American Riviera Orchard and Meghan Markle

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think a lifestyle brand makes perfect sense for them. The name is awful, I hate it.

I actually get the thinking here, though I can see why many don't. I do think Meghan has sought to position herself as a wife and mother since they moved to Montecito, with a focus on the kids and family life. The whole thing with her raising chickens, the photos of the family on the lawn -- she is trying to position herself as having an enviable family-focused lifestyle. Like GOOP, but more focused on being a mom and having young kids (GOOP has always been focused more on fashion and working out, with some food mixed in).

So I get this as a progression of that, but I am not sure she has successfully positioned herself for most people to get it (even I'm stretching).

But then all the branding is very "I'm a Duchess married to a Prince." I have no idea how much of that is Meghan and how much is the branding team trying to emphasize what they view as the most marketable thing about her.

In any case, I'm actually a sucker for this kind of thing, so I will 100% look at the products when they come out and would not be embarrassed to own something form "American Riviera Orchard" if it was actually cute and functional.

Do you think that image has landed better in California, perhaps? I don’t see her as anything but Rachel from Suits and a royal dropout (no shade, I’m not a fan of the royals).

No, I don't think it has not landed better in California. I live here. They are pretty new to the state and don't embody anything Californian to me. They just seem like they're trying hard to glom onto to another theme.

+1. I also live in the area and people talk more about the entertainers than the Sussexes. People would take a second look if they walked by but we are used to big stars here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it’s too bad that she shut down the Tig site— which was lovely, and had a following.

The link doesn’t work for me, so I’ll comment once I’ve seen the site and it’s had a chance to grow. “Empty as a brand” seems like an odd criticism for something not fully launched— so just generally, I’d see if there’s anything there that grabs my interest, and check in again once something is more fully fledged.

I meant "empty" because she hasn't really positioned herself as a housewares maven. It just seems like an industry the PR team chose and they slapped it together. When I think of Meghan, I don't think of jam, tableware and kitchen linens. I didn't know this was an interest of hers. Seems like a modern day QVC/Kathy Ireland type of set-up to sell stuff.

And Kathy Ireland is actually from Santa Barbara!

She is the OG model-turned-mogul of the American Riviera!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think a lifestyle brand makes perfect sense for them. The name is awful, I hate it.

I actually get the thinking here, though I can see why many don't. I do think Meghan has sought to position herself as a wife and mother since they moved to Montecito, with a focus on the kids and family life. The whole thing with her raising chickens, the photos of the family on the lawn -- she is trying to position herself as having an enviable family-focused lifestyle. Like GOOP, but more focused on being a mom and having young kids (GOOP has always been focused more on fashion and working out, with some food mixed in).

So I get this as a progression of that, but I am not sure she has successfully positioned herself for most people to get it (even I'm stretching).

But then all the branding is very "I'm a Duchess married to a Prince." I have no idea how much of that is Meghan and how much is the branding team trying to emphasize what they view as the most marketable thing about her.

In any case, I'm actually a sucker for this kind of thing, so I will 100% look at the products when they come out and would not be embarrassed to own something form "American Riviera Orchard" if it was actually cute and functional.

Do you think that image has landed better in California, perhaps? I don’t see her as anything but Rachel from Suits and a royal dropout (no shade, I’m not a fan of the royals).

No, I don't think it has not landed better in California. I live here. They are pretty new to the state and don't embody anything Californian to me. They just seem like they're trying hard to glom onto to another theme.

Who is pretty new to California? Can’t be Meghan who was born there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think a lifestyle brand makes perfect sense for them. The name is awful, I hate it.

I actually get the thinking here, though I can see why many don't. I do think Meghan has sought to position herself as a wife and mother since they moved to Montecito, with a focus on the kids and family life. The whole thing with her raising chickens, the photos of the family on the lawn -- she is trying to position herself as having an enviable family-focused lifestyle. Like GOOP, but more focused on being a mom and having young kids (GOOP has always been focused more on fashion and working out, with some food mixed in).

So I get this as a progression of that, but I am not sure she has successfully positioned herself for most people to get it (even I'm stretching).

But then all the branding is very "I'm a Duchess married to a Prince." I have no idea how much of that is Meghan and how much is the branding team trying to emphasize what they view as the most marketable thing about her.

In any case, I'm actually a sucker for this kind of thing, so I will 100% look at the products when they come out and would not be embarrassed to own something form "American Riviera Orchard" if it was actually cute and functional.

Do you think that image has landed better in California, perhaps? I don’t see her as anything but Rachel from Suits and a royal dropout (no shade, I’m not a fan of the royals).

No, I don't think it has not landed better in California. I live here. They are pretty new to the state and don't embody anything Californian to me. They just seem like they're trying hard to glom onto to another theme.

Who is pretty new to California? Can’t be Meghan who was born there.

Harry obvi. Meghan is new to Montecito.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Theory:

It appears hastily thrown together and random because it is.

