Let’s call it the Meghan Markle Effect. You know how it goes: when Kate Middleton steps out in an outfit, whether it's an elegant Issa wrap dress or a chic pair of L.K. Bennett heels, the item practically flies off the shelves within moments. Now, Prince Harry's fiancée, Meghan Markle, is proving to be just as powerful in her own right when it comes to influencing fashion trends.
Meghan's Royal Touch: The Power of a Single Bag
Take this example: during her first royal engagement in Nottingham, England, Meghan was photographed carrying a tricolor Midi tote by the Scottish accessories brand Strathberry. What happened next? Well, the bag sold out in a mere 11 minutes. That's right—11 minutes. The traffic to Strathberry's website skyrocketed by approximately 5,000 percent. And if you were quick enough to snag the bag on eBay, you'd have seen it marked up to $2,356 from its original price of $660. Incredible, right?
But here's the kicker: since that initial buzz, the brand has relaunched production on the now-famous bag, which has been cleverly renamed the “Meghan.” The first batch of 400 bags sold out within 24 hours during the pre-order stage. If you're hoping to get your hands on one, you'll have to wait until February of next year for the next batch. Patience is a virtue, as they say.
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(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
Charity Auction Offers Hope
Now, for those who couldn't bear the thought of waiting so long to own a piece of Meghan-approved fashion, there was a glimmer of hope. Strathberry set aside one bag for a charity auction, which ran for a week until Monday, December 18. eBay has since revealed that the bag sold for an impressive $2,428—roughly four times its original price. The proceeds from this auction will go to the Terrence Higgins Trust, the HIV and AIDS charity that Harry and Meghan visited in Nottingham.
Strathberry's Reaction: Thrilled and Delighted
In a statement earlier this month, Strathberry expressed their delight at Meghan's choice of accessory. "We are thrilled at Meghan's selection of one of our core Strathberry styles for her first royal engagement," a spokesperson said. "It was a fantastic surprise, and we are delighted by the news of Meghan and Prince Harry's engagement. We wish them all the best for this exciting period in their lives."
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This story was crafted by Kate Wagner. It originally appeared on our sister site, Grazia Daily.
