As we predicted in August 2023, the Duchess of Sussex has joined the list of actresses who have launched their own lifestyle brands. From Kate Hudson’s Fabletics to Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop, Meghan is ready to join the esteemed ranks of famous lifestyle gurus who offer curated advice on food, furniture and fashion with her new brand American Riviera Orchard.
No doubt the duchess will select her favorite home goods, wellness products and gourmet food items to share with her followers. As she’s already been a lifestyle blogger and founded the popular Tig website, her new venture will likely be a similar success. Much like friend Oprah who has her own eponymous magazine and website along with her annual “Favorite Things,” the duchess will give her personalized picks and recommendations on social media and her new website.
Meghan’s hometown of Santa Barbara is widely known as the American Riviera with botanic garden shows and festivals being named after the moniker. Thus, the new brand is a tribute to her California haven and family home in Montecito with her husband Prince Harry along with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet Diana.
The Instagram reel for the new venture looks to emphasize Meghan’s foodie pursuits along with her luxury home design and elegant fashion. The newly released reel has a fuzzy and grainy ‘Old Hollywood’ vibe mixed with a laidback California casual aesthetic. Meghan is seen in a Tuscan-style hallway dressed in a billowy black taffeta ballgown skirt — most likely her Carolina Herrera Icon Silk Taffeta Ball Skirt in Black.
The silk taffeta skirt from the designer’s Icon Collection has a banded waist, soft pleats and cascades down to the floor. The skirt has an iridescent finish giving it a glamorous shimmer. Shop the floor length skirt from Carolina Herrera HERE
Developing her brand as a ‘royal influencer’ — Meghan will likely receive a dedicated following who will purchase her clothing, cookware and culinary favorites.
Page Six reports Meghan has been working on the new lifestyle brand for over a year and is excited to move forward with her passion project. In addition, she’s predicted to sell edible gourmet foods and spreads like jellies and jams along with cookbooks, tableware and linens. She will also sell coffee, tea and recipe books.
It’s rumored that Meghan’s new website will coincide with a Netflix cooking show featuring the duchess and potentially celebrity guests or co-hosts. The American Riviera Orchard (ARO) lifestyle brand could translate to her running an empire not unlike Joanna Gaines who runs her Magnolia brand with husband Chip Gaines. The pair have a website which sells furniture, bath products, decor and apparel. Their brand also includes a TV Network, blog and magazine.
Meghan’s brand has trademarked a variety of products and services falling into a few main categories including: home, food, decor and furnishings.
A few of the more interesting items that have been included in the ARO trademark application are:
- Fitness items including yoga mats, meditation blankets, straps and cushions
- Linens and fabrics including curtains, bed spreads and beach towels
- Fashion items like scarves, aprons and tote bags
- Art and decorative items like candles, pillows and organizers
- Pet products including pet beds, leashes, collars and pet feeding mats
- Bakeware including serving dishes, tea kettles and cutting boards
- Metaphysical items including crystal prisms, reed diffusers and incense burners
- Gardening supplies like shears, weeding forks and hand tools
- Stationary items including journals, printed cards, recipe cards and gift bags
- Decorative lighting and lanterns, string lights and lamps
- Food items including speciality and gourmet seasoning blends, jams, oils, seed and nut butters as well as coffee, tea, cookies and biscuits
Sources have also revealed Meghan’s cooking show will align with a new American Riviera book and blog. Special guests on Meghan’s Netflix cooking show may include celebrity pals like Ellen DeGeneres, Oprah (also also promoted Meghan’s Clevr brand) or Serena Williams. Duchess Meghan may also have opt to have cameo appearances from family members like husband Prince Harry, mother Doria Ragland or even children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet (as they were all featured in Harry and Meghan’s documentary on Netflix).
