Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · October 18, 2025 · Entertainment

Meghan's Fashion Faux Pas: Inside Her Spiraling PR Strategy

Her Paris jaunt led to much speculation she was soon to announce she had made the cover of Vogue. Meghan on the cover of Vanity Fair in October 2017

MEGHAN'S FASHION FAUX PAS: THE DUCHESS'S DESPERATE BID TO BECOME A HIGH-END INFLUENCER

The Duchess of Sussex has been making waves in the fashion world, but not exactly for the reasons she might have hoped. Meghan Markle's latest attempts to break into high-end fashion have left many questioning her authenticity and desperation.

At Paris Fashion Week this month, Meghan was seen hobnobbing with Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue, and Chloe Malle, the new editor of American Vogue. The sightings sparked rumors that the Duchess was set to land a coveted cover spot on one of the world's most prestigious fashion magazines. But sources close to Meghan reveal that she has actually made a deal to appear on the cover of Harper's Bazaar instead.

Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex at Project Healthy Minds' World Mental Health Day Festival earlier this month

The news raises eyebrows, as it seems Meghan is trying to "reset" her relationship with Wintour and Vogue after a reported falling out three years ago. Apparently, Meghan made high-handed demands of Enninful, then editor of UK Vogue, which didn't sit well with the powerful Wintour. Insiders claim that Meghan's team is just putting her out there in a "hopeful" way without a clear plan or strategy.

One well-placed source describes Meghan's recent PR gaffes as "thoughtless and directionless." The source claims that Meghan's team isn't being discerning, allowing her to take on any media opportunity without considering the consequences. "It's like they think every media opportunity is a good one, and that's just insane," the source says.

But what's behind Meghan's desperation to become a high-end influencer? Sources suggest that she wants to be seen as a fashionista, but her attempts so far have been half-hearted at best. Her online shop, ShopMy, has recently closed down, which some see as an indication that she may announce a micro-line of clothing in collaboration with a retailer like Zara or Uniqlo.

Meghan at the Fortune Most Powerful Women event in Washington this week

Meghan's foray into lifestyle influencer territory has been plagued by controversy from the start. Last week, Meghan stunned many by attending Paris Fashion Week, despite initially turning down invitations "because of H's mom" – Princess Diana, who tragically died in a car crash in the city. Her Instagram story showing her resting her feet on the seat of a limo being driven alongside the Seine at night sparked outrage among fans.

But it was Meghan's candid conversation with Fortune magazine this week that really raised eyebrows. The Duchess made statements that left many choking on their matcha tea, implying that her Netflix show "With Love, Meghan" might not be returning – due to its format being too labor-intensive! Fans were shocked when Meghan said she had realized that creating TV content was "a lot of work," especially after having done seven years of Suits.

The implications are clear: Meghan wants to move into social media micro-series, where she can create shorter-form content without the same level of commitment. Sources suggest that Netflix is still paying the overheads for Archewell productions – estimated at $3 million a year – but it's unclear how this will impact her lifestyle brand, As Ever.

Meghan apparently suggested she wanted to have a ‘global cover’ and be on the front of both the US and UK versions of Vogue, writes Alison Boshoff

But what about her plans to re-enter the world of fashion? Meghan has reportedly been working with Uniqlo's creative director, Clare Waight Keller, who made her wedding dress. Others close to the Duchess suggest that she may announce a clothing range in collaboration with a retailer like Zara or Uniqlo – a move that would be a huge pivot for her brand.

As one insider notes, "Meghan wants to make it clear that Archewell is actively developing new projects which may or may not go to Netflix. But the question remains: will the public buy what she's selling?" With Anna Wintour and Blake Lively in her corner, Meghan might be on to something. But one thing's for sure – the Duchess needs to get her priorities straight if she wants to succeed in the cutthroat world of high-end fashion.

In a surprising move, Meghan has also been working with Blake Lively, who has put her friend on the cover of Vogue more than once. The friendship between the two women is genuine, and sources suggest that they often stay together when in New York – not just for social events, but also to benefit from the Hollywood couple's excellent security.

The Duchess met with chief editor of Harper's Bazaar, Samira Nasr, in Paris this month

But what about Wintour? Insiders claim that Meghan has been trying to get back on good terms with the Vogue editor-in-chief after their reported falling out. A key factor in this reconciliation is Blake Lively, who is close friends with both Meghan and Anna.

As one insider notes, "Blake has put her stamp of approval on Meghan's fashion endeavors, which should give Wintour confidence to work with the Duchess again." But will it be enough? Only time will tell if Meghan can pull off this high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse in the world of high-end fashion.

Sources:

My sources exclusively tell me, Meghan has made a deal to appear on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar, published by media giant Hearst, writes Alison Boshoff

  • "Insiders" close to Meghan Markle
  • Sources at Netflix
  • Sources within Harper's Bazaar
  • Insiders within Vogue

Disclaimer: This article is based on rumors, speculation, and insider reports. The information provided should not be taken as factual or representative of the actual events or opinions of those involved.