The Small Brands Meghan Supports
A closer look at the up-and-coming labels the Duchess of Sussex has worn repeatedly.
Back in 2017, when Meghan first stepped out with Prince Harry, the Strathberry bag she carried sold out in 11 minutes. That moment “changed everything in terms of how I then looked at putting an outfit together,” the Duchess of Sussex told the New York Times this week.
Meghan reflected on the economic power of her choices to Vanessa Friedman, the paper’s fashion director, as part of a story about the duchess becoming a strategic advisor and equity investor in Cesta Collective. Working with the female-founded handbag brand, which employs weavers in Rwanda, is the latest and most involved step Meghan has taken. For years now, she has used what she wears to boost brands she believes in.
“Times where I know there is a global spotlight, and attention will be given to each detail of what I may or may not be wearing, then I support designers that I have really great friendships with, and smaller, up-and-coming brands that haven’t gotten the attention that they should be getting,” the duchess told the newspaper. “That’s one of the most powerful things that I’m able to do, and that’s simply wearing, like, an earring.”
Allow me a moment to say: We knew it! We knew Meghan has been aware of the tremendous attention her outfits receive and that she has chosen carefully. But how validating it was to see it stated, clearly and intentionally, in the paper of record.
To that end, I thought now would be the perfect time to look back at what Meghan has worn. Below is a primer on six brands — who started them, what their philosophy is, and what their assortments include. These are not high-end fashion houses with global reputations but rather the lesser-known labels the duchess has chosen time and time again.
You will notice some connective threads here. All are founded by women, with many designers determined to slow down and resist trends. There is a spirit of buying less, focusing instead on pieces one loves and wants to wear repeatedly. It’s such a welcome exhale, a commitment to more conscious consumption. But mostly: All of these collections feel very true to Meghan, underscoring how she sought out labels to support that also worked with her personal style.
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The Small Brands Meghan Supports
Note: I use affiliate links, which means if you buy something by clicking below I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Also, many of these brands are sold for less on resale sites — highly recommend checking there, too!
CESTA COLLECTIVE
Backstory: Founded in 2018 by Courtney Weinblatt Fasciano and Erin Ryder, Cesta Collective works with artisans in Rwanda. The New York-based brand pays between five and seven times the national average there. It says it supports more than 1,400 female weavers, who in turn have around six dependents — estimating that nearly 8,000 people in rural parts of the African country are supported by the endeavor. Each bag takes up to a week to make by hand, with the pieces finished in Italy. Meghan became a strategic advisor and equity investor this month.
“With Cesta, I really started to understand how many women’s lives were being impacted and uplifted through their work,” she said in the press release announcing her role. She added that Cesta founders “have created beautiful products that equally help so many others. That was something I could get behind and support.”
Assortment: Luxury basket bags are at the heart of Cesta’s offerings, although the brand has expanded to include all-suede pieces, too, as well as some textiles, including a beach towel.
Meghan has carried: The duchess was a fan before she made her involvement official. We have seen her carry at least six bags by the brand, including the Braided Canvas Tote, the Bucket Bag and the Suede Clutch for meals with friends as well as the Crossbody in two colors.
Where to shop: CestaCollective.com
What else to try: My eye went straight to the Bow Party Pail (I am who I am!); the Zip Card Holder is a lower-priced entry point into the brand.
LA LIGNE
Backstory: In 2016, Valerie Macaulay and Meredith Melling, both former Vogue editors, along with Molly Howard, former head of business development for Rag & Bone, launched La Ligne. “We want to infuse a sense of fun into our collections,” reads the website. “We don’t want to be precious with fashion.” In an interview with Glossy, Howard made clear that the brand is committed to resisting trends, instead seeking a more consistent, timeless offering.
Assortment: La Ligne launched with knitwear, known for its striped sweaters (“La ligne” means “the line” in French). It now offers a full range of apparel, including denim and dresses, the latter making up 60% of its business, according to WWD.
Meghan has worn: We have seen her in nearly a dozen pieces from the brand, many times in private glimpses that were made public, including the Molly Jean for a recent lunch with Kimberly Williams-Paisley. She wore Mini Marin Striped Sweater at last year’s Invictus Games and chose the Colby Pant for a panel in Colombia.
Where to shop: LaLigneNYC.com, as well as Net-a-Porter and Shopbop
What else to try: So much here that caught my eye! The Mini Marin sweater now comes in solid options (love the red). The Long Sleeve Lauren Tee feels like a modern update to a striped shirt while the Macaulay shirt in olive is giving perfect transition-to-fall vibes. The Izzie Wide Leg jean comes in cropped and long lengths, while the Noemi dress looks day-to-night ready.
HEIDI MERRICK
Backstory: Born and raised near Santa Barbara, Merrick launched her namesake label from Los Angeles in 2006. “Growing up here has defined the woman I design for,” she said in 2021. “It’s always the woman who has surfer girl roots but has grown with a strong sense of curiosity and a cosmopolitan bend to their stylings.” The entrepreneurial — and surfer — streak runs in the family. Her parents, Al and Terry Merrick, started Channel Island Surfboards, where her brother, Britt, is now the lead shaper and designer.
Assortment: Merrick’s line is filled with relaxed takes on tailored closet staples, including blazers and trousers. Dresses are at the heart of her collection, although there is a sizable swimwear assortment (those surfer roots run deep).
