Photo Credit: Jonathan Rebboah / Panoramic / Bestimage
Meghan Markle recently shared a moment that significantly influenced her approach to fashion during her time as a working royal. This revelation coincides with her recent investment in Cesta Collective, a handbag company known for its ethically produced, handwoven basket bags crafted by women in Rwanda and finished in Italy.
Meghan's fashion journey took a transformative turn shortly after her engagement to Prince Harry in 2017. She recalled how her sartorial choices began to attract immense public attention. "I realized how much attention went to my sartorial choices," Meghan said, highlighting the moment she understood the power her fashion decisions held.
This epiphany occurred during her first royal engagement on December 1, 2017, when she carried a Strathberry bag. The bag sold out within 11 minutes of her appearance, marking a significant turning point. "It changed everything in terms of how I then looked at putting an outfit together," she explained.
This newfound awareness led Meghan to adopt a more intentional approach to her style. She began to see fashion as a platform to support and uplift brands, particularly those led by women. "What I choose to wear is one of the most powerful things that I’m able to do," she stated.
Her investment in Cesta Collective is a testament to this philosophy. Meghan discovered the brand while browsing online and was drawn to its mission of empowering women artisans in Rwanda. "I spend a lot of time just Googling, looking for brands," she shared. After being seen with a Cesta bag during a dinner date with Prince Harry, the brand experienced a surge in sales, prompting Meghan to become their first outside investor.
Meghan's commitment to using her platform for positive change extends beyond fashion. Since 2020, she has been investing in female run companies, aiming to create opportunities and visibility for women entrepreneurs. Her involvement with Cesta Collective is part of a broader strategy to leverage her influence for social good. "When people are online looking for things or reading things, I’m trying to find great new designers, especially in different territories," she said.
