We always hear about certain royals’ “private meetings,” to the point where it feels like some kind of code for “hair appointment” or “a 15-minute drive-by before a shopping excursion.” But here we have evidence of an actual private meeting, or should I say a private, unpublicized visit to one of her patronages. The Duchess of Sussex posted the above Instagram yesterday evening, with never-before-seen photos of another visit to Smart Works. Remember, Meghan has only made one official visit, with press in tow. But she clearly made at least one additional visit deep into her pregnancy. And she brought a photographer! But I don’t mind that. It’s good to have PROOF of those private meetings and visits for a lot of different reasons. As for the information in the post, Meghan wrote it as a “spotlight on: Smart Works” and although she wrote in the third person, let’s be perfectly clear: she wrote this to promote her new capsule collection, which was announced this week.
We are proud to be supporting a very special initiative this autumn for @SmartWorksCharity!
After quiet visits to Smartworks over the last year, The Duchess was moved by the impactful work being done by this non profit organisation that helps women into the workforce, equipping them with both the skills and clothes they need to feel job-ready.
Throughout her visits she noticed that while the donations were plentiful, they were also notably a combination of mismatched items and colours which weren’t always the right stylistic choices or sizes that didn’t necessarily “suit” the job at hand: to make a woman feel confident and inspired as she walked into her job interview.
As a result, launching this autumn, The Duchess will be supporting a collective to help equip the women of Smart Works with the key workwear essentials they need as they enter into the workplace. This initiative is supported by four generous brands who share the vision to empower the women of Smart Works to look and feel 💯 as they bravely venture in to what can often be a daunting environment for those who have been out of the job market.
The brands have come together to work towards this united force for good, “[reframing] the idea of charity as community,” as The Duchess writes in a piece for this month’s British Vogue. They will follow the 1:1 model where an item from the collection purchased is an item shared with a woman of Smart Works because “not only does this allow us to be part of each other’s story; it reminds us we are in it together.”
This feels so much like the cookbook, doesn’t it? Clever Meghan, noticing that while there were some lovely donations, women in need weren’t being provided with some mix-and-match staples, and simple pieces which would suit a variety of employment opportunities. So instead of shrugging or giving a speech about how more donations are needed, she decided to put something together herself. I would assume/hope the capsule collection is full of those workwear basics: the simple pencil or A-line skirt in black, grey and navy. The flattering-cut trousers in the same black, grey and navy. Button-up blouses in different color options. A relaxed blazer which can be paired with anything. A shift dress in multiple colors. Some cardigan and twinset options too. That’s what I would design if I was looking to provide staple workwear which would appeal to Marks & Spencer consumers AND women in need of workwear.
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red and Instagram.
I want Meghan and Harry to succeed. The amount of abuse they are receiving is heartbreaking. So many people are trying to destroy Meghan’s work. I’m already seeing articles trying to paint her edition of Vogue as a failure. How is it a failure if it hasn’t hit newsstands yet? I’m almost dreading the headlines this weekend and next week.
I pray everything works out for them and that they catch a break from all of the negativity.
Agreed. And at every turn someone will lash out and make comments without basis and it’s evident that racism is behind the poison. I’m surprised the BRF has not come to her side publicly to show they approve. And each time she gets knocked down and they are silent, I think less of the Queen and her Firm.
I’m with you Seraphina. The smear campaign – okay, the BRF stood by, they probably thought they didn’t need to defend her, whatever. But the attacks this week over this issue of Vogue – they are horrendous. many of those RRs should be banned from royal events. The palace should issue a statement, or let something slip about how unhappy Charles and the Queen are with Meghan’s treatment, etc. It’s at the point now where their silence is seen as approval of Meghan’s treatment.
@Seraphina
“And each time she gets knocked down and they are silent, I think less of the Queen and her Firm”
Same.
Meghan is being attached by the Royal Press because she succeeded in doing things for charity that Cathy Cambridge never even thought of trying to do. I know I will get criticized for this (and I am willing to take flak) but the more I read the more I believe that the British Royal Press dislike her more for being an American than bring a Woman of Color.
I really understand why Charles and Meghan appear to get on so well. They are much like in that they both want to take very active roles in all they are involved with. Chucky Wales got years of scathing bad press for all he did and attempted to do with The Prince’s Trust. Meghan is in good company.
@Bay – I read a twitter thread a few weeks ago about how the criticism against Meghan is more class-based than race-based. I cant remember all the points, but it was interesting. Basically he was saying that classism was the root, and then the racism amplifies that.
