RA-RA RIVIERA
While the Instagram launch didn’t provide details of the venture, trademark filing applications show Meghan’s new company could be headed in the direction of celebrity-owned lifestyle brands such as Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop, Kourtney Kardashian’s Poosh and Jessica Alba’s The Honest Company. A filing in February shows American Riviera Orchard plans to create an online retail store selling tableware, cutlery, cookbooks, coffee and tea services, kitchen textiles, jams, marmalades, jellies, nut butters, fruit butters, edible oils and fats and spreads galore.
A second set of documents filed in March suggests the brand could also venture into gardening items, lighting, stationery, party decorations, yoga gear, pet accessories and home décor.
A website was also launched on the same day that included a sign-up box for people to join a waiting list for services and products.
After years of experimenting with various media projects with varying degrees of success, it appears Meghan has her eye firmly trained on turning a profit in the lifestyle space.
She’s also reportedly set to launch a new cooking show for Netflix soon as part of the multimillion-dollar deal she and Harry signed with the streamer – a deal that ends in 2025.
“The brand is meant to coincide with the launch of the new cookery show for Netflix,” an insider says. “Meghan will be making and selling products such as jams. And at some point there will be a book and blog.”
The brand’s Instagram account racked up more than 400 000 followers within days of its launch, with famous names such as Kris Jenner, actress Mindy Kaling and model Elle Macpherson signing on.
By all accounts, the new brand will be a multi-pronged extension of The Tig, which she named after her favourite wine, tiganello, and started in 2014 while working on the TV series Suits.
She described the blog as “a hub for the discerning palate – those with a hunger for food, travel, fashion & beauty”.
“I wanted to create a space to share all of these loves, to invite friends to share theirs as well, and to be the breeding ground for ideas and excitement – for an inspired lifestyle,” she said.
Meghan filled her blog with her favourite recipes and home décor hacks, shared yoga workouts and told you how to lay your table for Christmas.
It wasn’t just a hobby,” she said before shutting it down in accordance with royal family rules.
“It became a really successful business.”
There was much speculation that she’d resurrect the blog in some form after the drama of Megxit – clearly that time is now and clearly she’ll be taking The Tig idea to a whole new level.