Meghan Markle struggled to find fashion designers to dress her because 'she wasn't an A list actress'

'Big mistake. Big. Huge.'
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Megan C. Hills28 May 2019

There’s no denying that Meghan Markle is one of the most stylish women in the royal family, joining her sister in law Kate Middleton as a leading fashion inspiration. The ‘Meghan Markle effect’, a phenomenon where any item the Duchess of Sussex wears instantly sells out, has been well documented and her close relationship with Givenchy’s creative director Claire Waight Keller has seen her develop an enviable wardrobe. It’s hard to believe that any designer wouldn’t want to dress the Duchess. However, her close friend Daniel Martin has revealed that it wasn’t always the case.

Daniel Martin previously contributed to her now-defunct lifestyle blog The Tig and worked as her wedding make-up artist. He spoke candidly to CBS News about Meghan’s sartorial struggles. Before she and Prince Harry embarked on a fairytale romance, she was playing paralegal Rachel Zane on the television drama Suits or starring in bit roles in films such as Horrible Bosses and Get Him to the Greek.

Meghan Markle wearing Brandon Maxwell
Getty Images

Martin said, “There were times when designers wouldn’t send her anything because she wasn’t an A-list actress or she wasn’t doing anything.”

In recent years, Meghan has been dressed by some of the biggest ateliers in the business including Dior, Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera. Although beautiful designer clothing certainly helps when you’re curating your wardrobe, at the end of the day an individual’s innate sense of style comes down to more than just fancy brand names.

Meghan Markle wearing Victoria Beckham
AP

The Duchess has proved herself a style icon in recent months as she’s seamlessly weaved pieces from the likes of H&M into her sophisticated lookbook, inspiring many with her refreshingly modern outfits.

Meghan has even used her platform to highlight emerging designers like Safiyaa while on tour, as well as her close friends Serena Williams and Victoria Beckham's brands.

Meghan Markle in 2014
Getty Images

Martin said, “She always had such an innate sense of her own style so I’m happy people can see that.”

It has been widely believed that Meghan’s best friend Jessica Mulroney has input into her royal wardrobe. However, as Mulroney doesn’t live in the UK and has a busy career as a stylist and contributor to Good Morning America, Martin revealed Meghan handles her wardrobe herself.

He said, “She doesn’t have a stylist, everything she wears she picks herself. No stylist. It’s pretty incredible that she can manage all this.”

Martin revealed previously that he had chosen to speak to CBS about Meghan because of presenter Gayle King, who is also a good friend of the former actress and attended her baby shower.

He said in an Instagram post, "If it wasn't for @gayleking I wouldn't have had the courage to speak my truth about our dear friend...I can't control what's been said and twisted [about Meghan] in the press, but I'm grateful [King] gave me this opportunity to try and change the perception."

Last year, fashion search platform Lyst published data that revealed Meghan’s impact on fashion retail sales. They reported, “On average, if Meghan wears a designer, that brand will see a +200% increase in search demand over the following week.”

Meghan wearing Givenchy on her wedding day
Getty Images

They also noted that after she stepped out in her Givenchy bateau neckline gown, searches for “Givenchy dresses” increased by 184%.

It could be a while before the Duchess dazzles the internet with another enviable outfit, as the new mother is currently believed to be on maternity leave after giving birth to Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. Prince Harry, however, is back at work. He recently participated in a philanthropic polo match in Rome for his charity, Sentebale.

Meghan Markle: The Duchess of Sussex - In pictures

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