On the four-year anniversary of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s “Freedom Flight” to California, the Duchess of Sussex launched her new lifestyle label/brand. Meghan has a new Instagram and everything. The brand: American Riviera Orchard. I would guess that “American Riviera” is a reference to the Montecito/Santa Barbara area. Orchard is just… I don’t know, lifestyle branding 101. You can see the Instagram here and it reads “by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex.” What an incredible week to launch her lifestyle brand, huh? I imagine this was always the plan (launch after the Oscars), but wow.
Meghan Markle is back on Instagram with a surprise new project. On Thursday, a new website and Instagram page for what appears to be a lifestyle brand called American Riviera Orchard went live. The bio for the Instagram page simply reads, “By Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex. Established 2024.”
The first Instagram Story shows Meghan, 42, picking flowers and cooking in a kitchen set to the song “I Wish You Love” by Nancy Wilson.
American Riviera Orchard’s name seems to be a nod to Santa Barbara, the California town where Meghan lives with Prince Harry and their two children, 4-year-old son Prince Archie and 2-year-old daughter Princess Lilibet. According to Travel & Leisure, Santa Barbara has been known as the “American Riviera” for more than 100 years “because of its temperate climate and lush landscapes, as well as its robust food and wine culture.”
A trademark application, currently awaiting examination, for American Riviera Orchard reveals the brand plans to sell tableware, drinkware including decanters, kitchen linens and edible treats such as jellies, jams, marmalade and spreads. The trademark application is also seeking approval for cookbooks.
In addition, the waitlist signup advertises a way to stay in the know about “products, availability and updates,” promising something similar to The Tig, the lifestyle blog Meghan created in 2014 before shutting it down in 2017. Meghan used her blog as a place to share her favorite food and travel discoveries, along with personal reflections. The name was inspired by Tignanello, a full-bodied red wine, and she told Tory Daily that trying it was her first time understanding how people speak about wine, so she developed “the tig” into her own word for “getting it” about “not just wine, but everything.”
I’m into it. Aren’t you? This is basically everything I hoped for, if she was committed to building a lifestyle/homeware brand. Just cute things, kitchen things, cookware probably, and some food items. Definitely cookbooks. What if this whole time, she’s been testing recipes and she’s about to drop Meghan’s American Riviera Kitchen: A Montecito Cookbook??? What if she does a cooking show??? BRO, I CANNOT WAIT.
Going back to the timing… like, there’s part of me that hates the timing specifically because Meghan is inadvertently taking some of the heat off of the Waleses’ situation. Now all of the royal reporters are going to spend the next week screaming into the void about HOW DARE MEGHAN SELL GLASSWARE WHILE KATE IS ILL, instead of keeping the heat on the clownshow at Kensington Palace. What’s also funny about the timing is that Meghan’s launch will get so much attention, Huevo and Buttons will get super-jealous and they’ll pull some big stunt to get the attention back on them.
I'm ready 💸 pic.twitter.com/POuvtHo3c6
— celebitchy (@celebitchy) March 14, 2024
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Backgrid, Cover Images.
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- Meghan, Duchess of Sussex helps to prepare food at the launch of a cookbook with recipes from a group of women affected by the Grenfell Tower fire at Kensington Palace in London on September 20, 2018.,Image: 534009013, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: NO UK USE FOR SEVEN DAYS – Fee Payable Upon Reproduction – For queries contact Avalon.red – sales@avalon.red London: +44 (0) 20 7421 6000 Los Angeles: +1 (310) 822 0419 Berlin: +49 (0) 30 76 212 251 Madrid: +34 91 533 4289, Model Release: no, Credit line: – / Avalon
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- Meghan (C), Duchess of Sussex helps to prepare food at the launch of a cookbook with recipes from a group of women affected by the Grenfell Tower fire at Kensington Palace in London on September 20, 2018.,Image: 534009034, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: NO UK USE FOR SEVEN DAYS – Fee Payable Upon Reproduction – For queries contact Avalon.red – sales@avalon.red London: +44 (0) 20 7421 6000 Los Angeles: +1 (310) 822 0419 Berlin: +49 (0) 30 76 212 251 Madrid: +34 91 533 4289, Model Release: no, Credit line: – / Avalon
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- Meghan, Duchess of Sussex helps to prepare food at the launch of a cookbook with recipes from a group of women affected by the Grenfell Tower fire at Kensington Palace in London on September 20, 2018.,Image: 534009087, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: NO UK USE FOR SEVEN DAYS – Fee Payable Upon Reproduction – For queries contact Avalon.red – sales@avalon.red London: +44 (0) 20 7421 6000 Los Angeles: +1 (310) 822 0419 Berlin: +49 (0) 30 76 212 251 Madrid: +34 91 533 4289, Model Release: no, Credit line: – / Avalon
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- Whistler, CANADA – Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were seen at the One Year to Go Event, a significant milestone leading up to the Invictus Games. These games are an international adaptive multi-sport event, created by Prince Harry, which bring together wounded, injured, or sick armed services personnel and veterans to compete in various sports. The event serves as a celebration of the strength and resilience of these individuals, providing a platform for them to showcase their abilities and inspire others. Pictured: Meghan Markle BACKGRID USA 15 FEBRUARY 2024 USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com *UK Clients – Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*
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- Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex attending the One Year to Go Event before the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 at Mountain Square Featuring: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex Where: Whistler, Canada When: 14 Feb 2024 Credit: Dutch Press Photo/Cover Images **NOT AVAILABLE FOR PUBLICATION IN THE NETHERLANDS OR FRANCE**
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- One Year to Go event before the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 at Mountain Square Featuring: Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex Where: Whistler, Canada When: 14 Feb 2024 Credit: Dutch Press Photo/Cover Images **NOT AVAILABLE FOR PUBLICATION IN THE NETHERLANDS OR FRANCE**
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- One Year to Go event before the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 at Mountain Square Featuring: Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex Where: Whistler, Canada When: 14 Feb 2024 Credit: Dutch Press Photo/Cover Images **NOT AVAILABLE FOR PUBLICATION IN THE NETHERLANDS OR FRANCE**
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- One Year to Go event before the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 at Mountain Square Featuring: Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex Where: Whistler, Canada When: 14 Feb 2024 Credit: Dutch Press Photo/Cover Images **NOT AVAILABLE FOR PUBLICATION IN THE NETHERLANDS OR FRANCE**
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- Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex attending the final day of the One Year to Go Event before the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 and go curling at the Vancouver Curling Club at Hillcrest Community Centre Featuring: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex Where: Vancouver, Canada When: 16 Feb 2024 Credit: Dutch Press Photo/Cover Images **NOT AVAILABLE FOR PUBLICATION IN THE NETHERLANDS OR FRANCE**
I, of course, signed up for updates and am now just waiting for Madam Duchess to email me 😁. I would love some artisanal California marmalade to enjoy while watching KP burn itself down.
Same here!! LOL
Yup same.
Marmalade goes great with piping hot tea! lolz I also love that she’s going to sell stuff similar to what the Duchy of Cornwall does, so if they criticize her they imply a criticism of themselves!
I was thinking about this earlier, I really hope that once the ‘HOW GAUCHE’ tweets start, people respond with pictures of all the equivalent stuff the royals sell.
While I’m sure this is yet another example of them living their lives supremely unbothered by all the drama and nonsense over here, part of me hopes that deep down she knew we’d need snacks while the clownshow explodes in on itself.
“Let them eat snacks!” as the British Monarchy finally implodes 232 years after the French one.
@SarahCS
“…she knew we’d need snacks”
😂😂😂
I’m really, really hoping there is some ‘artisanal’ popcorn!
Lol SarahCS what an awesome comment!
I love “The Riv,” @Shawna! That “American Riviera Orchard” name? —it’s a mouthful.
It’s a mouthful of a title, I agree. I would have dropped the orchard maybe? Didn’t stop me from signing up though! Lol
It pains me to say I hate the name, but hope to understand it better after seeing what she does with it.
Yes when I first saw the name I thought it was wine! Then I found it was … cooking stuff … I mean, ok?
I didn’t love the name at first, either, but it has really grown on me overnight. If I think of it as a destination, American Riviera Orchard is a place I want to visit. I love “The Riv” too @Shawna!
It’s a mouthful but in the end you know we will all end up saying “I bought some of Meghan’s stuff.”
The could even title whatever blog/newsletter they sent “The Riv” and see if it sticks as an abbreviation of the entire brand. There has been a lot of pushback on Reddit and X about the length of the name. A nickname for it would mean they wouldn’t actually have to back down but still offer people something that’s easier to talk about and share on social media.
Yeah, I’m with y’all on the name. Doesn’t matter, though, I love kitchen stores! Virtual, actual, doesn’t matter! And I’m not a cook, I just like browsing the stuff!
People said same about William-Sonoma and Sur-la-Table
as far as im concerned it is The Riv TM Shawna forevermore
someone @Meg and tell her to get that trademark too
for me it looks like a play on Arch(ie) and Archewell
American Riviera orCHard
The Riv is perfect. I hope it sticks.
Thanks to Vulture for pointing out it’s also an anagram for “Haircare Macaroni Driver”.
Yeah, I don’t like the name. ‘The Tig’ was smart and sexy and kinda hip. But this is a bit of a mouthful. Hopefully they’ll revisit the name. .
I signed up because I’m interested.
It looks as if they are going with the acronym, ARO. At least from the products I see up already on Shopify (t-shirts, caps, totes) which is separate from, but apparently connected to the website? 🤔 I hope the Shopify products are from Meg and not another copycat, like all the copycat IG accounts that sprung up so quickly. Sigh… I hope IG will delete those copycat accounts, which have already drawn so much vile, jealous deranger bile. Meghan’s new IG account is obviously going to have comments disabled.
Meanwhile, Congrats to Madam Duchess Meghan! 👏🏽 I look forward to all the good stuff ahead. ✨️ 🥰
It is! At a quick glance, I saw “America Ferrera”, which is a name of actress who played “Ugly Betty”. The name kind of sounds close to hers.
@aftershocks, it appears that the name on Shopify is “American Riviera Orchards”, with an “S” at the end. I hope people don’t fall for this scam. Thank you for pointing it out.
I signed up for Insta for the first time, and this will be my only follow.
Perhaps consider following Invictus Games too?
Nice to have you on Insta
The screams started yesterday: “How DARE Meghan time her launch for Peg’s Diana Tribute!!!”
You know, the mother he called crazy. The mother he literally silenced by getting her own story, in her own voice, banned.
Well, now they’re all throwing up and throwing tantrums because Meghan is using HER voice: I hope it echoes all across Salt Island and reverberates on a loop!!
Can somebody explain how the U.S. tabloids work? Does Page 6 have a direct link to William? The Meghan hatred has been non-stop, with one horrible old white man already predicting that this venture will fail, claiming that all Meghan’s ventures fail. Before that Page Six attempted to link the Sussexes to the faked photo. Before that … you get the picture. One story even spoke of William taking time out of his “busy” day. Even for a Murdoch publication, Page 6 is shameless in its dictation.
None of the tabloid stories, on either side of the pond, are written by people who are actually in Meghan’s target audience, All are miserable old white people, male and female, crawling to Kensington Palace.
By the way, I also loathe the name. Ugh. Ugh. I hope that’s not the name of Meghan’s cooking show.
Isabella, Page Six is a section of the NY Post, which is owned by Rupert Murdoch, who in turn has a settlement agreement with Prince William. Here’s a little advice, whenever you see a tabloid or newspaper bashing the Sussexes, just check to see who owns it — Google’s your friend.
