Meghan Markle was issued a dire warning after launching her new online shop this week. The Duchess of Sussex took to her Instagram on Monday to post a ShopMy link featuring a collection of some of her favourite clothes and accessories.
Meghan's story was accompanied by the message: "Many of you have asked, so here you go! A little shopping to start the week. More to come". The website allows users to create "custom collections of your favourite products and gift guides" and Meghan will take a commission on any purchases fans make through the links. This type of shopping has seen a similar surge in the UK, with various influencers posting their lists on websites like liketoknowit.
Now, a PR expert has issued a major warning to the duchess, who is still bracing for the launch of her new brand, As Ever.
Renae Smith, founder and director of The Atticism, told the Express that the new online shop could confuse followers when her As Ever shop officially drops and gave the duchess a piece of advice.
Ms Smith said: "Yes, I absolutely think this could confuse fans once As Ever officially launches as a product line.
"Right now, she’s acting as a curator of other people’s products while simultaneously teasing her own brand. That could feel disjointed.
"If I were advising her, I’d recommend clearly separating the two.
"Perhaps treating ShopMy as a 'Meghan’s Picks' or a casual side channel, while positioning As Ever as the serious, flagship brand. Without that distinction, she risks blurring the lines and diluting the messaging around both."
Meghan's new online shop features several of her signature pieces listed, including her white linen shirts, striped shirts, various jumpers in her favourite colours, and her beloved YSL sandal slides.
The mostly neutral-coloured items include an oversized white shirt by Reformation for £128, a beige Uniqlo raincoat costing £99.90 and a gold Maya Brenner Happiness Retreat citrine stone necklace, made in collaboration with Meghan's former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer, for £383.
The total of all the items listed rounds up to around £11,000.