Meghan has worn: In addition to pieces for private outings, including the Zelda blazer, the duchess has worn Merrick’s designs on a few high-profile public engagements. She wore the Ginger dress in ivory for a polo outing as well as the Windsor dress in blush on her visit to Nigeria. Meghan is also a fan of the sunglasses, including the Santa Barbara and Ex-Pat frames, both in black.
Where to shop: HeidiMerrick.com
What else to try: The Corsica dress is similar to the blush one Meghan wore but in linen (and with a much lower price point). The brand’s separates are worth checking out, too, including the pleated Camille skirt and Baptiste pant.
ARIEL GORDON JEWELRY
Backstory: Gordon launched her eponymous line in 2009 while working as a Hollywood publicist. She sent herself back to school to learn jewelry making; before long, she was soldering and carving in her Santa Monica apartment, she told Forbes. Gordon hopes her pieces will be wardrobe staples, the kind of jewelry one wears daily. “I want AGJ pieces to be an extension of the woman wearing them,” the website reads, “tangible symbols of those she holds dear to her heart, or a happy occasion in her life.”
Assortment: Gordon’s expansive jewelry line covers every category, from earrings to anklets, with prices ranging from under $200 to several thousands of dollars. The designs are made in Los Angeles and including everything from a classic diamond earrings to more contemporary enamel initial necklaces.
Meghan has worn: The duchess most recently wore AGJ pieces multiple times in Nigeria and Colombia, including the Imperial Disc Pendant, the Royal Signet studs and the Diamond Hex Tennis Bracelet. (Her endorsement clearly means a lot to the brand; they dedicated a page to her here.)
Where to shop: ArielGordonJewelry.com, as well as Shopbop.com and many small independent boutiques (one of my faves is HeroShop in the Bay Area)
What else to try: The Diamond Hex Tennis Studs offer the same look as Meghan’s bracelet at a lower price point; the Pavé Huggies are another classic style. The personalized assortment — on sale this weekend! — is as unique and special as I’ve ever seen, with Zodiac and birthstone options in addition to engraved and initial pieces.
CUYANA
Backstory: Karla Gallardo and Shilpa Shah founded Cuyana in 2011 with the motto “fewer, better,” intent on breaking the cycle of overconsumption. The name Cuyana means “to love” in Quechua, inspired by Gallardo’s childhood in Ecuador. “I grew up being very intentional about what we bought and what we were surrounded with,” she told Today.com. “Our life was about making products last.” The brand is very transparent about its supply chain, with the website telling the story of the artisans behind the products. (I have known the founders since my days at the Wall Street Journal — they walk the walk.)
Assortment: The brand began with accessories, including hats; these days, leather bags are some of the most beloved Cuyana pieces. The assortment has expanded to include a full range of apparel, from outwear to pajamas, as well as jewelry.
Meghan has worn: The duchess has supported Cuyana for years, wearing more than a dozen of its styles. We know Meghan has at least two of the wide-brim Ecuador Hat. At the Invictus Games last year, she carried the Paloma shoulder bag in stone and wore the Silk Classic Trench in sand with the Paperbag Pant.
Where to shop: Cuyana.com
What else to try: I carry the Tall Easy Tote with me everywhere and have been eyeing the Double Loop as a new purchase. I also have (and love to gift) the Travel Case Set and the Small Zipper Pouch. While perusing the site, I added my name to the waitlist for the light-blue silk PJs — hoping Cuyana restocks at some point.
POSSE
Backstory: Australian Danielle Mulham started Posse back in 2016 around the idea that “less is more.” The focus is on timeless silhouettes made with natural fabrics, and a feminine easiness that feels true to the Down Under roots. “Australian women don’t overthink their day-to-day outfits,” Mulham told Vogue Australia last year. “Versatility and wearability is key, [because] our lives revolve mostly around being in the beautiful outdoors.” The brand prides itself on slow fashion, with everything made in limited quantities.
Assortment: Linen is at the core of Posse’s offerings, which includes workwear (tailored trousers and pencil skirts) as well as pieces for weekend pursuits (mini dresses and cropped tops). Nothing is embellished over over-wrought; most pieces are neutral and solid, with a sprinkling of prints and occasional pops of color.
Meghan has worn: This is a newer brand for the duchess, with two pieces spotted: The Theo Strapless Dress in black stripe for a date night and the Emma skirt in Colombia.
Where to shop: PossetheLabel.com
What else to try: The Emma vest, which goes with the skirt Meghan wore, is very similar to another Colombia look (and would also pair so well with jeans). Same is true for the Nancy Gilet, which is sold out but I am hoping it comes back! Also love the open back of the Lucas top and the best-selling Micky Bandeau makes me dream of my next vacation.
(Photos throughout via Getty Images and Associated Press)
Did anything here catch your eye? Let me know in the comments! More broadly, I hope that Meghan’s thoughtful selection is a reminder to us all to slow down and find brands we love.
Thank you so much for taking the time to put together this thoughtful post, Elizabeth! It's a welcome contrast to the usual Labor Day sale roundups currently pummeling my inbox. I am reminded that I vote with my dollar, and as summer closes out, it's a ripe time to be more conscious about what I'm supporting. xoxo
Thank you for doing this research - I love this brand insight! I’ve been learning lots from a local Canadian company - ROWE apparel and making intentional purchases for my lounge wear as well as looking to Nicole & Rose (also Canadian) for beautifully made linen pieces. The women behind these brands believe in paying fair wages, supporting the craftwork of sewing clothing, and making pieces that stand the test of time. Barb at ROWE always refers to Aja Barber for fast-fashion learning if anyone is interested!