I signed up right away 😍😍
So did I! Really looking forward to what Meghan brings us…
Same here! I signed up for emails. Followed the new IG, too. I first learned about it here, thanks Celebitchy!
Great! Enjoy but realise that the title Duchess is a outdated and steeped in classism.
You can’t champion equality and still go around with a title.
I’m inclined to agree with you on the title. It adds a level of just rich people doing rich people stuff too. It all looks very expensive, boring and beige to me.
It almost reminds me of something Nikki Reed would put out. I’ll see what she does with it, but so far it gives me a little ick.
People don’t seem to mind the title when it’s used by all other royals. The bots are all over this give up the title talking point. But I get your point about the beige & it’s gonna be expensive stuff, ala GOOP.
@Isabella, I fundamentally disagree with birthright titles that grant certain people privileges. I just don’t normally care what the other royals do because I’m American and I think they are all absolutely horrible.
I think Megan and Harry are above them in character and dropping the titles would show that they are of the people- which I wholeheartedly believe they perceive themselves to be. Using her Royal title imo, notes that this brand holds exclusivity. That’s fine, it’s just not my jam.
I hope that explains my agreement with Cathy more completely.
cathy, since the brf changed Archie’s birth certificate to take Meghan’s name off of it and it now states just the title, why would she not use the title? She is Archie’s mother–no matter how much the brf and bm want to erase her.
LOLOLOL!!
Yes please !! and maybe some artisanal popcorn or nice bowls to out said artisanal popcorn in and watch KP crumble under their throne of lies
Absolutely. She’s jumping on the “Instagram trad wife” train, mimicking the likes of Paula Sutton (Hill House). Also reminds me of when Blake Lively tried to launch a webshop with artisanal items – it bombed, obviously.
Honestly, I don’t get her. If I were her – supposedly happily married with two kids, wealthy, recovering from trauma – I’d do my thing behind the scenes and live happily ever after without ever bothering with the public again.
Wow, lots of derangers are hitting the site. Might I suggest you go somewhere else.
@Sophia, isn’t that a little drastic, expecting her to “live happily ever after without ever bothering with the public again?” Is it the happily married that is a problem? The children? Or is it the fact that she shared her trauma with the rest of us? The more people come forward with their struggles, the more it helps those who suffer in silence. Ostracizing is never the answer.
@Saucy&Sassy, yup they scare a lot of trolls under this post. I do not comment often, but I read Celebitchy daily, and some of these posters are commenting for the first time.
I’m increasingly disappointed in Lainey. I barely go anymore. The fact that she used to scream about how the palace is ANAZING at PR, that they basically invented it and on and on and then was completely silent on the racial abuse meghan suffered. And then pretends to now be too good to cover the people she used to adore (Will and Kate – she called their sears black and white Christmas card “quiet luxury” she is delusional except randomly to fan gurl. Ans then when she doesn’t cover soemthing she always says it’s because she doesn’t cover “sad smut”. No. You just don’t cover what makes you uncomfortable
Lainey is how I found this site, so I’ll never hate her but I go less and less. Sometimes I’ll go weeks without visiting the site – unless it’s referenced in the links here!
I think she’s always felt a little defensive about Meghan since the git-go in 2016. It’s a weird vibe.
Me too! I loved Lainey and she’s the reason I found this site but haven’t been over there for a while. I’m a bit disappointed with some of her blogs too.
I too stopped going to Lainey a few years ago. I think I too found this site thru her, but that was back in like 2008….Anyways, here is much better. Better writing, better insights and less sucking up to people. (You can always tell who her fav’s are)
I can’t wait to support her in her new venture! I’m sure her products and advice will be superb!
I cannot wait, I’m so excited! I love table ware, etc, cute things and FOOD!!!!! What a gift to all of us! 🙂
Btw, I don’t care what she calls her brand and I don’t care that she uses her Duchess title. She can do whatever she wants. 🙂
The royal family (LOL) can again be indebted to the Duchess of Sussex for her impeccable timing. How thoughtful of Meghan to step in and save her husband’s family from themselves. How lovely for the rest of us, too! Of course, the rats masquerading as the UK press will scream and rant while running to the bank with the windfall the Duchess will provide them. Meanwhile, in their separate castles, WanK will be screaming while throwing pillows, throwing up and stamping their velvet jet plane slippered feet. I expect Charles will be troubled, and the side chick will break out the champagne. Thanks, Meg; it will be an interesting rest of the year.
This is perfect on so many levels. Good (as always) for her.
This is such a good fit for her and ties into her pre- Harry brand. I’m looking forward to learning more. Also lol on the timing which of course is coincidence but karma is always on time.
To be fair, it’s not easy to find a few days in the calander when there is no royal fuckup to distract from. I truly hope that there are at least a few columnists who will draw attention to the Duchy productline that I believe now makes money for Peg.
The video and site styling are perfection, but the name is really long and awkward. Needs a nickname, pronto.
Maybe The Riv? Echoes The Tig.
I know people will cuss me out for this, but I am not a fan of this branding. The name sounds very unattainable elite. And if she starts selling food products the produce they’ll use will obviously bot come from her montecito orchard. I expected something more down to earth and inclusive I guess. But I have an open mind about where she will take this and I truly hope she comes out with a vegan cookbook, because I’d buy that for sure.
There seem to be plenty of farms and orchards (many organic) in the area. Why would the produce need to come from her yard?
I definitely won’t cuss you out but I like the name. It’s bougie and aspirational. And I loved the video which to me was giving Hill House Paula Sutton vibes (also bougie aspirational). And I love that the font is her own calligraphy! I’d recognize those flourishes anywhere.
I also started wondering if they’ve purchased an orchard somewhere in the region. That way (part of) the ingredients of the jams and spreads can come from their orchard.
And I would guess/hope that parts of the brand will be affordable so everyone can enjoy. A range of cookware or kitchenware in different price categories or whatever.
@SussexWatcher I agree with your take. Yes, it’s a mouthful and bougie, but it’s also fun and life-affirming. “American Riviera” brings a little euro-trash jetset zing to the usual California Girl sunniness, and Orchards are magical happy places. I hope she nails it.
I meant to add that I also love love love that it has American in the name. Haha suck on that, Salty Isle!
Agree that the name is bleh. I like American Riviera, but maybe that’s taken? I’m anticipating that it will eventually shortened to ARO; which kind of fits with Archewell
It is already shortened to ARO on the Shopify site. I may purchase one of the t-shirts with the design motif in Heather Stone ($34.50). It also comes in White, with American Riviera Orchard spelled out. There’s another t-shirt in Gray, with the acronym, ARO, instead of the design motif. The cap and the tote, I will take a pass on.
I look forward to trying out the jams and the legume spreads. And, I can’t wait for the cookbooks, kitchenware, and the Netflix cooking show.👌🏽 This seems more Martha Stewart than Gwyneth Paltrow.
Far from Meghan doing this as a result of who she married, this is Meg getting back to her roots and to the amazing life and creative lifestyle she was already building when she fatefully met Prince Haz. In fact, as Omid revealed in Finding Freedom, the evening before Harry got an eyeful of Meghan on his friend’s IG, Meg had a business dinner date with an agent. They discussed ideas for a cooking show and a possible cookbook. That was 2016. Thus, post marrying, giving birth and going through the fire meted out by the rota and the toxic firm, Meg is dipping back into her creativity with the same energy, ideas, good taste, and uplift we saw on The Tig and on her original solo IG. 🌺
Yes, there are a few blogs with American Riviera when googled so maybe why they added Orchard. As that area of Santa Barbara is known as the AR…..Based on the video, and the song choice , love Nancy Wilson & that song – I love the whimsical American Royalty, West Coast American coded luxury escape its hinting of – hope it’s whimsical and ethereal and aspirational with some attainable elements. West Coast version of Hamptons but not as gaudy. Also Oprah has an avocado orchard so who knows what M has invested in and she has been exploring the farmers market. I wish her luck. The years in U.K. probably steeled her spirits to face the expected criticism as any entrepreneur face.
^^ Agree @Elisa! Plus, descriptions of H&M’s Montecito estate indicate that there’s an existing fruit orchard and a beehive already on the property. This, in addition to all the other amenities, real (like the teahouse, tennis court and chicken coop) and imagined (like the hundred million bathrooms). 😂
@SussexWatcher I also like the name and the immediate connection to SB area. For everyone not liking “Orchard” in the name – differentiation is needed from American Riviera Bank, American Riviera Towel Co and any other American Riviera branded things in the area. “American” in the title will not stop britmedia from hating on her for supposedly banking off BRFCo association, despite how unhinged they’ll sound. BTW Shopify account for American Riviera OrchardS is a knock-off.
@aftershocks you’re right- I’m pretty sure we actually saw the fruit garden in the Harry & Meghan Netlix series. There was a scene where Meghan and Ashleigh take Archie and Lili to pick flowers and it also seems to be depicted on the back cover of The Bench. It definitely seemed like their land is expensive i wouldn’t surprise if they have their own orchards out there
That said i don’t think the expectation is that everything she sells will be from land she owns as no one really expects that from other branda. I think the Orchard is just there to diferentiate from other things named American Riviera
^^ H&M have a garden and a fruit orchard on their property @Chelsea. But sure, Meg may source her jams and spreads from other orchards in the area. I’d actually love to learn more about Meg’s Montecito lifestyle and see a typical ‘Day-in-the-Life’ video from our golden Queen! 👌🏽 It would be reminiscent of the ‘Around the Town,’ YT video and other media collab videos Meg did when she lived in Toronto, while working on Suits. This sparks ‘memories…’ 🎶 That was a time in which Meg could simply be herself and share interesting details of her life with followers. Sigh… 😢
please please please let there be a recipe book and cookery show! If she’s getting good business and branding advice i would hope someone would have suggested a show.
I definitely think there will be a cookbook at the very least. She is going to make soooooo much money from this venture. Cookbooks, table linens, kitchenware (I would absolutely buy that giant bowl seen in her grainy video), cookware, glassware, dinnerware….our Meg is gonna be a billionaire.
I have my giant vintage sponge ware biscuit bowl that’s about that size! I like mine better! 😉
Anyhoo, what’s your problem, cathy? You here just to crap all over Meghan’s accomplishments?
@Cathy Do you raise these same objections with the royals who are already rolling in dough and merching all kinds of things while still living off taxpayer money and giving very little back?
@Cathy, Meghan has always given a lot to charity.
There is also still a racist and xenophobic narrative in the UK that she is a golddigger.
So yes, I enjoy it when she does well.
Cathy. To her, she’s earning, as most of us do every day, and I believe she gives a hell of a lot to fund their charity work. I would also factor in this – imagine the cost of security they will have to pay for the rest of their lives – for them, their kids, no doubt her mother. That costs a fortune.
CATHY I hope you have the same energy for every single person who is ‘comfortable’ financially who chooses to continue to make money. That would include every celebrity in the world (please write to all of them) every media person, many /most politicians, corporate executives. Let’s just tell everyone to tools down immediately. I hate feeding trolls and God knows there is a load here today but you know you’re talking shiz.
@Cathy. The Sussexes may have more money than you and l will ever have but they have the burden of needing 24 hour top security for them and their children for the rest of their lives. I am sure that this is a constant worry about thinking of the future. At the same time they want to fulfil charitable obligations.
According to the DM coverage, there is a netflix cooking show in the pipeline and I can’t wait!
Everytime I am about to cancel my Netflix subscription….they pull me back in! lol
I would love a cooking show.
