Meghan Markle’s latest venture, the lifestyle brand “As Ever,” has stirred up a storm of controversy just days after its announcement. The Duchess of Sussex revealed on Instagram that she was shifting from her initial brand name “American Riviera Orchard” to “As Ever,” but this rebranding has led to unexpected disputes.
Meghan’s new logo, featuring palm trees and hummingbirds, has drawn ire from the Mayoress of Porreres, Majorca, who claims it mimics the town’s historic coat of arms. Xisca Mora, the mayor, went as far as labeling the logo a “complete copy,” highlighting the similarities between the palm tree and bird motifs.
The decision to rebrand seems to stem from legal hurdles encountered with securing a trademark for “American Riviera Orchard.” Meghan’s switch to “As Ever” was described by some as a “rushed job,” especially since it shares a name with a small New York-based clothing firm, As Ever NYC. This has led to confusion and discussions about the originality of Meghan’s branding choices.
Mark Kolski, the designer behind As Ever NYC, addressed the issue on Instagram, emphasizing that his brand, which started in 2015, is not affiliated with Meghan’s venture. He expressed gratitude for the support from long-time fans and new ones who became aware due to this controversy.
Meghan, in her promotional video, did not address these legal setbacks directly but instead focused on the broader appeal of “As Ever,” stating it reflects her long-standing interests in cooking, crafting, and gardening, which she shared through her previous blog, The Tig.
The controversy has not only been about the logo but also about the products. Porreres is famous for its jam, which Meghan’s brand also plans to offer, leading to humorous remarks from the mayor about potentially collaborating with Meghan on jam production.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.
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