Meghan Markle’s New Lifestyle Brand: A Royal Misstep?

In a move that has left many scratching their heads, Meghan Markle has recently launched her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.

Unfortunately, the reception has been about as warm as a winter's day in the Arctic.

Critics are lining up to voice their opinions, and it seems Joanna Gaines, the reigning queen of lifestyle branding, couldn't resist taking a jab at what many are calling a branding blunder of epic proportions.

The name itself, American Riviera Orchard, sounds more like a poorly translated dish on a tourist menu than a legitimate brand.

It's been widely criticized for reflecting Meghan's apparent disconnect from everyday life.

In an effort to showcase her vision, Meghan shared a glimpse of her plans on Instagram, which included frolicking around her lavish $14 million mansion in elaborate gowns.

Because nothing says relatable like living in a mansion and dressing like a princess, right?

Inspired by the picturesque surroundings of her Santa Barbara home, Meghan's choice of name feels both cumbersome and devoid of meaning for the average consumer.

It's almost as if she tossed a collection of fancy-sounding words into a blender, hoping something appealing would emerge.

The brand's bio—“By Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, Established 2024”—oozes an air of unearned prestige, leaving many to wonder what exactly this brand is all about.

The website, complete with a logo that screams, “I'm a royal, worship me,” has only added to the confusion.

What is American Riviera Orchard meant to be?

A hotel?

A wine label?

A lifestyle blog?

The ambiguity has left potential customers guessing, and not in a good way.

Critics, including those at the Raw News Network, have quickly pointed out Meghan's knack for clumsy naming, dubbing this latest venture as long-winded and downright perplexing.

The promotional video, featuring Meghan strutting through her estate in outrageously priced attire, has become fodder for mockery.

Viewers are quick to point out how disconnected it feels from the lives of average people.

Comparisons have even been made to Blake Lively's Preserve, a similar venture that flopped spectacularly, serving as a cautionary tale for Meghan's ambitious project.

Social media users have voiced their bewilderment and irritation, labeling the brand name as pretentious and nonsensical.

Many see it as a desperate attempt to capitalize on her Duchess title for commercial gain, further alienating her from the audience she claims to understand.

The decision to label a small part of California as the American Riviera reeks of an American-centric arrogance that overlooks other significant Rivieras across the U.S. and Mexico.

By insisting on this name, Meghan may inadvertently reveal a bubble of yes-men surrounding her, too afraid to challenge her ideas.

Joanna Gaines' critique resonates with many, encapsulating the general confusion and disdain for Meghan's foray into lifestyle branding.