Yes!!! And produce from her yard!!!!
The pending copyright application does indicate e- and hard copy cookbooks will be one of the items produced under the brand. Cannot wait!
I’ll be cooking ARO/The Riv recipes then eating it on my ARO/The Riv tableware 🍽️
The name is not my favourite, just because it feels a little long and random, however I really like the marketing so far and the branding looks really nice. I’m a fan of the font and colours. It’ll be interesting to see how it develops. It does feel like a good fit for her.
I agree on all counts. The name is kind of whatever but I’ll withhold final judgement until I see more and overall the concept seems like a good fit for her. Can I say I actually kind of do not want a cooking show? I’m sure she is a great cook, but all the over-exaggerated food enjoyment cooking show hosts seem to have to do just bugs me so I don’t want Meghan to have to do that!
I guess this might also explain why she hasn’t been doing brand ambassador type stuff… she’s developing her own brand!
It does sound like a word salad
Word salad is the britshit media’s fav term for anything Meghan says or writes. The irony is Meghan never speaks word salad and they do every day.
10 syllables is just too many.
I hope they get a nickname soon.
I really think she should have used her name. Martha Stewart Living is iconic.
This name is so random, like you said, a word salad.
It sounds like someone popped “names of lifestyle brands in CA” into ChatGPT and picked this one from the list.
That said, I’m a sucker for kitchenware so bring it.
Kokiri, using her name would have been great!
If she used Sussex in any way, she would have been destroyed for profiting off her title. (I mean the RRs are already saying that.) her name isn’t Meghan Markle anymore. So just Meghan’s Orchard then or something? then people would be bad that the food wasn’t coming from her orchard like you already pointed out.
I’m sure it will go by a nickname in time, either ARO or American Riv or something.
Agreed.
I don’t care for the name, nor did I particularly like Archewell. It’s too cumbersome, much like this new lifestyle name.
And I always wonder, is it pronounced ARCHwell or ARKwell?
Like architect.
Archewell. Weird that any it. Hard to pronounce.
Maybe she’s just not great naming things. I’m not either. Some people are really clever though.
Goop, though stupid, is clever. Easy to remember, fun to say.
Draper James, is fun to say. You can kinda sing it.
American Riveria Orchard. Like, what?
Orchard isn’t a pleasant word to say.
I think she’s not great at naming things. I didn’t care for The Tig particularly either, or the rational behind that name. Doesn’t seem to have held her back though! So we’ll see how the new venture develops.
@windyriver, I’m with you. I’ve not been a fan of any of the names she’s selected, going all the way back to Tig. I can’t put my finger on why exactly, but none of them quite work.
Alix. I’m with you on Archewell. It’s not a nice sound. Look before we get bombarded on this. 1) no one knows how it’ll be played out just yet 2) it doesn’t mean what she’s doing here isn’t fantastic. But I can’t work out why someone so great at curating things and putting together projects with huge amounts of thought came up with such an awkward name.
The font: looks like she did calligraphy which was then embroidered on linen…?
Shawna, yes that’s definitely her handwriting. I love that! Hopefully she’s had an entire font set created from her writing so the whole site will have her cute little calligraphy flourishes everywhere.
I’m just so happy for her (and Harry) that they are freeeee! Free from being the official royal scapegoats (even though they’re still being used this way, but now they can fight back). Free from Salty Isle. Free to do the things she enjoys with this website and company. Free to thrive and not just survive. I can’t wait for American Riviera Orchard or ARO to launch and for her to start raking in the millions.
It feels like it was made to be shortened. I’ve seen a few people just call it ARO (rhyming with “arrow”?), and that’s cute.
I agree, Juno. And ARO (arrow) would be cute.
Agreed – it’s not clever like…”Clevr” (which I know she didn’t create, but it’s memorable, and easy). It’s too cumbersome. Also, American Riviera Orchard sounds so…bougie, which negates one of the things I most enjoy about her – she can do breathtaking rich lady, but she can also do ripped jeans and a beanie hat and look like it’s really her vibe….like she really is the girl who slept in a tent and peed outside on safari with her new man. She can cook in the kitchens of people who just lost their home and throw thoughtful parties where the most famous people reside. The name is just 100% bougie to me, and IDK – it takes away her range to me.
American Riviera would have worked, as would American Orchard. All three words? Nope. Long and not the least bit catchy.
I agree about her range. It looks like she is in a very narrow rich lady lane and I expected something more like how you describe her. Rich lady but she can have the time of her life sleeping in a tent. To me this orchard thing feels so unattainable. Maybe her content will cover a broader range than what the launch suggests.
It is highly likely that “American Orchard” or “American Riviera” being widely used and rather generic terms would not be allowed to be trademarked. Or if allowed, could be already in use by someone. Naming brands in a way that won’t co-opt on someone else or use such generic terms isn’t as easy as it might seem.
Equality, I agree. If that region is known for being the American Riviera then there are probably a million things from that area already called American Riviera (fill in the blank).
I honestly don’t mind the long name and as Juno wrote above may just be shortened to ARO. I notice the logo is made up of those 3 letters so maybe that’s already her plan.
If she’s selling foodstuffs, “American Riviera Orchard” works great. It’s a little longer than something like “Stonewall Kitchens” but it’s going to be a label on a jar of jam, not face cleaner like GOOP. It has a nice rhythm to my ear. And it’s just the background, with only two syllables more than Martha Stewart Living.
Thank you @Agnes. I agree. We don’t all have to like Meg’s choices in names or attire, etc. The bottom line is that Meghan usually makes the right choices for herself, and she has excellent taste and a brio for living. She also tends to deliver, no matter what venture she’s involved in. From Suits, to women’s advocacy, to designing fashion capsule collections, to aceing the work part of royal life, to guest-editing British Vogue, to birthing children, to producing podcasts, to writing a children’s book, to creating tableware and cookbooks, to making jams and nut spreads, Meghan “gets things done!”
Yep, very much agree. Really not a fan of the name and it feels a bit ‘random words put together’. Even ‘The American Riviera Orchard’ might have worked better.
Count me in 100% on the rest of it though.
Beenie said the name was too long adding “The” would make it longer.
Since we don’t have much else to go on, the name makes it sound to me like she’s going to compete with Harry & David selling luxury pears. I’m sure once it’s launched the association will fit whatever she is actually selling though.
Which actually owned their own pear orchards in the valley (the Rogue Valley; used to work at H&D, long ago!), so I’m willing to bet the company will either acquire or already has acquired orchards in the vicinity, or at least will be buying directly from local orchards.
Let’s be honest here sussexstan, your name is also beyond pretentious since you’re pretending to be a concern troll. Howevuh, to extend to you and all other trollish sorts, I’ll remind you that Harry and Meghan offered to give up their titles in early 2020, but their offered was rebuffed by the BRFCo power players who preferred to yank their security. Another little reminder here that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex is using her MARRIED NAME, and your need for her to stop using her married name puts you squarely in the camp of nutjobs who would prefer to see Harry divorced or widowed. Take up your real title beef with UK governmental structures with the power to change the fact that Prince Harry is a Duke.
I signed up for updates immediately this is totally what I’m into. I’m looking forward to a cookbook, she has a way with making staples seem updated and modern that I’ll enjoy trying I’m sure. As for the Wales’ and providing cover, eh.. Of course the BM will do what they do, because they don’t want them to have money to be able to survive away, so it’s expected. And the Wales’ themselves have somehow managed to make boneheaded move after boneheaded move every week this year, so I’m not too worried.
So excited. Signed up for updates already and subscribed to Instagram site.
I noticed there is a spoof/copycat IG site already: “americanriveraorchard” as opposed to “americanrivieraorchard”. The fake on is missing one “i” in its address. The real one has a blue tick.
What’s so funny to me is how many of her haters or Princess Keen “fans” are already following her IG page. Someone on Twitter showed a screen grab of a huge list of anti-Meghan accounts already following. And then the Daily Fail did an item by item list of everything on her kitchen island in the 1 second shot of her cooking in the video (down to “a stack of plates” 😂). It’s hilarious how obsessed they are and how much free marketing they’ll provide. Cha-ching, baby.
That photo was so blurry and yet the FAIL did an item by item list of everything on her kitchen counter? That’s crazy. They are so fan obsessed. Too bad they didn’t apply the same sleuthing abilities to WanKs frankenphoto.😂
Exactly, midnight! Lol.
The BM sound stupid claiming this happened now to stick it to the Royals. This takes months of planning not hours or days.
They would complain no matter when it happened. The fake media in salty isle has the ability to twist any single thing they do into some huge assault against their pathetic royals.
Agreed. They make it out like Megan all of a sudden decided to put a lifestyle brand out because Kate is bad at photoshop. Ridiculous. This was always the plan.
LMAO they do sound hysterical. I love it.
Also, if this doesn’t bring Kate out from wherever she is, then something is indeed seriously wrong with her.
LOL, so true. Always playing catch up and then stealing ideas from her. Pathetic!
Oh the BM is sal-tee but not salty enough to ignore:) Several royal rotas followed QUICKLY after launch. They’re getting another faux outrage click bait revenue stream so their good. I followed The Tig and honestly the Duchess has a great eye! I hope the site can find a balance between aspirational and reachable but most of all, I hope it is a successful platform for creators/small business deserving a spotlight.
Just made another comment about the name. I agree with you that it would have been better to drop the Orchard. Disagree about the relevance stuff though.
This is super exciting!!! What we were all hoping for! Can’t wait for the cooking show.
Daily fail has obsessively dissected every single item in the screenshot of Meghan’s kitchen, even labelling “exposed brick wall”, and someone on twitter commented, “is Kate hiding in Meghan’s kitchen?” 😂😂😂
lol. They are such losers, jealous of a black woman who can afford nice things.
Do we know who the lady in the black dress is? Maybe it’s Kate 😀
Otherwise what on earth is that segment of the video about?? Looks like Sicilian widow in 1899.
That looks like the Caroline Herrera ballgown skirt/outfit that M wore to the “One Love” premiere in Jamaica. Perhaps she was having a fitting that day? The hairstyle is the same that she wore with it as well (low, sleek bun).
It’s giving “Tara”. 😁
I’m here for it! I’m glad it’s home related too. No more skincare, haircare, etc.
^^ On the ARO My Shopify site, they are selling a hand wash/ body wash product. 😁
And never fear, whatever clothes Meg wears and whatever skincare and haircare products she uses, will continue to quickly sell out.
I will wait to make sure this shopify site legit belongs to Meghan prior to purchasing anything.
The ‘ARO My Shopify site’ shows 2024 copyright for “American Riviera Orchards (ARO)™️” so looks like somebody hoping to profit off American Riviera Orchard (not Orchards) which has yet to have trademark application approved. Won’t be spending any of my $$$ there. OTOH thanks to other posters who previously spotted “Biography Long June” face oil on Meghan’s vanity – I immediately purchased it and LOVE IT!
Oh hi @Kirk 👋🏽 I checked out the Biography site too. But I purchased the Biography Golden Ray Glow Face Oil. It boosts collagen, hydrates, and moisturizes. 😊
Oh, and speaking of Meghan’s product influence, I recently discovered that the Black Regal Peacock teacup & saucer (along with a mug, a plate, and sugar bowl) are sold by The Bee’s Knees, a British imports company located in Massachusetts. Thus, the cost is less expensive! Check it out online if you’re interested. I’m glad I waited and didn’t buy from the U.K. company in 2021.
Thx for pointing out the suspicious aspect of that Shopify site. I thought so!
