Meghan Markle's SXSW appearance sparked a flurry of polarized views online. Critics on social media honed in on her attire, with some likening her outfit to bedsheets and pajamas.
Meghan Markle, 42, Faces Online Backlash After Stepping Out In A $2000 'Wrinkled' SuitAt SXSW in Austin, Texas, Meghan Markle shone brightly, celebrating International Women's Day with a notable appearance.
During a keynote panel with media luminaries Katie Couric and Brooke Shields, Meghan engaged in a profound discussion about the portrayal of women in media, a topic she passionately advocates for.
Yet, the Duchess's choice of attire quickly became a hot topic online. She chose a sleek, business-casual look featuring a silky pinstripe skirt set. The public's reaction to Meghan's fashion choice was starkly mixed.
Critics were swift to share their views, with some harshly likening her elegant outfit to bedsheets. "It looks like wrinkled bedsheets," one comment read. Others skeptically asked, "Dreamy ensemble = Pyjamas?" and "Dreamy ensemble? Oh, do you mean it looks as though she slept in it?"
Meghan Markle, 42, Faces Online Backlash After Stepping Out In A $2000 'Wrinkled' SuitThe criticism didn't end there. Some even unfavorably compared her to Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, with one commenter bluntly stating, "She's a hot mess. Her hair, too casual wrinkled outfit are no match for Catherine, Princess of Wales who is always dressed impeccably with class [sic]."
Others wrote, "The woman, yet again, managed to look like a total mess," "Did she wake up and decide it was too much effort to put clothes on, so decided on her bed sheets???" and "Who dresses her, doesn't she have friends?"
Despite the backlash, Meghan also garnered significant support from fans and admirers, who praised her fashion choice and overall presence with comments like, "I so much love her, her dressing and gesture," and a straightforward, "So pretty."
Meghan's outfit showcased the exquisite craftsmanship of Giuliva Heritage. Her "Husband Shirt in Striped Silk" epitomizes tailoring perfection with its long sleeves, tailored fit, and elegant mother-of-pearl buttons.
Alongside the shirt, the "Lena Skirt in Striped Silk" falls elegantly to full length, made from shimmering silk with a side zipper for closure. Both items are handcrafted in Italy from 100% sustainably sourced silk, demonstrating extensive skilled labor and traditional techniques.
Despite the visible luxury and craftsmanship of her attire, public opinions about it remained sharply divided. The shirt and skirt, priced at approximately $973 and $1,050 respectively, exemplify Giuliva Heritage's dedication to quality and sustainability.
Meghan Markle, 42, Faces Online Backlash After Stepping Out In A $2000 'Wrinkled' SuitThe focus on her attire overshadowed the significant topics she discussed at the SXSW event titled "Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen." This session addressed critical issues, including the negative impacts of social media.
Meghan was prominently featured at SXSW as a speaker, recognized for her advocacy in feminism, human rights, and gender equality. In her discussion, she detailed the challenges she faced with social media, especially the vitriol encountered during her pregnancies and as a new mother.
"The bulk of the bullying and abuse that I was experiencing in social media and online was when I was pregnant with Archie and with Lily and with a newborn with each of them," Meghan shared, highlighting the cruelty instead of the catty nature of the attacks.
"You know us as moms, it's such a tender and sacred time. You can either succumb to it or nearly succumb to how painful that is," she added.
She highlighted the critical need for a safer online environment, particularly for women and children, lamenting the irony that often women are the ones spreading hatred toward other women. "We have forgotten about our humanity, and that has got to change," she asserted, emphasizing the urgency of fostering kindness and empathy.
Meghan Markle, 42, Faces Online Backlash After Stepping Out In A $2000 'Wrinkled' SuitThe panel featured other notable speakers including Emmy Award-winning journalist Katie Couric; Brooke Shields, the celebrated actress, model, and author; and Nancy Wang Yuen, a sociologist specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In the audience, Prince Harry showed his support for Meghan, his presence underscoring the couple's continual exposure to public scrutiny and criticism. This was evident when their Valentine's Day date earlier this year attracted significant negative attention online.
For their Valentine's Day celebration, Meghan chose a vibrant red outfit, joining Harry in Whistler, British Columbia. Amid their commitments to the Invictus Games, the couple enjoyed a private dinner at Il Caminetto, a top Italian restaurant in the area.
Il Caminetto, where they dined, is renowned for its fine Italian cuisine, with menu prices ranging from $21 to $55 and wine bottles priced between $5,758 and $10,334. The online community actively shared their thoughts about the couple's dinner choice.
"Secret?" one Facebook user wrote. "Cameras and summoned Paps everywhere." Another person concluded through a tweet that the couple's dinner was "paid for by Invictus, donated funds for wounded veterans," adding that their action was "grossly inappropriate."
A second person on Twitter echoed, "Who paid i wonder [sic]." Another social media user also wrote, "How nice of BC taxpayers to be paying for this."
One person particularly emphasized that Meghan's "outfit looked a mess." Meanwhile, another looked for the kids, writing, "No children… hmmm… wonder where they are… not seen them…"
Harry's commitment to the Invictus Games and its participants is steadfast. Mike Bourgeois, a former competitor, noted that the prince genuinely cares about the athletes' experiences, from their training and coaching to their overall well-being.
His involvement goes beyond mere support; he is deeply invested in understanding and acknowledging the athletes' rehabilitation journeys. That's what drives him," Bourgeois said. "He sees you and hears you. That's what it was like for me. And I know that's what it was like for a lot of my teammates."
Reflecting on her own upbringing, Meghan has openly discussed the complexities of her identity and the difficulties she faced fitting into predefined categories. She recounted her experiences growing up with curly hair, freckles, and pale skin due to her mixed-race background, which often made it challenging for her to find her place.
Now as a mother, Meghan sees echoes of her own childhood in her son, Archie. A photo of Meghan at five years old, wearing a cozy black hoodie, was shared, showing a remarkable resemblance to Archie at the same age, highlighting the visual similarities between mother and son.
