Markle effect sends M&S jumper flying off shelves
SHE has promised to become a British citizen, pledging to travel around the country learning as much about her new home as possible before her wedding to Prince Harry in May.
Meghan Markle yesterday proved she is already well on her way to settling into life in England, as she stepped out in a jumper from none other than Marks & Spencer.
Ms Markle, who recently raised eyebrows for a set of engagement photographs in a couture dress worth tens of thousands of pounds, plumped for the British high street for her second official public engagement, dressing up a black woollen jumper costing £45.
On her visit to Brixton, her first public engagement of 2018, she paired the bellsleeved sweater with widelegged Burberry trousers. The choice immediately endeared her to watching fashionistas, with social media ablaze with commentary about the casual choice.
Available online in the post-christmas sale yesterday, the jumper sold out within hours as the Meghan Markle effect hit the retailer.
An M&S spokesman said that although the style had nearly sold out online, there was still good availability in stores. The retailer plans to restock as soon as possible.
The significance of Ms Markle’s style choice was not lost on the brand, which has taken steps to overcome any suggestion of a frumpy image with designs aimed at “ageless style” and partnerships with celebrities such as Alexa Chung.
The company tweeted: “#Magicandmarkle – Meghan wears our Autograph Bell Sleeve Jumper on today’s trip to #Brixton”
The all-black outfit coincidentally imitated the colour du jour, just days after Hollywood actresses chose to wear black to protest against sexual harassment to the Golden Globes.
Ms Markle also wore a coat from Smythe, a Canadian brand, costing £580, a complementary Jigsaw scarf, and Birks’ gold bar earrings worth £325.