Even before Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down from their royal duties, the Duchess of Sussex was representing clothing brands from her home state of California. Since the couple relocated to the high-end neighborhood of Montecito, Markle has continued her West Coast style streak, choosing pieces by Staud, Heidi Merrick and Frame, among others.
Ahead, nine Californian labels that the Duke loves.
More from WWD
Heidi Merrick
Markle has worn Heidi Merrick several times, including at the Royal Salute Polo Challenge in April, where she wore a white halter dress with a keyhole cutout. Merrick, who was born and raised in Santa Barbara – but a stone’s throw from the Duke and Duchess’ Montecito mansion – launched his eponymous label in 2006. Incorporating sustainable materials and premium fabrics, Merrick’s designs have worn by Cindy Crawford and Selena Gomez too.
Rothy’s
While visiting Melbourne, Australia, in 2018, Markle chose a pair of black Rothy’s The Point flats for a walk on the beach. The shoe company, based in San Francisco, makes eco-conscious footwear woven from recycled water bottles. Stars including Emily Ratajkowski, Paris Hilton and Irina Shayk are also fans of the affordable brand.
Frame
Markle packed her favorite Frame skinny jeans as she traveled to Germany for the 2023 Invictus Games. Swedish entrepreneurs Erik Torstensson and Jens Grede founded their clothing brand in Los Angeles in 2012. Celebrity spokespeople include Gisele Bündchen, Karlie Kloss and They have employed Amelia Gray ever since.
Bleusalt
Markle and Prince Harry surprised a group of young tech entrepreneurs last summer when they asked to congratulate the recipients of the Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund, which seeks to promote ethics in technology. In a short video, Markle wore a matching camel cashmere set by Malibu-based brand Bleusalt, which specializes in sustainable luxury basics made in the United States.
Fowl
During the Duke and Duchess’ trip to New Zealand, Markle opted for a pair of black Birdies flats while exploring the Redwood groves in Rotorua. Bianca Gates and Marisa Sharkey founded their footwear label in San Francisco in 2015. With plush insoles, Birds are known for their comfortable – yet fashionable – silhouettes.
Harbor
Markle has carried Cuyana handbags for years, including during her royal tour of Australia in 2018. In Sydney, she carried a small blush-toned saddle bag by the San Francisco-based label. Founded in 2013, Cuyana makes sustainable leather goods loved by celebrities such as Emily Blunt, Zoe Saldana and Jessica Alba.
Stud
At the 2023 Invictus Games in Germany, Markle wore a pair of Staud linen shorts with a cuffed hemline. In 2015, Sarah Staudinger and George Augusto launched their clothing brand in Los Angeles. Staud’s offerings include swimwear, accessories, formal and casual wear. The likes of Bella Hadid and Sophie Turner have worn their stylish clothes.
Meghan Markle’s Favorite California Fashion Brands: Reformation, Staud & More [PHOTOS]
View the Gallery
Reformation
While visiting Fraser Island, Australia, in 2018, Markle chose a striped linen Reformation dress for an outing with Prince Harry. Founded in 2009, the eco-friendly company based in Los Angeles is best known for its feminine silhouettes and cozy knits, which have cultivated a following among stars such as Taylor Swift, Kendall Jenner and Emma Watson.
Launch Gallery: Meghan Markle’s Favorite California Fashion Brands: Makeover, Staud & More [PHOTOS]
The best of WWD