I can see the class base being amplified by the race. What astounds me is that if they stand by her and embrace her, they may actually do them selves a world of good (themselves being the BRF) by not protecting her or showing their approval of her, they are slowly showing a light on backwards and truly out of touch they are with the world; showing all that matters is money and what their titles can buy them.
Their silence speaks for themselves. They’re very close to being complicit. They’re all terrible.
@Seraphina I’m not surprised anymore. Look how the entire BRF is able to enjoy their lavish lifestyle and avoid scrutiny now that the Uppity Angry Black Woman is the only target for criticism. I mean the Sussexes living in a relatively modest home has left the rest of the royals free to enjoy their actual palaces. Andrew and Fergie’s antics are now met with a shrug and when (if) it all comes out, the coverage won’t even reach half of what Meghan’s is for DARING TO GUEST EDIT A FASHION MAGAZINE.
@Seraphina, remember the Queen had to be pressured/shamed into making a simple speech acknowledging Diana’s death. So I’m not at all surprised at the silence around Meghan.
@Becks1 – I agree that class & xenophobia are probably a bigger issue than race with Meghan but I’m also not saying that race isn’t involved. Again though, I think almost all of the hate is from the Daily Mail, the Sun and their readers. That isn’t indicative of the feelings of the entire nation.
The average person I meet pays no attention to the Royals at all. I work in a place where I often have to make small talk with the public and Royals almost never come up.
Classicism and racism are often heavily intertwined, but both are very apparent here. Kate has taken some flak too for being a commoner, but she rose through the appropriate channels of British social ascendency and obviously Meghan did not. There’s an analysis of American racism that suggests less advantaged white people feel they’ve adhered to those protocols of social ascendancy, while the Obamas etc did not. I think we’re seeing that a lot with anti-Meghan sentiment.
@MA – I think Frogmore is their starter home. I fully expect them to be granted something huge in London when they are ready.
The person who said that the Vogue cover backfired is Camilla Tominey that wrote the Meghan’s mosque article and that was crying because they are only 2 white people in the Vogue cover.
Poor underrepresented white woman
The thing is, there are more than 2 white people on the cover. Looking over it, I count 5.
But this is just another dog whistle. They lie (or “misstate”) the number of white people in the “wrong” direction in order to feed the racists in their audience.
To racists, I’m sure 5 out of 15 is far too few white people. And if the RRs were accurate in their “reporting”, then they could, perhaps, say that it wasn’t intentionally racist. But they had to make it even “worse” by lying about what is actually on the cover.
Since the most effective advocacy comes from the people who are actually fighting for their rights, it should come as no surprise – not even to a stuck up racist like Tominey – that the majority of women featured are people of color.
Will someone not think of the poor white women? They never get to see themselves on the cover of Vogue!
I hope eventually harry walks away from the brf. The constant attacks from the right wing Brexit supporters and the right wing media is in overdrive. The royal family doesn’t deserve either of them.
Harry’s not the stupid simpleton the crazies make him out to. I think him and meghan are gaining some really powerful allies.
I read on IG or Twitter that there is going to be a handbag as well, big enough to fit a CV.
And yeah my guess for the actual collection is that it is going to be very classic pieces, that are good starter pieces for women entering the workforce and trying to build a work-appropriate wardrobe. I expect pencil skirts, shift dresses, cardigans, and then some blouses or sweaters in bright colors or patterns.
Did you happen to see her collection with Reitman’s a couple years back? I’m not sure how common Reitman’s would be in the US, so I don’t know how widely seen it was.
But the work clothes portion was pretty nice. I didn’t buy anything (at least I don’t think I did, because I genuinely didn’t know who she was) but there were some really nice looking pieces. There was a mix of trendier/fussier pieces with some really solid staple pieces. Blouses, pencil skirts, etc.
No, I have never even heard of Reitman’s until this week, lol. I don’t know if we have any here, or if we do, they are not around here. But that’s promising to hear that her collection was good!
That’s kind of what I had thought – I know it’s a brand that was started in the 20’s in Canada, but I’m not sure if it ever broke into the US.
I will say there were pieces that I didn’t really like – but it didn’t mean they were bad, either. Her blouses were gorgeous. We don’t have a ton of clothing stores where I live, so I’ve bought a good deal from Reitman’s over the years. They have some more basic pieces as well as a higher end line within the store. Lots of work wear – it’s the only place I buy like dress pants/slacks.
From what I read, the Reitman’s collection was based off her Rachel Zane character’s wardrobe. And she was styled fantastically on the show.
