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 Since being catapulted into the global spotlight as Prince
Harry's girlfriend in 2016, Meghan's outfits have been
scrutinized and copied, often crashing websites selling her
apparel.
Fashion blogs and social media accounts dedicated to the
American's style have mushroomed, just as they sprang up for her
sister-in-law Kate, Prince William's wife, allowing followers to
comment on her latest sleek looks usually in a monochrome
palette.
"The Meghan effect is this economic phenomenon similar to the
Kate effect...where if she wears it, it turns to gold," said
Christine Ross, co-editorial director of Meghan's Mirror fashion
blog, describing Meghan's style as "very on trend and modern".
Almost everything she wears up to and around the $300 or 300
pound-mark, a pretty high price point, sells out, she added.
Designer dresses, luxury handbags and stylish stilettos are the
fashion dream of many women, but for a young royal they are the
staple of an everyday wardrobe.
For her busy royal diary, the now Duchess of Sussex usually
wears expensive labels, namely French couture house Givenchy
whose British artistic director Clare Waight Keller designed
Meghan's wedding dress.
Dior, Ralph Lauren, Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta are
among other formal and eveningwear go to brands.
"Meghan's wardrobe is really unique because there are so many
bespoke pieces in it and we'll really never know how much those
cost," Ross said.
She estimates her wardrobe at about 500,000 pounds ($657,750) a
year.
"STYLE MUSE"
While becoming a trendsetter, Meghan, named 2018's best dressed
woman by People magazine, has stayed loyal to smaller brands she
wore before her global fame.
The 37-year-old, who used to film drama "Suits" in Toronto, has
worn Canadian labels Mackage, Aritzia and Line the Label.
For casualwear, she has worn J.Crew and brands known for their
environmental and social credentials: a Reformation dress, Veja
sneakers, Outland Denim jeans and jewelry made from recycled
metal.
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"Meghan carved this niche for supporting these sustainable fashion
brands," Holly Rains, digital editor at magazine Marie Claire UK,
said. "People are now going to Meghan as a style muse...She crashes
sites."
It is particularly her more affordable accessories that are snapped
up by consumers.
"The jewelry, the bags, the belts is where we can dip in and get
that kind of Meghan touch to our outfits," Rains said.
Ross said Meghan's casual jean looks proved popular with readers.
Her maternity wear as she awaits her first child is also eagerly
followed.
"She's done a lot of bespoke pieces, a lot of customization pieces
that aren't maternity at all and it's really been a difference,"
Ross said.
Royal fashion expert Michael Talboys said he hoped to see Meghan
wear more British labels. She has worn items from UK brands Victoria
Beckham, Strathberry, Marks & Spencer and her second wedding gown
was a halterneck dress by Stella McCartney.
"She should, as an English duchess, really be patronizing English
designers and promoting them in the eyes of the world," he said.
Kate frequently wears British high street dresses.
On the streets of London, student Savanah Edwards said Meghan's
"classic" style was having an impact.
"I personally cannot afford anything that she wears but it does
influence me to try new pieces," she said.
(Graphic: The British Royal Family: https - //tmsnrt.rs/2D6WnUk )
(Reporting by Marie-Louise Gumuchian; additional reporting by Jayson
Mansaray; Writing by Marie-Louise Gumuchian; Editing by Alexandra
Hudson)
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