@aftershocks – All the Biography face oil formulations looked good, but decided to limit the first purchase. Thanks for the Bee’s Knees tip. I’ve been a lover of Blue Willow pattern for many years. My mother-in-law gifted me Johnson Bros place settings for birthdays and Christmas. We rarely use teacup and saucer though, so will probably replace most of those with 10 or 11-oz Blue Willow mugs by Churchill in different patterns.
🫡 @Kirk 👍🏽 The Bee’s Knees also sells the Blue Regal Peacock pattern in a variety of products, including a teapot and a serving plate.
So many of you were manifesting this, so please enjoy it! 😂 Lifestyle things like these aren’t really my jam but I hope it’s a huge success for her. I want those salty rota people to realize once and for all that she’s making plenty of money and she’s never coming back to royal life in the UK.
I love the timing. The world is hyper focused on the British media, so many eyeballs to witness the unhinged hysteria! Come on, rota, make it really damn clear why Harry and Meghan had to quit you and that family.
Usually, it’s just CB and the Sussex squad paying attention to the non-stop abuse of Meghan.
Love it! Haven’t been on IG in a few years and Meghan made me get back on. The things I do for her lol.
I actually think it’s good timing because more people have eyes on royal news right now. The height social media interest in whereiskate is dying off so good time to grab people while they are still somewhat interested.
I mean she has almost 400k followers for a brand IG. Not even Angelina Jolie got that many from her recent launch.
That’s because KP has made an entire business model of sloppily copying anything the Sussexes do, so they assume that it must work that way in reverse for everyone else too
ETA: This was a response to Louise not sure how it ended up here
Y’all, I made an Instagram account😂. I don’t even like insta. Next up, Meghan’s gonna have me cooking and I don’t even like cooking. Excited for her. Can’t wait to see it all.
I made one also, I just follow her account. I look like a bot out there but I promise I’m real🫣😅
Me too. I’d never been on Twitter until I felt I had to in order to speak up against the onslaught onH&M. Now Instagram fgs. I’ve made an account & followed M & a couple of authors I like but I’ve no actual clue what I’m doing on there or how it all works 😂. Hopefully, it will become clearer as I go along.
Didn’t I read somewhere yesterday that a cooking show is part of the Netflix deal? Of course I can’t find it now. Good for her, it’s clearly been a passion project for a long time. I don’t love the name, though. I’m sure it went through a lot of brainstorming/focus groups, but the words “American Riviera Orchard” just don’t roll off the tongue well together. I’m blaming the word orchard, haha.
I saw that too. Claimed there wil be a Netflix cooking show.
“On the four-year anniversary of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s “Freedom Flight” to California,”
Honestly, both H&M know how to symbolize things. That is a hell of celebration of their first step to freedom. It is just simply perfect. No doubt BM will yell and puke, but they always do that anyway. Also, they already started to put the blame of KP’s sh*t handling of the situation on H&M before the launch. So, there is nothing new. And, the disappearance of Kate turned into a global hunting event. Talking about H&M won’t change that until Kate comes outside. If we don’t see her at Easter, this situation will blow up more no doubt.
That’s a mouthful! Sounds very ambitious, I’m happy for her. I think I would’ve liked “The Tig 2” or something simpler, but I hope it does well. Am in the SoCal region so it’ll be good to know what’s good (or even better) around here.
Yeah, as someone sensitive to proper branding, I find the name choice lackluster….”Yeah, I got this from the American Riviera Orchard.” It’s long…so long that they didn’t even include it in the website name. So I’m not a fan of the naming choices, but I’m a fan of Meghan’s aesthetic, so I’ll be joining the mailing list for updates!
Agreed. Something like “Orchard Riviera” would flow better but even that sounds too much like a new, planned community. I hope they shorten it to ARO or something down the line.
Like others have said, this market is a bit over saturated so I hope what she does is very unique and different. Would definitely welcome her wine recommendations, that’s for sure!
The immediate response of most commenters here so far to this name has been underwhelming. We can’t be the only ones; some people on her team must’ve had a similar response, at least initially. Maybe it will make more sense when we know more about the content.
And as @Jenny below says, hoping (expecting actually) she focuses on local and women/minority owned businesses as part of her plan.
Lemons, what?
https://americanriviera.com/
@Saucy&Sassy You just illustrated my point. If the brand is American Riviera Orchard, why is the website name http://www.americanriviera.com and NOT http://www.americanrivieraorchard.com (this link redirects to americanriviera.com btw).
Maybe it will be something like AR Orchard for food products. AR Home for homeware, etc. And I trust Meghan enough to stick around to see what she will be offering us.
Lemons, they can only get the website that’s available. Also, we don’t know if they will have more under the ‘American Riviera’ brand. Time will tell.
I think people are getting too invested in this naming thing. When you have a company, you will be able to name it whatever you want, unless there’s already a copyright for it.
The Tig’s over.
I really haven’t seen anyone complaining about the name except here. And people whined about Archewell but it seems to be doing quite well, lol.
MsIam, I think people forget that M&H can do what they choose to do. Frankly, I think the name is fine. If someone wants a company with a catchy name, they can form one.
They filed for the copyrights on Feb 5, the day KC announced his diagnosis. None of those have been approved yet and are still in process.
I feel this is such a saturated area right now, she needs to really come out swinging. I hope she focuses on local women and minority owned small businesses, giving them a larger platform to get their wares to the masses.
She also announced it 9 mins before William took the stage last night hahahaha.
I LOOOOVE how obsessed the RRs are with this already. We were mocking the DM’s breakdown of one of the scenes from the little video on X. She’s at 350k followers already, with no press directly from Archewell or Meghan. Keep advertising for her RRs.
The RRs never need an excuse to bash Meghan as we have seen over the several weeks/months/years. Does this take some of the focus off Kate? Yes. But I like that Meghan just did what she wanted to do when she wanted to do it. No one is blaming William for attending galas or playing basketball while Kate is……wherever. Meghan can move on with her life too.
100% this! William can drink beer, attend galas, play basketball, etc….. and it’s ok and no British media will comment that he’s not pulling his weight. He earns millions from ‘Duchy’ products and the money doesn’t go to good causes – it goes to his bank account! King Charles now pays rent to Prince William for Highgrove House (as it’s part of the Duchy) but continues to sell products labelled ‘Highgrove House’. Those products are supposed to “enable the life and work of The King’s Foundation.”
No one says a negative word about all the commercial enterprises the Royal Family and Royal adjacent relatives are involved in. The hypocrisy is not surprising, however I will continue to point to point out the differences where I can.
Julianna2, isn’t it interesting that the bm isn’t mentioning the brf’s products that they sell? Doesn’t the bm want their products to do well by publishing them far and wide? I like the fact that H&M get free publicity.
Their bitterness is giving her free promotion so at least she’s benefitting from it.
Great looking project, awkward name.
I’m expecting Keen rumblings about chutney making any minute now.
Yea! Love the concept, but the name is like AI influencer nonsense words. Maybe it’ll naturally shorten to “the Orchard” or something?
I don’t really like the name. It’s too long. But I expect it’ll become ARO? Which is great. I bought this from ARO, it’s lovely stuff etc. The video is too gauzy and indistinct for me. But all of that means nothing. Because what she’s done is what they ever failed to appreciate let alone see – she’s used her natural bucket loads of talent and energy, and together they are rising higher and higher. There is always positivity. And I love that they have separate ventures. And now more than ever I’m glad they they said **** this to a life in the UK because the BRF would have squandered this level of ability.
Could be pronounced “arrow” and would work. I suggested abbreviating it The Riv to echo the old blog name while still sounding new.
Yes. should’ve said. My hope would be for the overall phonetic, so arrow. I think it’s lovely. Should’ve dropped the caps for the sounding; less BBC split up acronym, more arrow. A.R.O. is quite uncomfortable to say. I can imagine someone picking up the phone, “good morning, arrow, how can I help?”.
I think that would become a problem with Aeropostale clothing brand also going by “Aero,” pronounced the same, though. And there’s an airline called Aero, too.
I think short a vowel not long a, which would definitely sound like arrow not aero. Or this just a British understanding of how short sound “arrow” is pronounced? Aero is the UK chocolate bar sound to me. Arrow is the fly through the air spear. Which I really like.
The name is absolutely ridiculous. There is a great Vulture article that likens it to the potential name of Blake Lively’s 7th child…
The Vulture article lost me in less than the 1st quarter with the comparison/likening to the ‘potential name of Blake Lively’s 7th child’. Apparently, the writer of the article doesn’t have the balls enough to include Ryan Reynolds name in the naming of his children. Might eff up Will’s recent Wrexham alcohol visit. OOPS, he did that himself.
I’ve been chuckling that people’s first instinct was to jump to ARO when all they had to do was drop Orchard and the name would be less of a mouthful for them – which is precisely what M did, because the website is americanriviera.com, no orchard there. What’s wrong with simply saying “American Riviera”? From what we know of Meghan, she would have chosen the name for a reason, no need for us to rename her business before she has even begun.
I still stand by aro!!! (arrow) I think it’s because American Riviera sounds like a perfume name. But yes it’s all presumptive to be on about the name before we even know how it’s going to go. Love her calligraphy. I’m assuming it’s hers.
sparrow, I dislike aro–I like Shawna’s suggestion of American Riv. There are probably any number of ways to nickname a brand without going to initials. I suggest we wait to see what Meghan does.
It just goes to show Meghan’s not paying attention to what’s going on with that family. I’ve seen royal commentators and reporters complaining about the timing because it was on the same day as the Diana awards. Whatever. I’m looking forward to finding out more about the new business.
IMO, Diana would have been proud of Meghan had known her. Those awards only exist for Willnot to use the memory of his mother to get positive feedback from the public. Considering he has continuously spoken ill of her, he seriously needs to get on building his own public legacy and stop using the public’s affection for Diana for his own benefit.
Meghan is so generous to the Wales’ by launching this in the middle of KP’s PR disaster. As you mentioned it takes the spotlight off Bill and Kathy for a bit. Probably wasn’t planned that way, but she can’t wait for them to get their act together or she will be waiting for a while.
However, by launching it right before William is going to speak at the Diana Legacy Award, we could dig into it a bit more. Bill is probably incandescent with rage.
Yes, people are saying it’s on purpose to draw attention from William’s Diana stuff. But her husband is also there, so hmmm. I think it has actually done W&K more of a favour – people are looking at it and claiming how thoughtless Meghan has been, and wider than that she and Harry caused everything to go wrong for Kate. And hey presto, there’s been that article about loyal friends saying all this illness started because of Harry and Meghan. Bingo. It won’t work, though, because the sheer negativity, the rehash of the same old blaming, makes them look totally stuck in the past. H&M are way forwards people.
Meh the timing is the timing, the logical course of action for Wank is for them to release a vid of Kate sitting up in bed with her kids eating Pancakes. as for the clash with the Diana awards i reckon they must have planned it to happen around the same time so both of them are in the limelight, and its also freedom day love it. Meghan took the heat off them
Re: timing, it comes across that Meghan DGAF what’s happening on Salty Isle. I’m glad she didn’t delay anything.
Yup. Don’t know, don’t care. Huevo Pegs the III? Don’t know him 🤷🏽♀️
Yep. Meghan doesn’t need to operate on their timetable. Pretty sure Harry was like, “Cool beans, my love”. A thought, Meghan & Harry really have never out shined each other. They support each other. They don’t care. bahahahaha The BM wants it to seem differently.a$$hats.
