Meghan Markle's Australian Tour: A Fashion Analysis of Missed Opportunities
The Sussexes' recent visit to Australia, which concluded on Friday after four busy days, was informally dubbed a 'Not Quite A Royal Tour' by observers. Despite this label, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, adhered closely to royal diplomatic norms in her attire, opting exclusively for Australian designer labels throughout the trip. This decision contrasted with expectations that she might leverage the international spotlight to showcase a bold personal style, free from the constraints of traditional royal protocol she previously navigated during her 2018 tour.
Fashion Choices Under Scrutiny
Over the course of the tour, Meghan made seven outfit changes, focusing on daywear as no evening galas were scheduled. Her selections included a mix of tailored pieces and casual ensembles, often accessorised with signature items such as ultra-high heels, a Cartier Tank watch once owned by Princess Diana, a Cartier gold bracelet, and understated jewellery. However, critics argue that the outfits were largely bland and predictable, failing to capture the fashion-forward image she has cultivated in recent years.
For instance, on the first day, she wore a £655 navy sleeveless dress by Karen Gee, paired with £500 Dior heels. This look was described as more akin to a corporate or political uniform than innovative fashion. Similarly, other outfits, like a suede khaki two-piece by St Agni and a black ensemble for a Nexus summit, were deemed safe and uninspiring, lacking the glamour or creativity many had hoped for.
Commercial Ventures and Style Searches
Notably, Meghan's fashion choices were linked to a new AI-powered platform called OneOff (oneoff.world), where many of her outfits were instantly available for purchase. As one of approximately one hundred celebrities with highly searched-for styles, she stands to earn a share of sales from retailers' commissions. However, given the perceived misfires in her selections, it is uncertain whether this venture will prove financially lucrative. Only one item, a black skirt worn on MasterChef Australia, sold out during the tour, while others remained in stock.
Comparisons to Past Style and Protocol
During her previous visit to Australia in 2018, Meghan grappled with royal protocols, such as wearing tights with all outfits. This time, she had the opportunity to break free and establish a distinctive signature, perhaps through a colour like white, which she has favoured in the past for its associations with purity and minimalism. Instead, she leaned towards navy and other muted tones, which some viewed as conservative and less youthful.
Her appearance on MasterChef Australia featured an all-black outfit, described as severe and lacking drama, while a later ivory two-piece for a leadership summit returned to her signature style but was criticised for its narrow cut on her petite frame. Experts suggest that more defined silhouettes or textured fabrics could enhance her look, with brands like Chanel cited as potential game-changers.
Final Impressions and Future Prospects
The tour's concluding outfit, a short khaki shift dress with very high heels, broke fashion rules and was labelled the low point stylistically. Despite this, the heels she wore sold out, indicating some commercial appeal. As Meghan continues to navigate her post-royal career, including ventures like her jam company and fashion collaborations, the question remains whether she can balance personal expression with commercial interests effectively. Speculation already turns to potential future engagements, such as a 'Not A Royal Visit' to Paris, where she might refine her approach.
In summary, Meghan Markle's Australian tour highlighted a tension between adhering to diplomatic norms and pursuing personal style, with many viewing it as a missed opportunity for fashion innovation. Her choices, while polished, often fell short of expectations, raising questions about her next steps in the public eye.
