Meghan Markle has launched her lifestyle and home goods line American Riviera Orchard. With a tease video promoting the project released March 14th on Instagram, many are speculating on the variety of culinary and home decor offerings from ARO.
Yet, of even greater interest is the suppliers and sources of Meghan’s new housewares and gourmet foods. It was recently revealed that the duchess sourced all the fruit for her gifted strawberry jam baskets from her personal garden in Monetcito. The duchess did reveal a large and lush lawn on her Santa Barbara property in a scene for her ‘Harry and Meghan’ documentary on Netflix. The docu-series revealed sprawling botanical, herb and fruit growing shrubs on the Sussexes property.
Plus, baby Archie was seen with a basket of lemons in the backyard of the couples home while mom Meghan revealed large rose gardens during a pruning session for the show.
Living in California with access to fresh and sustainably grown fruits and vegetables has prompted the former Suits star to shop locally. The duchess has long been a dedicated farmers market visitor; she previously browsed market stands in Toronto and London often returning home with fistfuls of flowers. Recently, the duchess was spotted looking effortlessly chic in July 2023 visiting the Montecito Farmer’s Market on a solo outing with her beloved dog Guy.
For the outing near her California compound, Meghan was snapped browsing the seasonal summer selections and fresh fruit stands.
The duchess even stopped at a stall selling honey and tasted some of the samples. In addition, she browsed the selection of vendors selling fresh flowers and purchased a large bouquet filled with white and pink blooms. (Perhaps a large bouquet of blush colored peonies — her favorite flower and a featured floral at the Sussexes wedding in 2018).
For the outdoor shopping trip, the duchess wore her J.Crew Slim Perfect Shirt in Irish linen unbuttoned with the sleeves rolled up. The casual shirt served double-duty as a coverup and lightweight topper for her dark green scoop neck dress.
Though the dress maker was never confirmed, a few social media sleuths speculated the dress was a creation by Saint Laurent and was the brand’s semi-sheer sleeveless tank dress.
Made in France, the formfitting moss green dress is unlined and designed with a soft jersey fabric.
In addition, the duchess carried a large raffia tote that was thought to have been from Amante or another local artisan. The oversized straw bag is perfect for bringing to local boutiques, fairs and flea markets and offers plenty of room for storing fresh produce, floral arrangements and edible treats.
During the sunny visit, Meghan was spotted wearing her Linda Farrow Newman aviator sunglasses in yellow gold.
The smart and stylish sunnies are designed with two-tone yellow and white gold plated titanium. Meghan previously wore the shades in Germany for the Invictus Games Land Rover Challenge in April 2022.
In addition, the duchess wore black or brown thong flip-flops made of a rubber-like material.
For accessories, the duchess wore an unidentified gold pendant necklace as well as a gold bracelet stack.
Meghan also carried her Cuyana dog leash in the shade caramel/blush. The chic pet accessory is designed with zero waste leather.
Meghan had also stepped out seeking fresh blooms on London’s High Street at the Kensington Farmers Market in 2017. She wore a Barbour J.Crew Winter Durham waxed rain jacket in black. The long coat has a drawstring waist, attached hood and front flap pockets. For the rainy outing, Meghan carried her Goyard St. Louis tote bag in white and grey. For footwear, she donned Hunter Original Tall ‘puddle proof’ boots. Lastly, Meghan sported a number of gold rings from Missoma including the brand’s double arrow ring, pave center double arrow ring and pyramid ring.
Previously, Meghan stepped out for fresh flowers in Toronto, Canada while visiting a street market in December 2016. The duchess was wearing a Hobbs London Loretta waterfall coat in blush wool. With a cascading front and coordinating belt, the style was a win for the former Tig blogger. Meghan paired the duster coat with a Smythe handknit slouchy off-the-shoulder sweater in black and wore Paige Transcend Verdugo ultra distressed skinny jeans in black. The budding starlet carried her Marc Jacobs colorblock snapshot small camera bag in green and donned Blackbird slippers with a faux shearling insole. For sunglasses, she opted for Polo Ralph Lauren Wimbledon limited edition tortoise shades. And for accessories she wore a gold initial necklace (‘H and M’) from Canadian jewelry company Right Hand Gal.
Finally, Meghan was spotted in a post on Instagram wearing distressed skinny jeans, a white roll neck turtleneck sweater and Sarah Flint Taupe Sophia booties for a stroll in Canada. For a bag, she carried her Saint Laurent Classic Du Jour royal blue bag with leather top handles.