I really admire Meghan‘s clean cut and modern clothing style. So while I love the idea of such a brand for her and think this could work out great, I find the name and the blurry beige video too Kitsch and would have hoped for something more modern. But then Meghan has indulged in Kitsch before, and it is part of her charm
I like her so much, and I feel she has an amazing sense of style. Besides that she is also really smart ( and beautiful) and I feel maybe a little disappointed ? It sounds and looks to me a little bit boring.
Please don’t bite my head off, but the podcasts were amazing, the work they choose is amazing, and this doesn’t resonate so much with me. But I am ready to be surprised and amazed. So good luck to her.
this isn’t just aimed at you, but at all the similar comments – I dont know how people can say this doesn’t resonate with them or they think this is disappointing or boring.
Literally all we have is a name, a logo, and a 15 second video on IG. I don’t know how so many Sussex “fans” can already be dragging this when we know almost nothing about what this is going to be.
Maybe because when she has launched things in the past they were pretty much fully formed and you understood immediately what it was. This seems a little unclear except the color scheme is very on brand from what we’ve seen of their home and she has been investing in food type things for years. I just don’t personally connect with yet another “lifestyle” brand, which is how this is marketed, that is going to sell expensive sounding food and homewares.
But that’s ok if I don’t connect because hopefully lots of people will and the venture will be successful and long lasting. I just know that my immediate reaction when I saw it announced wasn’t excitement, it was confusion on the name and general apathy about the whole thing. She has experience in this space and she is dynamic so if she can bring something new and interesting then I’m sure many people will love it once it fully launches and we can see it for real.
@Becks1 – Agreed, the need to make an instant snap judgment about anything Meghan does without any details happens a lot. It’s exhausting.
Anyway, I’m excited to see more. I’m shocked Meghan has returned to IG as I didn’t think she ever would. At least IG has better safety controls to protect Meghan and her team from online abuse.
Becks1. I don’t think it’s aimed particularly at me, either; although, here in the UK, I buy online from clothing companies that feature high end home products on behalf of other companies. There is obviously therefore a market amongst people like me. But that really isn’t quite the point – even if I never buy from her, I love this venture because it reflects major talent and positivity.
I agree 💯, Becks.
And D – I think this will be a fully formed brand and project. We just don’t know all the details yet. I can’t imagine she would just launch this promo video and the website and then make us wait 6 months for any content or products. I predict we’ll get more fully fleshed out information very soon.
Yeah, we have no idea. I couldn’t even read this thread yesterday bc it would’ve been a massive eye royal. There are regular commenters her who genuinely aren’t feeling it…yet, which is fine. We have no idea what it’s gonna be. Meghan has good taste and a good eye. I’m gonna trust and can’t wait to see what it’s about. But it’s also the fact that when Meghan announces something new, there’s always random new names on the thread with overly critical critiques and talking points from the tabloids. Making my way through the thread now and I’m literally like who dat? Oh someone who is showing up for one day to taint the excitement. It’s predictable. For the reg commenters, some are vibing with it while some aren’t. For me, I’ve genuinely always appreciated Meghan’s taste so I doubt that I’m all of the sudden not going to now. Meghan’s gonna have me buying cookbooks and watching cooking shows when I don’t even cook.
It’s fine and I agree….im not the audience for this (although we don’t really even know what this is yet). I’m more looking forward to the new podcast and the Netflix stuff. But it’s smart to have multiple income streams and to take advantage of the interest in what she is doing. I know people who will never listen to her podcasts but will absolutely buy whatever this is. Meghan and Harry need to fund their security for themselves and their kids for the rest of their lives.
I mean, and I’m not trying to come at you but it doesn’t have to resonate with you. It’s nothing wrong if it’s not your thing, if you’re not really into this sort of home goods/lifestyle type of stuff. There’s going to be a market for this, people that may not care at all about the royal stuff but like the designs or the cookbooks or whatever else they release. I think supporters have to understand that everything is not going to be tailored specifically to the people on Twitter defending them, and that to succeed they really can’t. It in my opinion encompasses the larger issue that people have about whether they attend royal events, whether or not they have personal pages on Instagram, whether or not they go to certain activities in the showbiz industry. They aren’t going to just try to appeal to their diehards forever( which let’s be honest is the vast majority commenting here). That’s not a great business decision it locks you into the whims of those people and doesn’t give you the ability to take risks or changes, despite their loyalty.
Excellent points! They have proven they know what they are doing in their business and personal lives. I just sit back and enjoy their moving from success to success!
As long as Meghan is happy and enjoys doing it, it doesn’t matter if it doesn’t resonate with you. Everything’s not for you.
Hard to have a nuanced conversation without people coming at you that you’re a hater but I agree. Yes, it’s not much to go on. But to start, I think the name is two separate concepts that she’s pulled together and they don’t match or flow. I didn’t like the Tig name either-I thought the story was pretentious. She does love cooking, and the whole aspirational homewares thing-so that’s great. Everything she has promoted sells out, so I’m sure she’ll do well. I just don’t love the whole concept-like she’s better than schilling products. But I of course signed up yesterday and I’m sure I’ll order a cookbook-so whatever. Lol.
I don’t see anyone ‘coming’ for people complaining about the promo as being ‘haters.’ Although, funnily enough there are derangers on IG making similar complaints about the ARO promo. 🤔
Bottom line, what I see here are some observers over-analyzing, and others simply being reasonable about the fact that everything Meghan chooses to do will not (and doesn’t have to) please everyone. 😉 In any case, for me, Meghan is always interesting, aspirational, and inspirational. She’s a go-getter who knows how to ‘get things done!’ Her ‘faith is stronger than her fear.’ 🙌🏽 💪🏽
Anniversary of the freedom flight why not launch on that date. Who cares what other people in a whole another country have going on. The world doesn’t stop because of the Windsors buffoonery. It would only be poor timing if she dropped this last week. Now that people who usually don’t pay attention to royals now see the circus that is keeping up with the Windsors is there is no need to hold off on going on as business as usual. The name I don’t care for she should’ve went with the tig its short, catchy and it’s already associated with her. I’m looking forward to what she does with this brand.
^^ LOL! The Tig is in Meg’s rearview window. Perhaps still fresh and new to you, but old business for Meg. She put that precious venture to rest and moved on with her life. Meghan is in a different, Montecito Mama era. She gonna do her own thang, as she pleases. Not everyone has to rock ‘n roll with her new lifestyle creation, but I’m here for it, and I’m ready to find out more about what ‘it’ actually is. ✨️
Kudos to Meghan for continuing on her journey with something she loves. And no Meghan should not put her life on hold because Kate got busted for photo fraud and she is allegedly I’ll. After PhotoGate can you honestly believe she is sick?
Agreed: Meghan and Harry shouldn’t schedule their life around the RF’s scandals and activities.
So right.
I can see where she’s going with the name and its clearly something meaningful for her – love the branding. The Windsors could have had a PR / branding genius but alas they couldn’t control their jealousy. Megan was perfect for the job.
Given that there were 2 announcements last night from them Pegs must be inconsolable that they outshone him during the Diana event – am surprised the press are screaming about it but they have been quiet esp the Fail. The timing was not a coincidence – they are playing Peggy at his own game.
To me, the name is very evocative of a specific scenic, riviera landscape imagery, lifestyle and sets a mood. It makes me think of Mimi Thorisson’s Manger, or Floret aesthetic. It’s a very descriptive trademark but this seems deliberate and it works. It shouldn’t take long at all to build goodwill and strong associations to her identity because Meghan is already so famous.
I agree, and I think going the foodie/home goods route is super smart because she can go Hi/Lo — things for either Williams Sonoma or Target. Look how much dough the Pioneer Woman crap makes for WalMart or classier Joanna Gaines makes for Target through Hearth and Hand. People ALWAYS are willing to buy stuff for their house and kitchens.
Agnes, I think this has the potential to be the most lucrative venture yet! I certainly am very excited to see what she has been working on because this is something she’s so passionate about. I expect to see lots of beauty and joy!
People always do best when they do what they are passionate about, and she’s been into this since way before Harry. Good on her.
I think this is excellent. It plays to Meghan’s prior lifestyle blog, and it combines a sort of chic veneer. Guess what? It’s also adjacent to what KC had (and now is in Prince William’s hands!!): https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/king-charles-food-brand-gordon-ramsay-hated.html/
So royal approved! Please let’s remind them when they forget that, shall we? And while it’s good that she’s earning a living this way, it’s not à la Peter Philips: https://news.sky.com/story/amp/queens-grandson-peter-phillips-flogs-royal-connections-in-chinese-milk-ad-11913938
QE (and now KC) also marketed things like gin from some of her estates.
ML and Equality, sadly though we know it won’t matter that other royals – up to and including the monarch – are selling everything from jam to gin. Meghan has always been held to a different standard and the rota rats and royals themselves suddenly become amnesiacs when it comes to Meghan just following in the footsteps (and commercial ventures) of other working royals.
But that’s okay because she’ll outsell and outshine them all. And I hope she continues signing everything from Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex.
Love this for her. Seriously.
Thank you for embedding the IG story; I’m off IG for Lent and OF COURSE that’s when Meg chooses to re-emerge there! 😀
Ginny, you can go to the website:
https://americanriviera.com/
Happy Lent, Ginny! I abstained accessing all gossip sites one year and that was haaaard! Now here I am on a Saturday reading ALL the comments on all these articles, making sure I get all the new responses and comments.
‘American Riviera Orchard’ comes across as unnecessarily cumbersome to me, but at least it isn’t some infantile meaningless noise like ‘Goop’ or ‘Poosh’.
I said above, I think it’ll become spoken of as aro, as in arrow. I can imagine the entire name on beautiful boxes but if I hear people talking about having bought from her, it’ll be “this is from aro”. I say “I got this from net” meaning net a porter. But you can’t say “I got this from American”. Perhaps it’ll become simply Orchard when speaking, which is also lovely. I love the word orchard!
Exactly. Everyone here saying she’s bad at naming is unable to see the deft skills at play. She’s in another league.
Meghan and Harry are fabulous at the naming, branding, communications, and overall teleology of their professional lives.
Diana is “Diana the Archer.”
Diana is the goddess of the hunt.
Archers and arrows are a 1st order symbolic reference to Diana.
The way Harry’s always told his story since his first interview as an adult at 18, Diana’s the origin of Harry’s core values, Harry’s first principles, & Harry’s self-understood life purpose.
“Arche” means “first principles” and “origin of action.”
“Arche” is Harry’s self-narrated teleology since he was 18. As arrows and archers are 1st order symbols of Diana, Arche is a 2nd order symbol of Diana.
“Archie” is a loveletter named for grandma Diana’s identity, values, behaviour, life purpose.
Lili “Diana” is a loveletter named for grandma Diana’s identity, values, behaviour, life purpose.
“ARO” (“arrow”) is a loveletter named for grandma Diana’s identity, values, behaviour, life purpose.
“Archewell” is a loveletter named for grandma Diana’s identity, values, behaviour, life purpose.
“Archetypes” is a loveletter named for grandma Diana’s identity, values, behaviour, life purpose.
Yes, Meghan called her podcast “Archetypes” because of all the ways patriarchy/misogynoir/racism reduce the full humanity of “marked as different” minorities, yes, yes, I know. There’s multiple layers for all their names.
But also they are VERY OBVIOUSLY using the Diana archetype as the driving force of everything they do in their professional and personal lives.
It’s their filtering mechanism for everything they do. It’s their personal and professional teleology. It’s evident in everything they’ve named together since their marital union.
