In a move that has left fashion insiders shaking their heads, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, embarked on what can only be described as an awkward attempt to reinvent her public image as the new year began.

On January 1, 2025, she made her much-anticipated return to Instagram, but rather than showcasing authenticity, her carefully crafted video felt more like a throwback to a bygone era, specifically the iconic 1990s beach shoots of supermodel Kate Moss.

Markle, 43, donned a flowing white button-up shirt and Capri pants that seemed to be ripped straight from a Calvin Klein campaign circa 1994.

As she frolicked barefoot along a dull California shoreline, it was clear that she was trying to capture the effortless cool that defined Moss’s legendary status.

However, insiders close to Moss revealed that when she saw the video, she merely chuckled and remarked, “Darling, some things should stay in the 90s.” This comment encapsulated the bemusement many feel about Markle’s latest endeavor.

The video quickly amassed millions of views, featuring Markle running dramatically towards the ocean while her hair danced in the wind—likely thanks to a strategically placed wind machine.

The pièce de résistance?

A moment where she inscribed “2025” in the sand, which social media users dubbed “peak manufactured authenticity.”

It was a spectacle that many found more cringeworthy than captivating.

Fashion critic Miranda Holbrook didn’t hold back in her assessment, stating, “What we’re witnessing is a desperate effort to capture lightning in a bottle.

Kate Moss’s beach photos were groundbreaking because they exuded rawness.

Watching this is akin to seeing someone try to recreate a masterpiece with tracing paper; the outlines are there, but the soul is absent.”

What makes this situation even more intriguing is the timing of Markle’s social media revival.

It coincides with a surge in popularity for the royal family, particularly as Princess Catherine garners acclaim for her charitable work, and Prince Harry appears to make peace with his family.

In this context, Markle’s beach video seems like a transparent attempt to claw back relevance amid a shifting public narrative.

Celebrity branding expert Marcus Chen weighed in, saying, “This behavior is textbook for someone who feels they’ve lost control of their narrative.

By channeling the 90s supermodel vibe, Markle aims to position herself as an icon.

The issue is, you can’t just fabricate iconic status; it has to come naturally.”

The choice of attire has also sparked debate.

While Moss’s beach photos were characterized by spontaneous styling, Markle’s outfit appears meticulously planned.

Fashion historian Patricia Montgomery remarked, “The ensemble is so painfully on-the-nose it stings.

It’s as if she Googled ‘90s beach fashion’ and recreated the first Pinterest board she stumbled upon.”

Sources close to Markle disclosed that she spent weeks preparing for the video, consulting multiple creative directors and even hiring a professional sand artist to perfect her writing.

“She wanted it to look completely natural and unplanned,” said one insider, seemingly oblivious to the irony of such a statement.

Social media reactions have been swift and unforgiving.

Comments ranged from humorous jabs like “When you order Kate Moss on Wish” to critiques suggesting the video resembled an AI-generated imitation of vintage photo shoots.

Even her most devoted fans appeared uncomfortable with the blatant mimicry.

This isn’t the first time Markle has faced accusations of trying to emulate iconic figures.

During her royal tenure, many noted parallels between her fashion choices and those of Princess Diana, though these attempts often lacked the grace that made Diana’s style memorable.

A former royal aide commented, “This is classic Meghan; everything has to be orchestrated to project a specific image.

The problem is, people see right through it.”

Marketing expert Sarah Winters posited that Markle’s actions might form part of a larger rebranding strategy.

“She’s clearly trying to distance herself from the royal narrative and establish herself as a fashion icon.

However, mimicking Kate Moss’s legendary moments from three decades ago isn’t the way to achieve that.

True impact comes from innovation, not imitation.”

As the video continues to circulate and attract commentary, it becomes increasingly evident that Markle’s attempt to recapture the magic of an earlier era has instead underscored the very criticisms leveled against her: a tendency toward calculation over authenticity and imitation rather than innovation.

In trying to carve out her own identity, Markle may have inadvertently highlighted the ongoing drama in her life and the lives of the British royal family.