I am impressed by this idea, which can continue to grow and help the charity. Apparently, each woman who is referred to the charity will get an appt. with a stylist to put together an interview outfit, work with HR personnel who will coach them on how to best interview, and once they get a job, they will be given 5 other outfits to take them through getting a first paycheck (when they’ll be able to afford to buy their own clothes).
All in all, a great idea!
What’s the difference between a cardigan and a sweater? Their country of origin?
Sweaters can be any length, with or w/out buttons down the front; cardigans are *usually” hip length and button up the front.
Lady d – a cardigan is open, a sweater isn’t. I think of a cardigan as a type of sweater, others may consider them completely separate. So its the difference between a button-up sweater and a simple V-neck pullover sweater.
As someone who donates business wear to Dress for Success and similar, local programs in the US, I hope that the collection will be size-inclusive. The biggest challenge many of these programs face is not so much choice but size range. Many programs ASK for size 12 and above due to high needs for their participants. A friend of mine who donated a small fortune in size 18 and up suits and coordinates when she retired was met with tears of joy by the administrator. The program had many women who needed professional wear in such sizes and had next to nothing to offer.
I tried to donate my clothes in this size range to dress for success but was turned down by their policies that the clothes must be less than a few years old. I still wore the clothes this year but dress for success didn’t want them.
Thank you for mentioning Dress for Success and having more inclusive sizes. I also volunteer with DFS and have found that larger sizes are the most needed and requested, but difficult to find at DFS.
@Julie: I understand your frustration. Some of the individual offices are a bit too selective or arbitrary as to what they will accept. I tried to donate some new, unopened, straight-from-the-store packages of pantyhose in Plus sizes and was told they couldn’t accept “intimate” items. I also tried to donate some clothes which no longer fit; DFS didn’t accept them but my local consignment store did!
I’m so glad Meghan and Camelia have these type of worthy causes. I heard Sophie also has hers. These ladies are great. Kate is also in her element when it comes to children, I’m sure she will find her niche soon.
If Dame Angie, Camelia and Meghan come together for another worthy cause the critics would combust.
Good job Meghan and team!
“I’m sure she will find her niche soon.” Well, to be fair Kate’s only had 10 years. With at least another 40-50 years in her career I’m sure she’ll get something fabulous going soon:)
They are willing to wait until eternity for her to get something, anything going. LOL!!
I think you’re right about what the collection will have. I love the idea of just putting together some basics that folks should have in their closets for jobs.
I think this is a nice idea but Meghan should start focusing on these pieces for her wardrobe as well! I was looking forward to some good fashion from Meghan but when I think of what she’s worn, everything has been oddly proportioned, desperately in need of tailoring, or over styled.
What Meghan wears has nothing to do with this wonderful and thoughtful initiative to help women feel confident about joining or returning to the workforce. Just more unnecessary piling on for the sake of criticism.
What a vapid comment under a story about a charity initiative. But any moment to get a dig in at Meghan, right Sandy?
It’s fashion talk in a post about clothes. How is saying “I wish she would wear more of the pieces we anticipate in the collection” criticism for the sake of criticism?
Even though, Meghan is doing this for charity, some people will still criticize her just for the sake of it. They are not looking at the bigger picture.
You said the same on a previous post.
Sandy, I find your comment strange because if there’s one thing we can say about Meghan is that her wardrobe does have basics. Pencil skirts, slacks, blazers all in neutral colors. She seems to favor a more relaxed less body con fit. Her basics are there.
A heart warming post. Made my morning.
It’s just such a good, well thought out idea. I hope she keeps on doing what she’s doing and I love that she’s smart enough to bring a photographer to her not publicized visits. I hope she and Harry start being everywhere. I know half of Harry’s stuff doesn’t count in the court circular, which is stupid, but I hope they blow the doors off the keenness with being there and with smart projects.
This. +1000!!
Yes, Betsy!!
This new project is so amazing. I love Meghan more and more.
Finally people are dragging British press on twitter and on TV, it’s what they deserve.
It started with small voices and then blossomed. Beautiful push back.
Genuinely good idea! I’ve always been pretty indifferent to the monarchy except for occasionally wishing our official head of state was our own PM and not the Queen (I’m Canadian) and wishinf my hair looked like Kate’s. Now I click on all the Harry and/or Meghan posts, get misty-eyed over Archie, and want all their projects to succeed.
Are they turning me into a monarchist? 😂
It would be a good idea if they donate a copy of the exact thing someone bought in the exact size. I feel like that would be a good way to ensure that the sizes that women need the most, as evidenced by what they buy, is what is kept in stock at Smart Works. I do hope there are plus size options and petite options for shorter ladies. I wonder if there will be any shoes or accessories like jewelry or a watch in the collection.
