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Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has found her latest fashion venture under increased scrutiny as her minority investment in the handbag brand Cesta Collective faces mounting backlash. Meghan, who pivoted from a lifestyle blog called The Tig to become a high-profile global celebrity and fashionista, may now find her new venture unraveling much faster than the intricate threads of one of Cesta's $750 handwoven purses.
Following a series of "fake royal tours", including a recent joint trip to Colombia with Prince Harry where they donated musical instruments and educational resources, Meghan used the trip as a platform to showcase her involvement with Cesta Collective. The brand is known for its handwoven purses crafted by women in Rwanda and finished in Italy. On the surface, Cesta seemed like a perfect match for Meghan's efforts to spotlight emerging designers and promote ethical fashion.
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However, Meghan's attempt to leverage her celebrity status and global platform for good with this investment has faced some serious backlash. The criticism began when news first broke of Meghan's minority stake in the company, but the intensity of public scrutiny and negative sentiment has only increased since. Critics have accused Meghan of having a "reverse Midas touch," where her involvement with a brand might actually tarnish its image and reputation rather than elevate it in the public eye.
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In an interview with the New York Times, Meghan touted her ability to use her massive global spotlight to promote lesser known brands that haven't received the attention they deserve. She claimed that simply "wearing an earring" from one of these brands could be transformative for sales and recognition. However, the reality has proven to be far less positive than Meghan's enthusiasm suggested.
Royal fans have launched boycotts against Cesta Collective, voicing their displeasure with the brand's association with Meghan. Comments on social media reveal a wave of consumer discontent, with some claiming that Meghan's endorsement has negatively impacted their perception of Cesta. One commenter lamented that they were considering purchasing a Cesta bag, but will now never buy from the company due to Meghan Markle's personal involvement.
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The growing backlash appears to have roots in criticisms of authenticity regarding Meghan's venture. Some argue that Cesta's mission of celebrating female artisans has been overshadowed by Meghan's high-profile involvement. One scathing critique described Cesta's bags as "woven balls" that receive only a "superficial upgrade" in Italy, implying the genuine artisans in Rwanda are not truly benefiting from Meghan's promotion of the brand.
Further complicating matters is Meghan's past struggles with her own lifestyle blog The Tig, which she shut down in 2017, and her failed attempt to launch a line of grocery products called the American Girl pantry. Her effort to pivot away from those setbacks by investing in Cesta Collective now seems fraught with unforeseen complications.
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With Cesta's annual revenue reported at a modest $1 million and their production process taking days to complete each bag, Meghan's investment may not be enough on its own to overcome the growing backlash. While Meghan is incredibly skilled at generating headlines and attention, this publicity has not always translated into sustained commercial success. As negative sentiment surrounding her involvement with Cesta mounts, the brand's founders Anne Rytter and Cortney Bishop-Fano may be forced to reconsider accepting Meghan's investment at all.
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Although Cesta has confirmed Meghan holds only a minority stake, the specifics of her financial commitment remain undisclosed. A big question now looms - will Cesta Collective distance itself from their connection to Meghan Markle, or will they try to weather the storm of public backlash against the Duchess' involvement? Meghan's influence was once seen as a potential boost for the small brand, but it has now become a double-edged sword threatening to undermine their reputation as consumer enthusiasm wanes. In the cut-throat world of celebrity endorsements where perception is key, Meghan Markle's latest venture serves as a cautionary reminder of the significant risks involved in aligning with high-profile personalities. Only time will tell how Cesta chooses to navigate this PR challenge going forward.
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For now, Meghan's fashion choices and business investments continue to captivate public interest but also divide opinion. Her latest ethical fashion endeavor aimed at empowering artisans now risks overshadowing the very mission it sought to promote. Whether Cesta Collective ultimately distances itself from the Duchess or finds a way to weather the mounting criticism remains uncertain. But this saga highlights the precarious balance major celebrity endorsements must strike when intersecting with passionate royal fan commentary online.
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