Meghan-mania as fashionistas look to emulate bride-to-be
MEGHAN Markle has already captured the imagination of fashion followers and driven a spike in searches online, according to eBay.
The phenomenon, dubbed the Meghan Effect, has seen fans rushing to emulate the American’s style.
Searches for “maroon dress” on eBay soared by 600% after Ms Markle was pictured at the Invictus Games wearing a burgundy pleated midi.
The actress opted for a casual ensemble for her first public appearance with Prince Harry at the event in Toronto.
The next day there were 25 searches per hour for “ripped jeans”, while the site saw a 95% increase in those looking for “white shirts” between then and October 8.
There were also three times the number of searches for vegan leather leggings between April and August, after they were reported to be a staple of Ms Markle’s wardrobe.
The youngest generation of royals have also come to have a strong influence on fashion.
Outfits worn by the Duchess of Cambridge have sold out within minutes due to the Kate Effect, while Prince George and Princess Charlotte have also helped boost sales of children’s wear.
Meanwhile, research by genealogists has shown Ms Markle is distantly related to both Churchill and Shakespeare.
Experts from MyHeritage.com found that the former Suits star is linked to the two British historical figures.
Ms Markle, who was born in Los Angeles, is William Shakespeare’s fifth cousin 13 times removed, the researchers said.
The actress and wartime prime minister Sir Winston Churchill are sixth cousins five times removed, connected through Zachariah Howe, who came from a family of British settlers who originated from Essex.