Why?

Someone like Oprah or Tyler Perry is bankrolling them to launch a product that will bd successful…even if it means anonymous purchases of the inventory…to demonstrate they have a viable brand that consumers will buy.

If everything quickly sells out when it is properly launched, then they can claim success (even if there’s a plan for anonymous bulk purchases).

Why go to this trouble?

Because their Netflix venture was a flop and nobody is interested in investing in their brand. They desperately need to demonstrate success in order to get their next paid gig.

There’s no way ARO will be as commercially successful as Goop.

She can’t build a brand on motherhood and homemaking on her own. Heck, Tori Spelling is better positioned to do that since her kids are more in the public eye. Ditto for the Kardashians. Nobody thinks of Meghan as a mother or homemaker.

Plus, her style doesn’t have mass market appeal. Martha Stewart exuded WASP old money vibes and shrewdly opened her home to underscore the brand: East Coast traditional kitchen, home, and yard.

Meghan dresses sorta waspy. She could easily put a fresh spin on that aesthetic: thin; high quality, tailored clothes in understated colors; expensive but not flashy jewelry; clean face/sleek hair). But her house is very bland: it looks like a RH catalogue. It’s not inspiring or relatable.

Yep, it's not going to work. They keep failing. I think she's a self-destructive loser, sad to say. She isn't sure of what her image is and wants/does not want the royal connection. Her girl power stuff/podcast was cringy; even tye names, Archetypes, was bad. It's a good word if you're a Jungian therapist but I don't think she even understoodthe meaning. She's not that smart and seems boringly self-centered. Agree that Goop may be annoying, but it's a clear vision of exclusive clothes/items plus all the new age wellness stuff, and it's not like anyone else. Same with Reese Witherspoon's Draper James. Both fit with their personalities. What's Meghan known for? She's not British, she's only sort of Hollywood, she's not known for domesticity or decorating. She's no India Hicks. There's no there there.

She needs to lean into one for credibility. If Hollywood, she should at least do guest roles on some shows and seriously consider a recurring role on a Suits reboot. Then she will be invited to the awards parties and industry events.

No way. She, like Angelina Jolie, is above acting now. Except occasionally Jolie is sensible enough to pay bills so will stoop to a role from time to time.

It's agism, too. That's why the A-list veteran actresses become producers and directors because they are not being cast in the juicy roles anymore.

[Anonymous]

Meghan will try many ventures and she will fail at many of them, and that is ok. The only people who never fail never tried anything. I have no idea if this venture will be successful, but I have no doubt in the long run she will be fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The only “lifestyle” successful brand that has soared recently is Tabitha Brown’s; her stuff has impact online, she brilliantly fit in and got in to Target; she is presenting something with a bit of a clunky rep, veganism, as a viable full lifestyle compatible with cute affordable serving trays, compatible with listening to The Breakfast Club. It’s genius, and it is reality-based.

This whole trying to make it Gwyneth but a lilibet younger with a cursive “royal” crest is so inane. Launching without anything is also dumb - I remember the Goop thing started as recipes, a newsletter, and hotel and shopping recs from a rich lady who has traveled the world, won awards, dated and married well, and eaten Spanish food with Jose Andres for PBS - built-in interest and cache. This just isn’t it IMO. She can’t price products made in the US or grown fair trade and sell them to the population that likes her. She is low-rent, and thinking she embodies Santa Barbara generational wealth and is too good for Kohls and Target will doom this. In 18 months, she and her accountants will be sad that she was too good to make that Lauren Conrad, Joanna Gaines, Tabitha Brown money.

This is true. Santa Barbara is a whole vibe. She does not embody it whatsoever. Generational wealth, old money. Think Edie Sedgwick, Hugette Clark, the Biltmore. Heck, Ellen and Portia could do a lifestyle line as they have owned/restored numerous houses in Montecito and well-known for it. They could be Joanna and Chip Gaines for the rich.

That's a great idea for Ellen and Portia. Ellen's reputation took a hit from the mistreatment of her show staff and certain guests. This could be very upbeat and interesting. They are quite private but are generous local philanthropists.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Meghan will try many ventures and she will fail at many of them, and that is ok. The only people who never fail never tried anything. I have no idea if this venture will be successful, but I have no doubt in the long run she will be fine.

She's more than fine right now with Harry, healthy beautiful children, and an 8 digit net worth. But she wants much more. I think Harry would be happy living a quiet Montecito life with a few worthwhile philanthropies to champion like Invictus and mental health.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:“American Riviera Orchard”?

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot???

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The only “lifestyle” successful brand that has soared recently is Tabitha Brown’s; her stuff has impact online, she brilliantly fit in and got in to Target; she is presenting something with a bit of a clunky rep, veganism, as a viable full lifestyle compatible with cute affordable serving trays, compatible with listening to The Breakfast Club. It’s genius, and it is reality-based.

