The Duchess of Sussex returned from maternity leave on Thursday to launch her highly-anticipated Smart Set Capsule Collection, benefiting her patronage Smart Works, a charity that helps women back into employment. The collection includes workwear essentials such as a £19.50 shift dress from Marks & Spencer, a £109 tote bag from John Lewis, a £199 blazer and £120 trousers from Jigsaw, and a £125 shirt from Misha Nonoo.
Meghan, 38, launched the range on the rooftop of John Lewis’ flagship store on Oxford Street in London. Guests included fashion designer and friend Misha Nonoo, members of the fashion industry, the media, and Smart Works executives and beneficiaries. Unlike typical fashion events, only water was served, and guests received goody bags worth £100, containing a Bobbi Brown lip tint, a cleanser, a S’well reusable water bottle, and a leather card wallet.
Wearing the Misha Nonoo shirt and Jigsaw trousers from the collection, Meghan delivered a six-minute speech without notes, pausing only once for sirens from Oxford Circus. A royal source told HELLO! that aides had offered to prepare notes, but she did not use them. At the end of her talk, she revealed the John Lewis tote bag had already sold out and urged brands to restock generously.
Security was tight, with guests given wrist bands, but Meghan took time to speak and take photos with Smart Works clients, including Kate Johnson and Zara Najimi from the campaign shoot. Notable attendees included comedienne Jennifer Saunders, a Smart Works patron, who tweeted her admiration for Meghan’s confidence and passion. ITV News' royal editor Chris Ship reported that Saunders remarked on the unprecedented security.
Meghan’s close friend and former Burberry communications director Isabel May, and her former assistant private secretary Amy Pickerill were also present. As Meghan left, she was heard saying, "I've got to get back to the baby, it's feed time." The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed baby Archie Harrison in May and are due to take him on a royal tour of Africa later this month.
