American Riviera Orchard: Meghan Markle’s New Brand Faces Backlash

Meghan Markle's latest venture into the world of lifestyle branding has stirred up controversy, with critics denouncing the name of her new brand as utterly nonsensical.

The Duchess of Sussex recently introduced her new brand, American Riviera Orchard, through a post on Instagram, showcasing herself picking flowers and cooking in her kitchen.

The name is believed to be inspired by a residence in Santa Barbara, California, known as the American Riviera for its picturesque landscapes and warm climate.

However, not everyone is impressed by Meghan's choice of branding.

The brand's Instagram bio identifies Meghan as the brain behind the venture, dubbing her as the Duchess of Sussex and establishing the brand in 2024.

Accompanied by a logo with the word Montecito underneath, the brand's website hints at a focus on home, garden, food, and general lifestyle content, as reported by Page Six.

Criticism of the brand's name escalated when The Raw News Network weighed in, labeling American Riviera Orchard as a mouthful and a poor choice.

The network highlighted a promotional video featuring Meghan strolling around a $14 million mansion in an extravagant black gown, raising eyebrows over the accessibility of such opulence.

Comparisons were drawn to Blake Lively's short-lived Preserve venture, suggesting a potential lack of longevity for Meghan's brand.

Social media platforms buzzed with commentary on the perplexing nature of the brand's name.

Users questioned the ambiguity surrounding American Riviera Orchard, pondering whether it was a hotel, wine label, restaurant, blog, or fashion line.

Some expressed amusement at the perceived attempt to sell a title rather than a product, while others found the name simply bizarre and off-putting.

Critics pointed out the geographical inaccuracy of the name, emphasizing that America encompasses two entire continents, rendering the term “American Riviera” misleading.

The comparison to the French Riviera and the existence of multiple Rivieras across the US and Mexico further fueled the debate.

Despite the confusion surrounding the name, Meghan's unwavering commitment to her choice was highlighted, with a touch of sarcasm directed at any dissenting voices.

Renowned lifestyle expert Joanna Gaines joined the chorus of criticism, echoing sentiments from social media users who found the name cumbersome and lacking in coherence.

The consensus among detractors was that the name exuded pretentiousness and failed to convey any meaningful information about the brand or its offerings.

The commercial accompanying the brand's launch on Instagram was also scrutinized for its perceived disconnect from the product itself.

In the midst of the backlash, Meghan Markle's branding misstep serves as a cautionary tale in the world of celebrity ventures.

The polarizing reception to American Riviera Orchard underscores the importance of strategic branding and clear messaging in capturing consumer interest.

As the controversy unfolds, the future of Meghan's foray into lifestyle branding remains uncertain, with public opinion shaping the narrative of her latest entrepreneurial endeavor.