Meghan Markle Is a ‘Dolphin,’ Not a Shark

Many things have changed since Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, moved from London to California.

The couple has blown up the myth of Windsor unity, had a second child, opened up to Oprah Winfrey, participated in a documentary about themselves, and otherwise become tabloid fodder. Depending on your point of view, they are either champions of the battle against a hidebound, racist establishment, or grifters out for themselves.

Through it all, however, apparently Meghan’s ability to move merchandise has remained notably high. So much so that in 2020, she decided to start putting her money where her taste was and began investing in a small portfolio of female-run companies.

The latest: Cesta Collective, which specializes in basket bags that are handwoven by a collective of women in Rwanda and finished in Italy. Meghan originally discovered the brand while online shopping.

“I spend a lot of time just Googling, looking for brands,” Meghan said last week on a call from her home in Santa Monica, just after she and Harry had returned from a tour of Colombia. “When people are online looking for things or reading things, I’m trying to find great new designers, especially in different territories.”