This whole trying to make it Gwyneth but a lilibet younger with a cursive “royal” crest is so inane. Launching without anything is also dumb - I remember the Goop thing started as recipes, a newsletter, and hotel and shopping recs from a rich lady who has traveled the world, won awards, dated and married well, and eaten Spanish food with Jose Andres for PBS - built-in interest and cache. This just isn’t it IMO. She can’t price products made in the US or grown fair trade and sell them to the population that likes her. She is low-rent, and thinking she embodies Santa Barbara generational wealth and is too good for Kohls and Target will doom this. In 18 months, she and her accountants will be sad that she was too good to make that Lauren Conrad, Joanna Gaines, Tabitha Brown money.

This is true. Santa Barbara is a whole vibe. She does not embody it whatsoever. Generational wealth, old money. Think Edie Sedgwick, Hugette Clark, the Biltmore. Heck, Ellen and Portia could do a lifestyle line as they have owned/restored numerous houses in Montecito and well-known for it. They could be Joanna and Chip Gaines for the rich.

That's a great idea for Ellen and Portia. Ellen's reputation took a hit from the mistreatment of her show staff and certain guests. This could be very upbeat and interesting. They are quite private but are generous local philanthropists.

Ellen has a housewares line. I see it at HomeGoods. She has some nice rugs. I would think at her career/life stage, it's easier to just license your name to products. She doesn't need to prove anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can’t she just have a wine brand or something?

That would be soo fun!! not this fake goop cottage core brand.

There is so much bespoke wine already. How about fruity liqueurs instead?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The only “lifestyle” successful brand that has soared recently is Tabitha Brown’s; her stuff has impact online, she brilliantly fit in and got in to Target; she is presenting something with a bit of a clunky rep, veganism, as a viable full lifestyle compatible with cute affordable serving trays, compatible with listening to The Breakfast Club. It’s genius, and it is reality-based.

This whole trying to make it Gwyneth but a lilibet younger with a cursive “royal” crest is so inane. Launching without anything is also dumb - I remember the Goop thing started as recipes, a newsletter, and hotel and shopping recs from a rich lady who has traveled the world, won awards, dated and married well, and eaten Spanish food with Jose Andres for PBS - built-in interest and cache. This just isn’t it IMO. She can’t price products made in the US or grown fair trade and sell them to the population that likes her. She is low-rent, and thinking she embodies Santa Barbara generational wealth and is too good for Kohls and Target will doom this. In 18 months, she and her accountants will be sad that she was too good to make that Lauren Conrad, Joanna Gaines, Tabitha Brown money.

This is true. Santa Barbara is a whole vibe. She does not embody it whatsoever. Generational wealth, old money. Think Edie Sedgwick, Hugette Clark, the Biltmore. Heck, Ellen and Portia could do a lifestyle line as they have owned/restored numerous houses in Montecito and well-known for it. They could be Joanna and Chip Gaines for the rich.

That's a great idea for Ellen and Portia. Ellen's reputation took a hit from the mistreatment of her show staff and certain guests. This could be very upbeat and interesting. They are quite private but are generous local philanthropists.

Ellen has a housewares line. I see it at HomeGoods. She has some nice rugs. I would think at her career/life stage, it's easier to just license your name to products. She doesn't need to prove anything.

Except that she isn't mean.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Meghan will try many ventures and she will fail at many of them, and that is ok. The only people who never fail never tried anything. I have no idea if this venture will be successful, but I have no doubt in the long run she will be fine.

She's more than fine right now with Harry, healthy beautiful children, and an 8 digit net worth. But she wants much more. I think Harry would be happy living a quiet Montecito life with a few worthwhile philanthropies to champion like Invictus and mental health.

She and Harry had very different upbringing. She didn’t come from money while he was born into tremendous wealth. She wants to make sure her children are fine. If she has more of a drive to be successful than Harry I can definitely relate to her motivation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Meghan will try many ventures and she will fail at many of them, and that is ok. The only people who never fail never tried anything. I have no idea if this venture will be successful, but I have no doubt in the long run she will be fine.

She's more than fine right now with Harry, healthy beautiful children, and an 8 digit net worth. But she wants much more. I think Harry would be happy living a quiet Montecito life with a few worthwhile philanthropies to champion like Invictus and mental health.

She and Harry had very different upbringing. She didn’t come from money while he was born into tremendous wealth. She wants to make sure her children are fine. If she has more of a drive to be successful than Harry I can definitely relate to her motivation.

Her children ARE fine. She and Harry are wealthy. It's clearly fame she seeks.

[Anonymous]

American Riviera Orchard is a horrible name. Too long. Sounds like a name Sears or Kohl’s would have come up with. Tig 2.0 would have been so much better or something else incorporating The Tig. Macy’s store brand for women is called Charter Club. American Riviera Orchard is not much better.