Meghan Markle is facing criticism for the name of her latest venture, the American Riviera Orchard, as former users express their disappointment with what they describe as a terrible choice.
The Duchess of Sussex introduced her new lifestyle brand through an Instagram post, showcasing herself picking flowers and cooking in her kitchen.
The name, American Riviera Orchard, is believed to be inspired by a residence in Santa Barbara, California, known as the American Riviera for its sunny climate and picturesque surroundings.
Despite the apparent connection to the luxurious locale, not everyone is impressed with Meghan’s branding decision.
The bio on the brand’s Instagram page identifies Meghan as the founder, bearing the title of the Duchess of Sussex and established in 2024.
Additionally, a website has been launched for the brand featuring a logo with the word Montecito displayed beneath it.
Reports suggest that the brand will focus on various lifestyle aspects such as home decor, gardening, food, and general lifestyle content.
Criticism of the brand’s name intensified when The Raw News Network commented on Meghan Markle’s alleged struggle with naming, citing American Riviera Orchard as a cumbersome and unappealing choice.
The network also highlighted a promotional video showing Meghan strolling around a $14 million mansion in an elaborate black gown, drawing attention to the disconnect between accessibility and luxury in the brand’s messaging.
The backlash continued as social media users joined the conversation, with one individual questioning the nature of the brand: “A hotel, wine label, restaurant, blog, fashion label?”
The ambiguity surrounding the name was a point of contention, with another user expressing confusion and skepticism towards the perceived elitism associated with the title.
Despite the criticism, some welcomed the departure from Meghan’s previous narratives, hoping for a shift away from what they perceived as a victimhood narrative.
Critics further dissected the name choice, pointing out geographical inaccuracies and comparisons to other renowned regions like the French Riviera.
The argument was made that labeling a specific coastline as representative of an entire country was misleading, particularly in a diverse country like the United States with multiple coastal regions.
The debate highlighted the subjective nature of branding decisions and the challenges of creating a name that resonates with a broad audience.
Notably, Joanna Gaines, a prominent figure in the lifestyle industry, joined the chorus of disapproval, echoing sentiments shared on social media platforms regarding the brand’s name.
Many online discussions centered on the perceived pretentiousness and lack of clarity associated with the American Riviera Orchard, with critics noting the absence of a clear message about the brand’s offerings.
The commercial featuring Meghan Markle was also criticized for its focus on aesthetics rather than substance, leaving viewers puzzled about the brand’s identity and purpose.
In response to the mounting criticism, Meghan Markle’s team may face the task of reevaluating the branding strategy for American Riviera Orchard to address concerns raised by detractors.
The controversy surrounding the name serves as a reminder of the importance of effective branding in conveying a brand’s essence and connecting with consumers on a meaningful level.