Meghan Markle’s recent public appearances have signaled the start of a powerful new chapter in her post-royal career, one that has sparked intense speculation and a surge of media attention. After months of relative silence, the Duchess of Sussex has re-emerged in a whirlwind of high fashion, flawless skin, and a carefully crafted image. From her show-stopping debut at Paris Fashion Week to whispered meetings with the fashion industry’s most influential figures, it’s clear that Meghan is positioning herself for a major leap forward—one that recalls the career trajectories of stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and Victoria Beckham.

Meghan’s appearance at Balenciaga’s Spring/Summer 2025 show at Paris Fashion Week wasn’t just another celebrity cameo; it was a calculated power move. With immaculate tailoring, sculpted silhouettes, and a polished new look, Meghan dressed as a woman with intent—someone who knew exactly why she was there and exactly who she wanted to be seen with. “This was a trip to remind the world that she is a power player in the fashion world,” explained royal biographer and fashion commentator Jane Tippett. Gone were the casual California styles of her Montecito life, replaced by high-end designer pieces and a more sophisticated, confident image. Meghan wasn’t merely attending fashion week—she was announcing herself to it.
Following her Paris debut, Meghan’s wardrobe continued to make waves. In New York, she was photographed in a sharp Saint Laurent blazer that exuded quiet power, a stark contrast to her former laid-back California minimalism. At the Project Healthy Minds Gala, she donned a Giorgio Armani tuxedo suit, further cementing her image as a woman who not only understands but embodies modern luxury. Her choice of a Chanel gown for a Soho House dinner added another layer to her fashion evolution—Meghan is no longer just a muse for luxury brands; she’s positioning herself as a force in the fashion world in her own right.
Her transformation isn’t just about her wardrobe. Meghan’s makeup and beauty regime have also undergone a significant upgrade. She has debuted a visibly refreshed look, complete with dewy, bronzed skin and a slicked-back hairstyle. This aesthetic overhaul has led to speculation that Meghan may be preparing to launch her own beauty or skincare line, much like Victoria Beckham did with her own brand. The increasing prominence of beauty products on Meghan’s Instagram also suggests that she’s positioning herself to capitalize on her newfound influence.
Meghan’s recent meetings have added another layer of intrigue. Reports surfaced that she had a private meeting with Chloé Malle, the new editor of US Vogue, at The Whitby Hotel in Manhattan. While the meeting appeared to be a casual catch-up, the timing, so soon after her Paris Fashion Week appearance, suggests that Meghan is looking to shape the narrative around her, not just seek coverage. This meeting signals that Meghan is no longer merely a subject of media scrutiny but someone with the power to influence the fashion and beauty worlds on her own terms.

Much like Gwyneth Paltrow, who parlayed her personal brand into a multi-million-dollar wellness empire, Meghan seems to understand that modern influence is about ownership, not just endorsement deals. Paltrow’s Goop empire began as a simple newsletter and grew into a billion-dollar brand, and Meghan seems to be eyeing a similar trajectory. The Duchess is not just positioning herself as a face for luxury brands; she’s positioning herself as a founder—someone who will build her own empire. With her recent appearances at high-profile events and strategic meetings, Meghan is laying the groundwork for something bigger, with the fashion and beauty industries at the center of her ambitions.

The similarities between Meghan and Paltrow are striking. Both women entered the royal spotlight as glamorous outsiders, using their platforms to advocate for causes close to their hearts. While Diana’s rebellion was rooted in isolation, Meghan’s appears more calculated, strategically leveraging her celebrity and high-profile media deals. Meghan’s wardrobe and beauty choices, along with her meetings with power players, hint at a future where she isn’t merely a member of the luxury market—she’s shaping it herself.

For her talk at Fortune’s Most Powerful Women 2025 summit, Meghan wore a combination of sustainable luxury brands, including a Gabriela Hearst blouse and a Brochu Walker skirt. The brands she chose weren’t just about aesthetics—they were a statement about her values and a potential future direction for her brand. This combination of high fashion with sustainable choices suggests that Meghan is looking to appeal to the growing market of conscious consumers. Her wardrobe decisions could be hinting at a larger strategy to build a brand that is both influential and ethical.
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