* live out the freedom Diana longed for, recognizing they’re literally living out Diana’s publicly stated desire for a post-royal life in America, specifically California
* continue on Diana’s good works by deploying their hearts/heads/hands for causes she poured her own heart/head/hands into and cannot do any longer
* raise her grandbabies with the freedom Diana desired
* create wealth to ensure the wellbeing of her grandbabies and generously make financial contributions in line with Diana’s publicly lived out values
All this is the overarching teleology and branding of every one of their business and baby names.
They’re not a rival palace. They’re the flesh, blood, heart, head, lungs, hands of Diana.
Both Harry & Meghan are aces at branding, naming, and comms, and if you guys can’t see that I don’t know how to help you lolol.
Some of this we’ve heard before. It doesn’t matter how lovely, cohesive and personally satisfying the underlying rationale is for Harry and Meghan. If the initial reaction of most of the people here is “Hmmm” and names strike them as awkward, the branding is not a success.
@DianaTheArcher, those are interesting observations. I personally would not leave out Grandma Doria’s important nurturing influence, her independent identity, and her guiding value system in an overall assessment. M&H, in fact, launched Archewell with a tribute to the nurturing kindness and compassionate ideals of both their mothers. 👍🏽
@Windyriver, what “most of the people” who commented here think is not a definitive sampling indicative of how successful Meghan’s lifestyle venture will be.
If you think of a lot of established product names they sound cumbersome or not exactly “inspiring”. The test is in time and how good products are, not names. Some people would do well to remember Shakespeare: “What’s in a name?” Many should channel Thumper: “If you can’t say something nice..”
Lovely post @DianatheArcher. I’ll add something about orchard/s(apple in my case). I grew up and live near a now a defunct orchard. It was turned into a subdivision. Amazing apples. A lot of work. Now gone. Spent some summer vacation time along the Mississippi River over the years-lots of apple orchards. Beautiful fruit & a lot of hard work.
My frame of reference when it comes to ‘orchard’. Is different. Orchard/s represent to me hard work. Orchards survive when people are willing to take care of them after a bad storm/weather and other outside influences. Orchards (of any kind) survive with LOVE and hard work. (suggest watching/reading Under the Tuscan Sun if you don’t know-get their emails and they’ve detailed tough situations). The Sussexes (Meghan especially) have been thrown into the tornado/ hurricane b*llshit by the BRF/BM, too many times to count.
They’ve survived based on their focus to the future.
I like the name. It’s not “bad” branding. (posted a number of times how I despise ‘brand’). If you want to give the Sussexes a brand-it’s LOVE.imo
It’s meaningless to YOU. 🙄 Where she lives is known as the American Riviera. The orchard is clearly about the fruit/food/jam they’ll be selling. So it’s not “meaningless.”
Meaningless? The area is known as the American Riviera and there are orchards there. I think some people on here are just looking for something to criticize.
The name isn’t very musical, but I have a picture in my mind of what it could represent. First, it’s American – American products. Next, Riviera – sunny, relaxed, casual, exclusive. And finally, Orchard – home grown, natural, small batch, full of flavor.
I’ve already signed up and will revive my long-dormant Insta. Don’t know if I’ll ever buy anything or be a devoted follower, but who knows? I hope she’s wildly successful.
@Eurydice – I think you are bang on the money . Some one on twitter did say that the name “American” was included as a means of differentiation so that BM/ RF cannot ride on the coattail of its success.
Maybe with time the name would be shortened to ARO or Riviera Orchard.
Well said, Eurydice! I love the way you’ve broken the name down.
Exactly. It’s an evocative trademark! You can actually visualise the imagery.
I especially like how the merged monogram looks like a bee
I love it, but I’ve always enjoyed her style. because she’s someone who shows up for justice, I can do so comfortably.
I miss the food in California, so I’m going to watch her cooking show for her seasoning and fresh food suggestions. I do not watch any cooking show currently because the hosts all annoy me. Yesterday I watched her grilling lettuce and now I can’t wait to try it. She does that easy fresh California food thing I miss.
It’s definitely high end luxury style, but she does it in a way that works for me. I’m very turned off by Goop and Martha etc. ARO products look evocative of my grandmas earthenware and milk glass, which Martha des, but Martha didn’t publish a cookbook for minority women.
Lastly, I loved the film references in the Insta clip and the logo on linen, a favorite of mine that I’ve defended her for wearing in the past. Perfection for the brand, its location, her past and present.
I like that breakdown Eurydice. All very Meghan as we have seen her.
Huevo & Buttons sounds like a cute name for an Etsy shop.
😂😂😂😂
Immediate follow, immediately signed up for the waitlist.
I loved the Together cookbook. I hope she does more in the cooking space! I also love the aesthetic of their home, so if her pieces are anything like that, I’m in.
I might be the only one who loves the name “American Riviera Orchard.” She is American 🇺🇸 and Riviera means Coastal Region for CA and her mom calls her flower all her life. One thing for sure Meghan can always count on salt island rats 🐀 to promote anything for her. Those rats are so dumb they can’t help themselves. I can’t wait to buy whatever Madame Duchess will be selling. When life gives you lemons you make lemonade.
Lol, life gave her lemons and Lemonada, which means lemonade in Greek.
I like it too! I thought the name was cumbersome at first, but now it just feels like a wholesome sun-drenched destination that I want to visit.
I like the name too, its distinctive, its not too cutsey, it sounds like a brand that will be around for awhile. And like someone said, it has the potential to serve a wide audience in terms of price points. I’m much more likely to buy something nice for my home than drop a bundle on more skincare, hair care, clothing, etc.
Yes, indeed. I am always inspired by Meghan, but in a way that suits my own lifestyle needs and preferences. For example, while I don’t and can’t rush to buy everything she wears, I admire her style and aesthetic. Recently, I have made thoughtful purchases inspired by Meghan, yet not her exact choices. I got a nice leather bag from Portland and Sorel boots from Outback that I like, but not the Joan of Arc Sorel boots Meghan wore in Vancouver.
Also, for those who may be interested, the Black Regal Peacock teacup and saucer Meg made famous is available in the U.S. at a less expensive cost from The Bee’s Knees British Imports (a Massachusetts company). The black pattern is also sold in a mug, a plate, and a sugar bowl. Products are also available in the Blue Regal Peacock pattern.
@Just Jade I love the name, too. Yes it’s a mouthful, but I’m probably not going to say the whole thing out loud that often. But in my head, I’m thinking of beautiful elegant things and wholesome tasty things. So, mission accomplished, Meghan.
It makes me feel an immediate connection to a lifestyle I can’t fully embrace due to my stage of life, health, geographical location and income. But I can easily see how I can be really selective and get a few things here and there that will elevate my mood and environment and make me feel connected to the finer things in life.
Montecito, here I come! 🤣
Oh, exactly @Schroedinger’s Kate! 👌🏽💯 👏🏽 🥳
I signed up for updates on the website SO FAST.
Same!! I can’t wait.
The video is dreamy.
The website is just americanriviera.com. I wonder if they want people to eventually refer to it by that shorter name, dropping the “Orchard”. The site is giving me Dôen vibes, similar graphic design: timeless California, slow-living luxury.
I know this is stirring the pot, but I can’t help after viewing Rose Hanbury’s insta (thank you to another Celebitcher for the rec) that they would have been good friends. Houghton Hall, if you are interested. More slow living luxury, but English estate style.
Lastly, I thought the beige Belgian-meets-riviera style (ie the gorgeous interior design work by Am Designs) had already peaked. They will need to keep it fresh. But I am definitely interested in seeing where it goes, and I am rooting for Meghan and her team.
My issue with Rose, who has fabulous taste, is her Tory Trump alliances. It’s harder to enjoy her taste for me.
But yes, she is more on Meghan’s level than :: waves around:: certain others.
I love beige Belgian meets riviera. God help me I can’t get enough.
Confession & qualification. When I saw the video I assumed that was the whole thing! I knew nothing about IG and clips, until I read more of the comments. That’s why I was thinking, hmmm, bit confusing, bit vague. Being a stay at home with my kids for years hasn’t only derailed my work but has left me high and dry with tech and media; rather than embracing it all those years, I just didn’t think to use it. I don’t do social media. I’m now beginning to feel like one of those people who emerge from a forest thinking the war’s still on and it finished ages ago. I’ll be the one who doesn’t know how to turn on the revolutionary home robots we’re promised – mine will just sit in a corner, gathering dust, with me talking to it like I do with my indoor cacti.
I lolled at all the comments about the name. If she sells something good that people can love, it doesn’t matter if she calls it “garbage”. The brand name is usually selected for how easily it will be recognized by the consumer. Meghan doesn’t need that because the BM will yell and tell everyone about her brand. Everyone will know that it belongs to Meghan. I am sure if one day Meghan gives an interview, she is gonna talk about why she chose this name and I don’t think it is for some “meaningless” purpose. A woman who launces her new commercial brand on the anniversary of coming back to home in USA wouldn’t choose some random name for the said brand.
I agree, Meghan is never random – if anything, she might overthink things. For me, I’ll probably simplify things by just saying “I wonder what’s new with Meghan.”
Ha ha. I found it interesting to read people’s thoughts and then figured the same as you. Followers more than doubled from when I first signed up, so, yeah, the name’s likability for some isn’t really important. Although, I did learn that area in California is called the American Riviera. Also like you, once there are interviews, it’ll be cool to know why she chose the name.
I think the most important word there is America, coming from this historical British family it is very important to have an American brand for their family. The Sussexes are on their own and they just have to think long term for their children.
Santa Barbara is known as the American Riviera. Montecito, where the Sussexes live, is in the Santa Barbara area, hence the name.
And the orchard implies fruit trees…lemon, avocado, peach, plums, apples, figs, ..American Riviera Orchard will be a destination
I don’t like the name. It’s too long. It’s going to wind up being shortened by customers and whatever that ends up being should have just been the name.
Excited to see what comes next though!
At first when I saw the name my first reaction was puzzlement. But perhaps Meghan plans to focus on the the all things related to the area where she now lives, a specific part of America. And including “orchard” suggests things organic and fruitful, sunny, happy… I’ve noticed Harry and Meghan choose names that are very meaningful to them- Archewell, Archie, Lilibet. I look forward to how Meghan intends to to develop this brand. I think it very much continues the Tig sensibility, and reflects where she is now. I also like that the Sussexes are on their own schedule. Launching this on the anniversary of their Freedom Flight suggests to me that they have completely reclaimed their lives. I think Harry and Meghan live their lives with intention.
^^ Yep, H&M are on their own and doing their own thing. They need multiple revenue streams to pay for their lifetime security needs. Plus, they are building a philanthropic empire and a legacy lifestyle for their children.
Orchard implies trees.. I would not be surprised if an orchard was purchased. In California many business connect with their Orchards.. restaurants, cafés..think of vineyards & wineries and their wine shops. Maybe she’s going for a Magnolia at the Silos
^^ Possibly @Andrea. However, please note that there is already an existing fruit orchard on H&M’s Riven Rock Montecito property. 🌳
That’s the inimitable Dinah Washington singing!
Nancy Wilson
Another thought: they aren’t shopping for new real estate. Branding based on their Montecito address means they’re serious about sticking around on that estate.
Yeah, I got that sense too. So Camilla Tominey can stop lying about this now. Anyway, Harry and Meghan did say that their house was their forever home.
@Amy Bee, I’m chuffed you agree with me. I always love your take on things.
I wouldn’t be surprised if they add to that portfolio as well. Most celebrities have second homes so maybe they get another place in LA or the UK or Wyoming who knows.
