Meghan Markle quietly shuts down online store flogging bizarre ‘hand-picked’ collection of clothes for cash

Meghan Markle quietly shuts down online store flogging bizarre ‘hand-picked’ collection of clothes for cash

In a move that has left fans and fashion observers alike scratching their heads, Meghan Markle has quietly shuttered her online storefront on ShopMy, a platform designed for creators to share their favorite products and earn affiliate revenue. The digital disappearance occurred with little fanfare, leaving behind a blank page where a curated collection of Duchess-approved items once resided.

Launched earlier this year, the Duchess of Sussex's ShopMy page offered a glimpse into her personal style, showcasing a range of items from affordable basics to high-end designer pieces. The curated collection featured everything from everyday essentials like grey tees and button-down shirts to more extravagant items like silk gowns suitable, according to the original description, for "chicken feeding."

ShopMy is a platform that aims to connect "top creators" with their audiences, enabling them to earn commission by recommending products they love. It provides a space for influencers and tastemakers to share their favorite finds and inspire their followers' purchasing decisions. The Duchess of Sussex ventured into this space earlier this year, adding another business endeavor to her already diverse portfolio.

The now-vanished storefront previously greeted visitors with a personal message from Meghan herself: "A handpicked and curated collection of the things I love – I hope you enjoy them!" This message conveyed a sense of intimacy and authenticity, suggesting that the products on offer were carefully selected to reflect her personal tastes and values.

The collection showcased a variety of items, including classic button-down shirts, neutral-toned pieces that aligned with her signature style, and a range of accessories perfect for warmer weather. It was a diverse mix of wardrobe staples and statement pieces, reflecting her evolving fashion sensibilities.

Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games.

As one might expect from the Duchess, a selection of designer items also made the cut. These luxury items included sandals from Saint Laurent and Emme Parsons, a delicate gold and diamond pendant from Maya Brenner, and a dress from Heidi Merrick. These high-end additions showcased her appreciation for quality craftsmanship and timeless elegance.

Unsurprisingly, the overall aesthetic of the curated collection leaned heavily into the relaxed, upscale vibe of Montecito, the California enclave where Meghan and Prince Harry currently reside. The selection reflected a lifestyle of understated luxury and effortless style, perfectly suited for the sun-drenched surroundings of their new home.

However, the "hand-picked" selection wasn't limited to designer names and luxury brands. It also featured items from more accessible retailers like J.Crew, Madewell, Uniqlo, and Gap, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and a recognition that style doesn't always have to break the bank.

Beyond fashion, the collection expanded to include homewares, beauty products, and even items for children, suggesting a broader vision for the online store as a lifestyle destination. This expansion indicated a desire to cater to a wider audience and offer a more comprehensive range of products.

The sudden disappearance of the ShopMy page has left fans puzzled, with one eagle-eyed royal watcher raising the alarm. As of yet, neither Meghan nor representatives for the Sussexes have offered an explanation for the digital vanishing act, adding to the mystery surrounding the closure.

Screenshot of Meghan Markle's empty online store page.

Adding to the intrigue, this marks the second Meghan-led brand to quietly disappear this year. Her highly anticipated American Riviera Orchard project, which promised homemade jam, aprons, and an entire lifestyle empire, also seems to have faded into the ether, leaving followers wondering about the fate of this ambitious venture.

Interestingly, Meghan had spoken about her ShopMy page just last week, describing it to Bloomberg as "an interesting exploration" and expressing her enjoyment in giving people the opportunity to "emulate the style." This recent endorsement makes the sudden closure all the more perplexing.

These developments arrive after the release of new episodes of her podcast, Archetypes, where the former Suits actress delves into her time in the UK and her experiences as a working royal. These episodes feature celebrity guests and offer further insights into her personal journey and perspectives.

The podcast's second season premiered just weeks after Harry and Meghan announced a revised deal with Netflix, the streaming giant with whom they initially signed a significant content creation agreement. The new deal represents a "multi-year, first-look deal for film and television projects," a departure from the reported $100 million contract they secured five years prior.

It’s worth noting that Meghan posted a series of pictures taken during Archetypes' production, including some rare shots of her children. These glimpses into her personal life are always a point of interest for fans and the media alike.

Meghan Markle in a yellow sweater.

The closure of Meghan's ShopMy store raises questions about her evolving business strategy and her focus on various creative projects. While the reasons behind the decision remain unclear, it's evident that she is constantly exploring new avenues and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of digital media and e-commerce.

Perhaps the Duchess is focusing her energies on other ventures, or perhaps she simply decided that the ShopMy platform wasn't the right fit for her brand. Whatever the reason, the disappearance of her online store serves as a reminder that even the most high-profile figures are subject to the ebbs and flows of the business world.

It remains to be seen what Meghan Markle's next business move will be. Will she launch another online store? Will she focus solely on content creation and media projects? Only time will tell what the future holds for the Duchess of Sussex and her ever-evolving career.

In the meantime, fans and observers alike will continue to speculate about the reasons behind the ShopMy closure and the implications for her future endeavors. The Duchess of Sussex has always been a figure of intrigue and fascination, and her latest business decision is sure to fuel further discussion and debate.

One thing is certain: Meghan Markle is a force to be reckoned with, and she will undoubtedly continue to surprise and challenge expectations in the years to come. Her entrepreneurial spirit and creative vision will undoubtedly lead her to new and exciting opportunities, and the world will be watching to see what she does next.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more celebrities and influencers experimenting with different platforms and business models. The closure of Meghan's ShopMy store serves as a reminder that success in the online world requires constant adaptation and a willingness to pivot when necessary.

Ultimately, the story of Meghan Markle's ShopMy store is a microcosm of the broader trends shaping the world of e-commerce and digital influence. It highlights the challenges and opportunities that come with building a brand online and the importance of staying true to one's personal values and vision.