The constant abuse she receives is tiresome but the best part now is that more people are speaking up and dragging most of these people for filth. I love that she’s doing this but the problem is that there are people determined to take away her shine and villify her no matter what but she’s still thrives despite it all. The press are on the wrong side and they know it and it’s making all of them look racist, petty and xenophobic. They give this woman so much power and influence that theyre making her even more famous and influential because of the hate. It’s having the opposite affect. I hope this issue of Vogue sells out and becomes a bestseller.
Already looking into how to get several copies here in the states.
Dress for Success is an organization that does something similar as Smart Works in the US (and maybe other countries?) I volunteered there and while people were very generous with donating suits and other work wear, they told the volunteers that it was difficult to find stock for women above a size 16. I wonder if something like this capsule wardrobe could solve that problem by donating the 1:1 in a size 16+.
Yes, I thought about that because I’m in the 16+ category. If the majority of the shoppers are slim fashionistas and only single digits are donated, that isn’t as helpful. It would be great if the staff could specify most needed/ most popular sizes.
They’re four different pictures of Meghan at Smart Works, one in a black and white tweed dress, another of her wearing flats shoes, third wearing the black jacket she wore in NYC, and 4 in kitten heels.
On Twitter people were wondering why she was not getting credit for the visits in the court calendar, others pointed out maybe, she don’t want the RR with her, but still think she should get credit.
Don’t get me wrong, I applaud her for everything she’s doing. But.. I see a missed opportunity here – those clothes could have been designed by struggling young fashion designers?
This is not a dig at her, just a comment!!
That is a nice idea, and maybe something they can incorporate as the program grows, but it kind of sounds to me like they need to go with larger, established companies that can absorb donating a lot of merchandise.
Either way, it’s a great program and will help a lot of people. I think that’s what Meghan needs to do, just ignore all the noise and keep focused on what she wants to do.
I’m with Lucy on this one. Smaller independent fashion houses may not be able to donate on this scale. Bringing them in later when this is well established would make sense.
She’s designed the clothes. That’s the point and that why people will buy the collection.
Was on Daily Fail and some of the articles about her and Vogue were unbelievable. Lady Campbell and Piers Morgan. .uhh Can’t comment on her anymore.its really too much crazy and racist. Gossip should be fun
I hope British Vogue sends extra copies out here to the States. Anyone know when it will be available in the US?
Plan to call Barnes & Noble here in the US, Some commented yesterday it will be available in September.
Jameela Jamil dragged Piers on twitter. It was glorious.
I absolutely love this idea and the thought behind it. Good on Meghan and everyone involved in bringing this project to fruition.
These distorters masquerading as reporters are mad they are getting pushback on a grand scale. They can’t control Meghan like they can the Cambridges. One presenter threatened to sue because he as called a racist. The blowback is hitting a LOT of nerves. They love to dish it out but they can’t take it.
This and they’re also angry because they see the potential money slipping by because Meghan is big money and British Vogue will get lots of money from this. I have a feeling that since they’re getting so much pushback, the begging and playing nice fluff stories will come around. All I see is desperation as the days and months go by without access to the Sussexes. It’s so bad that they were attacking her because they said she should’ve edited one of their tabloids. That gave the game away big time that the papers are floundering and losing influence.
Distorters – love it!! Can we call them the royal disorters from now on?
Have to keep shining a light on those roaches.
When my mother retired many years ago she donated most of her wardrobe to Bottomless Closet here. She also volunteered. It is a great organization which provides business attire and resume and interview coaching and other workshops. Dress For Success (which is global) is similar. I lived in London very briefly so I am unfamiliar with its workforce, but instead of designing clothing for M&S, I think Meghan should just get involved with outreach, donations, and continuing education. These organizations provide guidance for women to be economically independent and get hired. These are women who are trying to start their lives over and some lack the funds to go shopping. Designing clothing seems extraneous when she could add her visibility in other ways – involvement with donations and clothing drives maybe? That seems to be the bigger need. London is a large city, and with Meghan’s involvement, this organization should be able to increase its visibility even more, and get more women to donate interview attire & complete suits.
We don’t know that she isn’t doing exactly that. Apparently we won’t know what she’s doing until it’s a finished product, cleverly introduced.
Exactly, and she’s just getting started with this charity.
