Martha Stewart has expressed skepticism regarding Meghan Markle's recent foray into the home and lifestyle market. The 85-year-old mogul questioned the authenticity of Markle's new brand, As Ever, and her transition from royalty to homemaking.
The 'As Ever' authenticity test
Martha Stewart has raised pointed questions about the legitimacy of Meghan Markle's entry into the lifestyle sector. According to the report, Stewart told Us Weekly in September 2024 that "authenticity matters a lot," specifically questioning whether Meghan Markle actually designs the products sold under her new brand, As Ever, which launched in April 2025.
This critique highlights a tension between legacy expertise and celebrity branding. Martha Stewart, who built a multi-decade empire on technical domestic skill, seems to be challenging whether Meghan Markle possesses the same foundational knowledge. Stewart questioned if Markle has even used the products she is now marketing to the public, suggesting that true authority in the lifestyle space requires more than just a famous name.
From actress to princess to homemaking guru
The career trajectory of Meghan Markle is a point of contention for Martha Stewart. During an interview, Stewart noted that the shift from being an actress to a princess, and subsequently to a "homemaking guru on a television show," does not naturally follow a logical professional sequence.
Stewart's observations stem from a brief encounter at a California dinner party, where the two women spoke shortly after Meghan Markle had returned from the palace. As the report indicates, Stewart believes that being knowledgeable about one's subject matter is essential for success in the home space, implying that Markle's rapid identity shifts may undermine her credibility as a lifestyle expert.
The Gwyneth Paltrow blueprint for celebrity business
While Martha Stewart expresses doubt, Meghan Markle appears to be modeling her business strategy after other high-profile actresses . In the lead-up to the March 2025 premiere of her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, Markle expressed admiration for Gwyneth Paltrow, citing Paltrow's ability to build a successful body of businesses while maintaining her status as an Oscar-winning actress.
The Netflix series, which ran for two seasons and included a holiday special, attempted to humanize Meghan Markle by showcasing her kitchen, garden, and home. By featuring celebrity friends such as Abigail Spencer and Mindy Kaling in segments involving crafting and tea parties, the show positioned Meghan Markle not as a traditional expert, but as a curator of a high-end, aspirational lifestyle.
Whether Meghan Markle actually designs her own products
A central uncertainty remaining in this narrative is the actual level of creative control Meghan Markle exerts over the As Ever brand. martha Stewart explicitly asked, "Does Meghan Markle really design her products?" and whether she can speak authentically about them. these questions remain unanswered,as the source provides Stewart's skepticism without a corresponding detailed breakdown of the brand's design process or a rebuttal from Markle's representatives.
Furthermore, it remains unclear how the market will differentiate between the "expert-led" model championed by Martha Stewart and the "influence-led" model adopted by Meghan Markle. While the report notes that Markle is "extremely famous," it does not verify the specific roles of the designers or consultants behind the As Ever product line.
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