It is weird that of all celebs the British media hates the idea of Harry and Meghan having multiple property. Ugh
IMO, the British media hate to see them as successful. They thought they would crash and burn and then come crawling back only to be denigrated, abused and living in fear for the rest of their lives! The British media are devastated that the Sussex’s are successful and that they only have the stale, lazy and incandescent louts to write about.
Yes @Chrissy. Plus, the royal firm and the rota immediately continued on an attack and gaslight H&M warpath in 2020. The salt isle nonces were intent on trying to absolutely destroy H&M, which makes H&M’s independent successes in America all the more remarkable and commendable! 🤌🏽
“… tableware, drinkware including decanters, kitchen linens and edible treats …”
Wait, isn’t this Party Pieces? 😂
No…more like William-Sonoma and
Sur-la-Table
I’m here for all of it! I will buy whatever she is selling, and hopefully, she will branch out into fashion and beauty products because I don’t have room for any more cookware.
I’ve just thought. Things like jam won’t ship to the UK. But she’ll be releasing cook books, surely? I can buy those. I bought her together book for loads of people as presents.
I bought gifts of the Together Cookbook, too, @Sparrow, for friends and relatives. I love so many recipes in that cookbook! 👌🏽
The Duchess of Sussex, First of Her Name, is one of the few, literally few persons in the world who truly can be described as a “well-rounded” individual.
There are folks who are geniuses in one or several academic disciplines but complete klutzes at social skills. And vice-versa.
But M is a woman who excelled academically, has oodles of natural intelligence; is emotionally intelligent; and full of social intelligence. PLUS: full of social skills and has excellent comms skills.
She’s also full of compassion for even the blatantly undeserving.
Then there are all these capabilites that she has…….all of which will be on display in her new synergistic ventures: the podcast, the website, IG, related Netflix products & related RW products.
As someone on twitter said: its rhe Billionaire M era. And we’re all here for it.
This is exactly what I thought she should do 😍😍
“On the four-year anniversary of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s “Freedom Flight” to California, the Duchess of Sussex launched her new lifestyle label/brand.”
This sentence is all I care about. The anniversary of their Freedom Flight – their Safety and Sanity Flight – and she drops her work, a culmination of the past and present, with NOTHING to do w/her time on Salt Island.
The style, content, etc reflects who she IS and who she was prior to them turning her into some kind of voodoo witch who attacked the BaRF and RoTa RaTS with her black magic.
The timing of the drop, IMO, reflects THAT anniversary. When they, with Tyler Perry’s help (bless) started to reclaim their lives, their very beings. Free to Be (now I’m singing Marlo Thomas’ song in my head).
^^ Yaass @Surly Gale! 💯 This! 💪🏽
I think most people will end up just saying “American Riviera”, and everyone will know that they mean American Riviera Orchard. I don’t think ARO will work in this case. Foodies like mouthfuls in many different ways: words and foods, in my experience, haha.
And I am indeed wondering whether Harry and Meghan have bought an orchard and whether this is what led to the spate of articles last year claiming that they were looking for a new place and planning to move.
Stealth ninjas indeed…
It is quite plausible that they bought an orchard!
And yes, I think the spoken brand name will be shortened by fans and one of the version of it will catch on. The entire brand is meant to be visual and evocative.
I do love Meghan for her impact and the values she defends.
That being said… we don’t need more consumerism. Not more expensive “stuff”, not with a cost of living crisis. And I don’t like that tradwife aesthetic.
I imagine the values she defends will be reflected in her site – they’re part of who she is. I’m not sure what “tradwife” even means anymore, but Meghan has been supporting women and families from many different cultures and also women-owned businesses, so it will be interesting to see how this translates into her new venture.
Maybe you don’t need more consumerism @Nathalie! LOL! 😂 Meghan & Harry are obviously about much more than consumerism. Still, we unavoidably live in a consumerist global culture. Oodles of people have been making bank off of Meghan in all kinds of ways, on all kinds of platforms, and for all kinds of reasons, including love and hate. It’s about time for Meghan to once again directly build revenue off of her name, her creative ideas, her good taste, and the essence of who she is! 👏🏽🪄✨️
She isn’t giving tradwife, how can she when she has always been known for her independence and feminism.
What’s tradwife. I’m not being offensive or trying to play dumb to make a point. Do you mean it will be domestic goddess type stuff? She’s a strong woman and an entrepreneur. I see something far more dynamic than a younger Mary Berry, and even then Mary Berry is a cultural and economic power house here in the UK. I see a lifestyle brand based around modernity.
Good for her, I think this is a very good business decision. This can ensure a steady flow of revenues, which I think was the step for them to master. Each one of their business ventures has been very successful (contrary to what some have been claiming…), but the nut to crack in my view was finding stability and a stream of constant, steady revenues that removes some of the pressure of jumping from one project to another (you’re not going to have Spare 2, and Spare 3, and Spare 4 etc). And I think this can give them exactly that: not just high but also steady income that ensures financial safety over a long period of time. And it will likely generate enough money not just to support their family and lifestyle, but also investments in their philanthropic projects (philanthropy is a lot of things, but it’s not cheap…) and other business ventures, whatever that is (why not real estate, that can also secure a good, steady income flow).
I think this is probably a good fit for her and could be lucrative, I just hate the name though. So long and pretentious sounding. Even if they had chosen something like “American Riviera” or “Riviera Orchard” or whatever, that would have been better than “American Riviera Orchard,” but I assume they have focus groups that help on this sort of thing and maybe I’m actually in the minority that doesn’t like it?
I don’t like it, either. It sounds a bit like a perfume name. But I think the way it’s presented in full – I’m assuming that’s her calligraphy – will look amazing on packaging and boxes. In person and day to day life, I hope it becomes Orchard or shortened to Aro, just the initials but sounded arrow. I bought this from aro, it’s lovely etc. But I think the idea and what she will sell – because I’m assuming high end food and tableware, home products – will be beautiful. My first reaction was, not for me, but I can see myself on that site adding things to the basket for me and other people as gifts.
Lol, I think it sounds more like an air freshener, but that’s all right. People will figure out what to call it.
Cue to the heavily photoshopped Kate photoshoot in her pyjamas with all of her expensive books in the background.
Also I’m convinced that we are only days away from the articles swearing that Meghan poisons people with her jams.
Totally into it, of course. Signed up right away!
I love this for her! 2024 she is about business and honestly, I like the timing because more people are sticking up for her than ever before so she will get some goodwill follows. I’m not worried about Kate and Will and the British media because karma isn’t done dealing with them.
I love the concept, and will be super into this no matter the name. Love the aesthetic too. But I think “American Riviera Orchard” is clunky. American Riviera would have sufficed, with a separate orchard line for the preserves.
Yes. The name is a mouthful. A separate orchard line is a great idea! Perhaps the whole name will be on the packaging and it’ll come to be talked about as aro (arrow). Where did you get that great stuff? I got it from aro. Or just Orchard.
Maybe they couldn’t copyright ‘American Riviera’? Just a thought. Then again, they were able to get that domain name.
I wasn’t going to post b/c I’m busy at work but I quickly scanned the super negative and pessimistic take about the launch of ARO on Lainey’s site (not by Lainey): https://www.laineygossip.com/meghan-markle-brands-herself-like-former-cw-star-with-launch-of-american-riviera-orchard/77861 and I had to comment on it here. WTF??????? I’m pi–ed. I have to say, Lainey’s writers irritate more often than they don’t. I hard disagree with this author about ARO. I sincerely believe Meghan (and Harry) have an IMMENSE fan base that has been dying to be able to engage with them more, and that a lot of Meghan’s stuff will sell out as soon as it’s for sale if Meghan just does a few videos to promote them. And I say that as someone who is not the ideal ARO customer, I don’t love the wine-country-white-and-beige-chic aesthetic that Meghan loves (I refuse to call it “sad beige,” it’s not sad, it’s rich and minimalist). But trust me I will buy a cute embossed blank journal or some table napkins and I will buy gifts for friends on that site. Because I follow H+M and like them. And there are 10M women like me or more.
Then the Lainey writer says some bs about how Meghan and Harry have had lots of flops, the podcast was a flop, they haven’t established who they are or what they want to be. WHAT???????????? They have done like 20 different things that are GREAT. Philanthropy, Invictus, the NAACP award, the Uvalde support, the hit docuseries (two of them!)! The podcast was freaking fantastic and she just signed to do another one!!!!! Shaking. My. Damn. Head. I am truly peeved at this ignorant bad-faith review of what is seriously just a freaking IG post and short vid.
Wow, that piece is something else!
They “have not created any media that is impactful.” Are you kidding me? Spare, Archetypes, the H&M docuseries were all massively massively successful.
The worst thing is that the writer spins off all kinds of assumptions based on just one Instagram post! It’s impossible to know what the whole brand is going to be about from this hint. Bad journalism. Do better, Lainey.
@Shawna EXACTLY!!!!! Thank you.
Impactful and successful are two different things. I would argue that Spare was impactful. I don’t think the podcast and Netflix series were. Obviously, the Invictus Games are very impactful and what I would describe as their crowning jewel.
Okay, they’re two different things. Starting something new that’s just successful but not impactful isn’t the worst thing. Maybe it’ll be impactful over time or maybe it won’t. The bar is set high. As long as it’s equally set high for others.
The author is Maria who is always very shady about Meghan. It’s disappointing. I like Lainey’s site for her analysis which is usually pretty astute but Maria usually gets the assignment and she just gives off bitter bunny vibes.
Lainey Gossip was always anti-Meghan so not surprised.
A lot of people didn’t actually want Meghan to succeed and be happy and healthy away. They wanted her to be a consistent case of gossip fodder with a messed up life that they could mine forever, while saying oh poor dear. They are the same people that wrote article after salacious article about Britney Spears from ’05 to 2013 and then was all free Britney last year.
The comparison between Meghan and Britney is an interesting one. I also think of Angelina Jolie and Hillary Clinton. All talented hard-working women who were defamed for years for no reason other than hate was profitable. Well, I can’t speak to Britney’s state of happiness (at least she’s free of the conservatorship), but Meghan, AJ, and Hillary all seem to be living their best lives, despite the seemingly endless hate from many if not most corners of the mediascape.
Well, Lainey has always been about celebrity branding. You establish a brand or an image – lifestyle guru, action hero, quirky outsider, whatever – it becomes your mission statement and everything you do has to follow it.
I’m not a PR person, but it seems to me that the traditional forms of branding aren’t entirely valid anymore. Social media is about personality – the person is the brand. And H&M can’t separate themselves from who they are. A prince who is a veteran and cares about the welfare of veterans and about mental health issues. A princess who was an actor and cares about the welfare of women, children and communities. This is their brand.
“the person is the brand” <– well-said, @Eurydice. Yes, fans of H+M don't follow them because of any one thing they do, they follow them because of ALL the wonderful things they do. THEY are the brand and their brand is that they are fantastic do-gooders on this troubled planet and gorgeous and smart and have a great love story to boot. That's it.
Harry and Meghan have not done anything “impactful” but here we are discussing their every move. Meghan put out a post with a 10 second video and a logo and it has how many followers already? Fortunately, despite the big mouth naysayers, Meghan’s stuff produces. Clothes and things sell out, her old TV show gets mega views and is getting a spin off. Cry harder haters, cry harder.
I want to add that a lot of H&M’s work is not in the celebrity world. If you look at the charities Archewell supports, they are not the kind of projects and people that make the celebrity sites. You’re not going to find displaced Afghan women walking the red carpet. The measure of success comes from the charities themselves, not from what a gossip site might think.