But this is a great place to start doing what you say in a bigger way. Smart Works gives a woman an outfit FOR FREE when she has a job interview, plus some training with professional HR people to practice going to an interview. Once a woman is hired, she comes back and is given 5 more pieces of clothing to start her work wardrobe. With Meghan’s capsule, women will be able to build a starter wardrobe. I think this is also the nice way for charities to remind donors of what is helpful vs. just cleaning out their closets. This is a wonderful start, and maybe in the future she’ll work on assistance in funding continuing wardrobes. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Yes…and you don’t want to spread yourself too thin where projects aren’t properly supported and fall by the wayside. Oh, the haters would have a field day.
@Nyc the point of the collection is so women will have a put together look for an interview rather than some cobbled together look. With donations, you get what you get. Some of these women may not have been able to buy a new outfit in years. Think of the extra boost of confidence they will get from having a brand new outfit styled for them. And the donated things will still be put to use.
@MsIam – You are totally right and I agree with you. I am just responding to this:
“Throughout her visits she noticed that while the donations were plentiful, they were also notably a combination of mismatched items and colours which weren’t always the right stylistic choices or sizes that didn’t necessarily “suit” the job at hand.”
When I donated, I was specifically asked to donate suits – jacket and skirt, or pants, and that separates were not as helpful. I was suggesting that she (and this organization) focus more on getting donations, and outfits that work for women returning to the workforce, especially for those who may not have the funds to go to M & S (and I love that store). If Meghan wants to design an affordable clothing line that is wonderful. I think it’s great she is involved in some way with anything worthwhile – she has the visibility to make a difference.
@NYCgirl – the companies are making the donations to SmartWorks. so if you buy a pencil skirt from the line at M&S, M&S will donate a pencil skirt to SmartWorks. So the charity is getting donations of new clothes as a result of this.
@Becks1 – Ah, OK. I was unclear. : )
I adore Meghan. Glad that once again she saw a space of need and decided to do something about it in as impactful a way as possible.
I love that Duchess Meghan presses on with her charity work regardless of how the press treats her. She is all about the real work that is positively affecting real people.
I too am upset by how quick the British press allowed themselves to be silenced in regards to Will’s affair with Rose and yet have not done anything to stop the negativity towards Duchess Meghan. I bet Will smiles as he reads The Daily Fail each day smh.
For this and aiding in weaponizing her father I hope Normal Bill gets his comeuppances.
Some major British media publication needs to run another story about “Rose Who?” so we may have something really gossipy and fun to comment about! LOL! LOL!
I’m genuinely excited. I have a decent work wardrobe, but classics are classics for a reason. If there’s a good blazer or blouse in the collection I’ll probably try to buy them.
The royal family doesn’t deserve meghan. They deserve Andrew. The amount of racism and xenophobia being displayed all over the British media is disgusting. I hope the commonwealth countries are watching this. I think the press and crazies are pissed because meghan is everything they wished kate would be. A hard worker that has great causes.
Guest…THIS!!!
Meghan is going to be blasted by the press no matter how little or much she does so I’m glad to see that she is doing what she wants. She has a unique platform and can make the role her own. The capsule wardrobe and the cookbook are projects that can reap immediate benefits and then be scaled to provide ongoing support and funding. I wish her luck with these and future projects.
My goodness, Meghan is just amazing! The drive of this woman is unbelievable; I am so happy to see a woman using such a huge platform to push for change and most importantly trying to help those less fortunate.
She is running circles around Kate. The woman has a platform and seems absolutely unable to leverage it. I have blamed PW for her lack of actions but now I think the Royal Reporters are also partially responsible. I don’t think Kate can sustain the type of scrutiny Meghan is under. When you try to push boundaries, the gossipers masquerading as journalists go after you. So that maybe why Kate has developed the skill of being seen and not heard. I am not absolving Kate of anything but her laziness can be blamed on her, PW and the press.
Kate needs a project, not a garden! She appears so incompetent…………so does PW. Yes, I am giving her excuses (please don’t kill me LOL) but trying to be understanding
Anyway, go Meghan!!! continue to achieve, support your charities and consequently help others!
There is no way to pre-order Vogue now but I will be going to Barnes & Nobles tomorrow
I think it’s a motivation to buy. Some people who like Meghan will buy because she’s attached to it.
I love this so much, double selfishly and charitable donation-wise. It is difficult and frustrating to find professional, office appropriate workwear that isn’t either skanky (sheer, see through everything) or frumpy (boxy pastel suiting made for elderly church ladies). I can’t wait to see it. Thrilled to buy this and support a wonderful cause!
#Duchess Sussex: You go girl. Shine your God’s given light. No one can take it away from you unless you alone allow them. Stay Blessed!