Ads
It had indeed been a difficult week for Meghan Markle. First, her latest outfit choice during a public engagement had received scathing criticism from fashionistas who called it "dull" and "uninspired." Then rumors surfaced that a book she was hoping to publish had been rejected by multiple publishers due to a lack of mainstream appeal.
Now, as Meghan scrolled through the latest headlines on her phone one morning, she saw a news story that made her clench her jaw in frustration. The headline read: "Sarah Burton appointed creative director of iconic fashion house Gavy."
Burton, of course, needed no introduction. As the creative force behind Alexander McQueen for over a decade, she had established herself as one of the premier designers working in Britain today. But more than that, she was intimately connected to the royal family through her close work with the Duchess of Cambridge. It was Burton who had designed Kate's iconic wedding dress back in 2011, as well as numerous other important evening gowns and ceremonial dresses over the years.
Ads
Kate had become one of Burton's most important patrons and biggest champions. And now Burton was taking the reins as head designer of Gavy, one of the most prestigious names in European fashion. Meghan could well imagine the excitement this news must have generated both within royal circles and the industry at large.
In contrast, Meghan's own attempts to make headway in fashion had been met with tepid responses at best. Her wedding dress two years ago, while garnering some positive initial notices, had since received criticism for being overshadowed by Kate's design. Attempts to work with some large brands had stalled over "creative differences." Even her personal style, once praised, now divided opinions.
As Meghan scrolled on, she saw photos of Burton surrounded by Gavy executives, beaming happily in their Paris headquarters. A subsequent article delved into Burton's "stellar rapport" with the Duchess of Cambridge and how her royal connections would be a boon for Gavy. Meghan couldn't help but feel a pang of envy at such glowing praise and opportunity, so different from her own troubled experiences.
Ads
With a sigh, she switched off her phone and began to get ready for the day ahead. But Burton's appointment continued to gnaw at her thoughts. While Sarah Burton ascended to new heights, designing for one of the most legendary houses in the industry, Meghan's ambitions in fashion remained frustratingly out of reach.
She thought back to her pre-royal days in Toronto, acting and maintaining a carefully-cultivated personal style. Back then, the prospect of designing her own line or acting as a high-fashion ambassador seemed perfectly reasonable. But somehow, since marrying into the royal family, everything had become ten times more difficult.
Every outfit was scrutinized, every collaboration dissected. Fashion brands seemed wary to work with her, perhaps fearing controversy or being too closely linked to the monarchy. Even old contacts in the industry now kept their distance. Had becoming a Duchess damaged her credibility in their eyes?
Ads
Over afternoon tea with a friend, Meghan couldn't help but pour out her worries. "It just gets under my skin sometimes, you know?" she said. "Seeing Sarah Burton ascend like this while my ideas get knocked back at every turn. I know part of it is just the challenges of this new life, but still..."
Her friend nodded sympathetically. "I understand the frustration. But perhaps try focusing less on what's not working and more on your strengths. Your platform is bigger than ever - why not use it to spotlight causes you believe in? And maybe think smaller for now fashion-wise. A collaboration, an edited capsule collection..."
Meghan knew her friend meant well, but it was hard not to feel like a failure next to Burton's auspicious new role. As the days wore on, more articles appeared online celebrating "Burton's Brilliance" and analyzing how her royal ties would elevate Gavy's image.
Ads
She tried occupying herself with other activities, like planning future patronages or catching up with American friends over video chat. But lingering in the back of her mind was the gnawing realization that, at least for now, Sarah Burton had decisively beaten her in fashion's grandest game of thrones. While one celebrated success, the other was left to pick up the pieces - and dream of what might have been.
Post a Comment