathberry – with the item selling out in just 11 minutes.
As with any influencer, being a style icon brings a nice payout. Announcing her shop, Meghan added the disclaimer that the products use affiliate links – meaning she would receive a sale commission for every piece purchased. According to reports, this commission can be as high as 30% – with Meghan predicted to earn millions from the venture. Although as an Instagram newbie with a relatively small following of 2.6million, it might take a while for her bank account to clock up seven figures.
This latest move cements Meghan’s change of direction, although she claimed in a recent interview that she’s an ‘entrepreneur’ and ‘female founder’ rather than an ‘influencer’. Whatever she’s calling it, the 43-year-old’s much-anticipated lifestyle brand As Ever is launching this spring, with the Duchess teasing products including tea, jam and cookies on her Instagram and website. It all comes hot on the heels of last month’s release of her Netflix show With Love, Meghan, which has a second series coming in the autumn.
It's certainly a full circle moment for the Duchess, whose influencer roots – sorry, female-founder roots – go back long before her royal life. Prior to meeting Harry, the then-actress was the proud owner of successful lifestyle blog The Tig. Launched in 2014, the platform focused on topics including food, travel, and fashion – with experts estimating it may have earned around £61k annually at its prime. In 2017, as her relationship with Harry became serious, Meghan made the choice to shut down the blog – later saying, ‘I loved The Tig, but I certainly loved my husband more.’
