Meghan Markle’s recent tour of Colombia was a sartorial spectacle, showcasing an array of South American designers, business-ready separates, and carefully chosen jewelry and accessories. The estimated cost of her wardrobe? A staggering £90,000, according to the ever-vigilant tabloid press, who meticulously track every pair of Manolos.
While some might question the exorbitant cost of such a wardrobe, it’s crucial to understand the strategic purpose behind it. Markle’s carefully curated wardrobe isn’t just about personal style; it’s a calculated move to subtly promote her emerging lifestyle brand.
Many of the pieces, like her Cartier Tank watch, Love bracelet, and Juste Un Clou choker, are already part of her personal collection. However, the inclusion of pieces by local designers like Johanna Ortiz, Andres Otalora, and Silvia Tcherassi, reflects extensive research by Markle’s team and showcases her commitment to showcasing emerging talent. These detailed garments, likely to be repurposed in her Los Angeles life, signify a strategic investment rather than mere holiday purchases.
Even seemingly mundane items like a £35 Mango shirt, fail to detract from the overall luxurious aesthetic and serve as a subtle reminder of Markle’s ambition to become a successful media mogul.
The inclusion of high-end brands like Loro Piana, Chanel, and Lorraine Schwartz, further reinforces Markle’s carefully curated image. Her choice of a £4,000 Loro Piana Loom tote, a staple of the one percent, signals her aspirations to join the ranks of the ultra-wealthy.
The tour itself, with its appearances at the Afro Women and Power Forum and the Petronio Music Festival, was not just about promoting cultural exchange but also served as a platform to subtly promote Markle’s evolving brand. Although her strawberry jam might not yet be available on American Riviera Orchard’s virtual shelves, Markle’s own uniform is a clear indication of her intentions to build a successful luxury home goods brand.
Markle’s fashion choices reveal her affinity for brands like Veronica Beard, St Agni, Carolina Herrera, and Altuzarra, hinting at a future that mirrors the success of these established brands. Her admiration for The Row, although not overtly expressed, suggests a long-term vision for her brand.
Unlike her sister-in-law, the Princess of Wales, Markle is not a natural Zara model. And now, free from the constraints of royal protocol, she has the freedom to embrace a luxurious lifestyle that reflects her own ambitions.
The hefty price tag attached to Markle’s Colombian wardrobe, especially the inclusion of the £4,000 Loro Piana tote, clearly reflects a carefully crafted strategy. Markle’s ambitions extend far beyond a simple vacation wardrobe. Her goal is to build a successful lifestyle brand, and her meticulously curated wardrobe is just one piece in a larger puzzle.