I didn’t even bother going to Lainey to get their take because I knew it would be exactly as you described.
For all Lainey’s talk about hard work and “showing your work” she constantly kisses up to the royals (specifically Kate) for just looking nice and not doing anything else for the millions and millions in money and resources they hoover out of the British economy, and craps on the Sussexes for every bit of actual work they do. Her writers have obviously got the editorial message about the site’s bent.
It’s hypocritical and blatantly classist and driven by other underlying issues Lainey has with Meghan.
Archetypes beat Joe Rogan in views. it wasn’t a flop. The “flop” shit started because the Spotify chief wanted something Meghan and Harry wouldn’t do: a royal gossip show. Then he got pissed at her for being “uppity,” basically. I’ve come to believe that there are certain white people who believe that, if they let someone nonwhite into their space, the payback will be gratitude, lots of gratitude that’s specific to the wants of that person (but generally a variation on a theme of “thankee massa, THANKEE”. No (or not enough) gratitude? Ice the POC out. (Royal family playbook. Disney playbook with Shonda Rimes).
It’s sad to me how many people simply accept those judgements without question. There’s so much passive racism that’s accepted as axiomatic. That’s what Lainey’s “concern troll” piece said to me. (Yes, Meghan and Harry could have been more vocal earlier, but they would get the same shit they are getting now, so they might as well do things on their own terms. The gate posts will always change for them)
@Juno: I didn’t know Lainey was anti-Meghan but now I do. I’m taking a vacation from the Lainey site, between the negging of H+M and all the hatred for truly great films that have come out recently (I couldn’t even get through the haterific Dune 2 review), that site is like the very opposite of my cultural tastes.
I’ve long believed the Lainey site asks for money from celebs (and maybe royals??) for positive coverage. Maybe they punish those who don’t pay???
@Ianne thank you for saying what is usually just understood and implied for POC. in the absence of obsequious gratitude and endless capitulation from POC, some (many) white people with power get angry. It’s even more problematic in this case b/c Lainey is Asian Canadian. I am Asian American and see too many Asians in power in the U.S. (and I guess Canada, too) mirror the kneejerk discrimination of white culture. I profoundly wish more Asian immigrants would stand in solidarity with Black and Latinx folks but no, there is this over-identification and aspiration to total assimilation with whiteness (which btw is impossible b/c believe me, no matter how pale-skinned some of us may be, we are Not White and they never forget that.)
Lainey is probably forced to lay off the Wails, given she is Canadian. That doesn’t mean that she is forced to write snarky articles about H and M, that is all on her.
Lainey has been up then Royals a$$e$ for YEARS. She rarely actually criticizes them, and gives them VERY favorable coverage. 🤷
So I’ll disagree. Lainey can be very critical of the palaces pr strategy. She was very critical of Kate’s eye makeup? And then other times, there will be a weird take that gives me whiplash.
It’s a super bad faith take and regurgitates tabloid lies. They are trying to undermine Meghan’s work and then say we’re an echo chamber here like blowback for bad faith takes don’t need to happen to keep their junk in check, and they don’t need to be interrogated. I know all of them would kill to have a trajectory like Meg’s. Some skin folk ain’t kin folk for sure.
Agreed. The criticisms were pretty off.
It was a harsh take. One that had to be prefaced to clarify things about Meghan before even starting. Which is a massive eye roll. If you’re giving a fair critique, no you don’t have to do that. Don’t blame it on “but the Sussexes are just so divisive.” Let the critique stand without the equivocating. If it’s fair it’s fair. Either way, there was a lot of pent up things to say based on very little info. But okay we get it, the writer doesn’t like the aesthetic, the products or basically anything else. Okay sure. But the writer Maria has complained in the past about Meghan and Harry being in the news too much when literally it was other people writing books and articles about them. Believe she said that when omid’s book endgame came out, so that felt unfair and also just showed a lack of awareness from a gossip site that touts media literacy. I’ve been reading Lainey for a while. Usually, I really enjoy Sarah and Stephanie’s takes. Sarah wrote some movie critiques about the The Last Unicorn and dirty dancing that made me cry. No lie though that post has me wanting to unsubscribe from the Lainey newsletter and I had seriously been considering signing up for the paid substack. At the end of the day, Meghan is taking a chance on something that speaks to her. It will work or it won’t.
This was a fairly low key launch and just a banner at this point. Only saw it because of Twitter. Anyway, hope Meghan has a bit of fun with it and looking forward to the tv production.
I live in the Central Valley if California so this name doesn’t bother me so much because many business incorporate “orchard” in their name. I do think the plural “orchards” works better. I can actually envision a store that sells her wares and goods that becomes a “destination” .. and then on holidays decorate like for Halloween, Christmas, 4Th of July. Many of the business here are actually on the orchard premises. But I can’t wait unti kit all comes to fruition
I don’t care how long or short the name is. I just care that Megan is back and doing something she loves. Of course people will abbreviate the name, she knows that, BUT as with everything Megan touches, class will out, and once it’s up and running properly, people will concentrate on what she is saying /doing. Everyone will adapt the name to their way of thinking. For me, all I need to know is it’s Megan’s
Careful!! The real Mary Pester uses no slash before her name.
CB has verified in other threads that this is our very own Mary P…. with a log-in typo.
Wow…. It looks like Salt Island and company are still working behind the scenes to make sure Meghan doesn’t succeed. I smell jealousy coming from that cow
Yes, and in spite of their very best efforts, Meghan still succeeds. I love that for them, I really do.
Do I like the name? No. It reminds me of American River Cruises. As a figure skating fan, I see those ads constantly! FYI, the world championships are next week.
But I am curious and interested to see what this becomes. Right now, it’s just guess work from a short video and a copyright application. We’ll find out soon.
Hi @Paisley! 👋🏽 I’m also a figure skating fan, for years! ⛸️✨️ I did not think of American River Cruises though when I saw Meg’s new brand, American Riviera Orchard! 😂
I’m also not a fan of the name. Riviera = beachfront. AFAIK apples, orchards etc are not normally associated with a beachfront…so it’s a bit of a word salad for me from a branding perspective…
But from a business perspective, I agree with some others above who say this is about a steady income stream, and she can charge things against it as business deductions (like travel, clothing, etc). But even more importantly it may be about what’s called the business exit strategy. Think Casamigos or other celebrity booze brands: they go along for a while then get bought out by one of the big beverage conglomerates and make hundreds of millions. George Clooney’s real riches come from tequila, folks! Not Hollywood. So Meghan may be trying to do the same with her new brand. It’s all about the payout at the backend
Riviera=”a coastal region with a subtropical climate and vegetation.” This encompasses more than just beachfront. There are many orchards growing fruits, vegetables and flowers on the European Riviera and on the American Riviera. Think olives, grapes, citrus fruits, herbs, artichokes, figs, mangos, etc. So NO, not a “word salad”.
^^ Exactly @Equality. 💯 I came to point out what you’ve said. Where H&M live, there are mountains, beaches, orchards, and a beautiful climate that comes with some environmental dangers as well. But the couple who originally built the house H&M now own, built it to last with safety features, and with French Provincial/ Italian Renaissance/ Mediterranean-style inspirations. What a great investment H&M made at a bargain price, too. Their gorgeous property has grown in value. It’s a keeper for them. 👌🏽 🌄 🌅
BTW, descriptions of H&M’s estate mention that there’s an existing orchard, as well as a beehive on the property. 🌴🌳🍎🥑🍋 🐝
ditto on the name. it seems like it’s evoking lux european vibes but then orchard there just throws it off. doesn’t roll off the tongue and seems like she just smushed orchard at the end of American Riviera to make it seem more “down to earth”. word salad. guess it’s def memorable…and meme-able.
I like Meghan and hope she does well with this venture. But I strongly dislike the pretentious, empty word-salad name she chose for it
That’s how I felt about “The Tig ” too. The back story made my eyes roll back in my head.
I knew that all I had to do was wait a day, then scroll all the way to the end, to find y’all. You know, the haters who always preface their statements with, “I love Meghan but.” Montecito has always been referred to as “American Riviera”, but it’s suddenly gauche because Meghan uses it. And the addition of “Orchard” is probably just a distinguishing factor that reflects their beautiful property in Montecito. But you “like” Meghan, so I’ll leave it at that.
When I heard Orchard, I was afraid this would be another celebrity just launching a wine/spirits line (sooo many, from Emma Watson to Ryan Reynolds… it’s so boring)
BUT I’m so glad this is growing into something bigger! I would absolutely eat up Meghan’s lifestyle content and all her products. Just hope they’ll be affordable.
Yes my sister has lived in that area for years and it’s known as the American Riviera-it does have some similarities to the French and Italian Rivieras. For me Santa Barbara and the Laguna Beach area are similar to the European Rivieras.
After I heard about Ms instagram, I followed it 🙂. Looks like some of her high profile derangers did the same lolZ- they supposedly hate her but also love her so much they can’t let go.
With her new Instagram site and mainstream American media literally making them all a Joke- they are soooo bu$$tt hurt.
American riviera = Santa Barbara (montecito).
That’s where the name comes from…
Did not know that. Thanks for that info.
Just want to point out to folks noting their discomfort and/or disappointment with Meghan’s use of her title, that I have to imagine one major reason that she uses it, is that Kensington Palace replaced her name with that on Archie’s birth certificate. Archie’s mom is only legally identified by her title in Britain. So yeah, she has reasons.
Ugh thats so dark and sad
Wi-Fi down here all day. First pop up I had from BM ‘insensitive, greedy..’. I just thought Ugh
Love her but the name is stupid
The part I don’t understand about the criticism is folks are acting like Meghan is just adding to the pile of celebrity influencers forgetting that Meghan had a successful lifestyle blog, “the Tig”, before she even met Harry. Meghan was already a self made millionaire. She married a Prince and became a part of a Royal family who racistly abused her then she and her husband left. Now, if she wants to combine the skills she ALREADY has with the Post Traumatic Growth she has obtained through therapy and other work after the fact then she gets to do that. She deserves to do that. If you don’t like it, fine, but the whole thing about her just adding to a pile of celebrities and trying to be Gwyneth when she was one
of the old school bloggers is false. Also the whole “we’re not racist, but Meghan hasn’t done anything noteworthy since the Oprah interview and her podcast was a flop” over at Lainey Gossip is again just unnecessary and intentional cruelty for clicks. So gross how people can not like a name or the colour scheme and extrapolate that into blatant racism
I don’t think most people forget that, but it is different to sell your own products (I don’t think she did that on The Tig?). So she’s been in the lifestyle industry for a while, but certainly this will be new to be selling her own branded items. I don’t think the Gwyneth analogy is a bad one – not that she’s copying her because even for Gwyneth it’s not an original idea, but to have a lifestyle blog / brand that also feeds into products that she sells under her own line. And they’re both actresses that now don’t act much and have moved into other things. I would also put Blake Lively in that category, though she still does some acting.
With “American Riviera” being the main name of the website, I wonder if the “Orchard” name addition will be used specifically with the products initiatives that are food-related?
“American Riviera Orchard:” Jams/spreads, kitchen products, cookbooks
“American Riviera _______:” Home decor, bath products, etc.
“American Riviera ______:” Pajamas, bed linens, etc.
And so on…
Maybe Meg is starting with the “Orchard” branch but envisions that there will be offshoots in the future?
I’m not a lifestyle branding expert but I’m here for the pretty pictures and to imagine the California breezes!
We’ll soon find out, @Beana!
Cool, can’t wait to order something, please put the items out!