Meghan Markle’s Lifestyle Brand Under Scrutiny: Inspiration or Imitation

When Meghan Markle introduced her lifestyle brand As Ever, expectations were sky-high. For years, she has been celebrated as a figure who blends modern style with humanitarian values, and many believed her new project would bring something fresh to the crowded world of celebrity lifestyle ventures. But instead of applause, the launch quickly stirred debate—and not for the reasons Meghan might have hoped.

The Montecito Photoshoot

The rollout began with a carefully staged photo shoot in Montecito, where Meghan appeared in a flowing yellow maxi dress. The images were soft, idyllic, and carefully curated. Her rescue dogs, placed at her feet, added a sense of warmth and relatability, while the overall aesthetic hinted at a vision of modern chic.

At first glance, it looked like another polished chapter in Meghan’s public story. But eagle-eyed observers noticed something familiar. The scenes—flowers, poses, and styling—bore a striking resemblance to the creative work of Meghan’s long-time friend, actress Abigail Spencer. Spencer, who runs a floral-inspired website and creative platform, had showcased remarkably similar content long before As Ever appeared.

The resemblance raised eyebrows. Was this a case of shared inspiration, or had Meghan unintentionally stepped into her friend’s territory?

Flowers, Filters, and Familiar Angles

The comparisons didn’t end with a single dress or pose. Meghan shared a clip on Instagram showing a bouquet of flowers arranged in a vase branded with her As Ever logo. To casual viewers, it seemed like a simple lifestyle post. But to those familiar with Abigail Spencer’s style, it looked nearly identical to content Abigail had been producing—down to the choice of flowers and the angles of the shot.

In creative industries, overlap is common. Trends spread quickly, and many influencers and entrepreneurs draw from similar pools of inspiration. Yet, when the parallels are this close—and when the inspiration seems to come from a close friend—the story takes on a different tone.

Support and Silence

For years, Abigail Spencer has publicly supported Meghan Markle, appearing at events and offering words of encouragement. She has spoken about Meghan in glowing terms and often amplified her friend’s projects. Yet, observers point out that Meghan has rarely, if ever, returned the favor by promoting Abigail’s own ventures.

This silence has led some to question whether Meghan’s brand launch inadvertently overshadowed the very person who helped inspire its look. It is one thing to share creative inspiration with a friend, but quite another to be accused of borrowing ideas without acknowledgment.

The Question of Authenticity

The heart of the debate lies in one word: authenticity. In today’s digital landscape, where every post is scrutinized, audiences can sense when something feels overly manufactured. Meghan’s brand positioning—emphasizing authenticity, warmth, and a celebration of everyday beauty—clashes with accusations of copying another creator’s work.

If As Ever was meant to stand out as a bold new voice in lifestyle branding, these comparisons have made it harder for the public to see it that way. Instead, the project risks being remembered not for innovation, but for imitation.

A Pattern or a Misstep?

This incident is not happening in isolation. Meghan’s relationship with branding, media, and public perception has long been marked by both admiration and critique. From high-profile magazine covers to collaborations with major platforms, she has often been praised for her ability to create headlines—but she has also faced skepticism about originality and consistency.

The As Ever launch feels like a continuation of that narrative. Supporters argue that Meghan is unfairly targeted and that similarities in aesthetics are bound to happen in the tightly knit world of lifestyle branding. Critics, however, insist that the lack of acknowledgment toward Abigail Spencer makes the overlap harder to dismiss.

Friendship and Creative Boundaries

Behind the public debate is a more personal question: how do creative friends navigate boundaries? Inspiration often flows freely among close companions, but when one person turns that inspiration into a commercial venture, feelings can become complicated.

It’s unclear how Abigail Spencer views the situation. She has not spoken publicly about the similarities, leaving others to speculate. Perhaps she sees Meghan’s choices as a tribute, or perhaps she feels overshadowed. Either way, the silence leaves room for interpretation—and fuels the ongoing discussion.

The Takeaway

In the world of lifestyle branding, where aesthetics are everything, authenticity matters. Meghan Markle’s As Ever brand has the resources, visibility, and potential to carve out its own identity. But to succeed, it may need to move beyond familiar filters and borrowed visuals.

For Meghan, the challenge is to prove that her creative vision is truly her own—and that it reflects the originality her supporters believe she has to offer. For the public, the story serves as a reminder that even in glamorous settings, the lines between inspiration and imitation are often blurred.

At the end of the day, As Ever has brought Meghan back into headlines, but not entirely for the reasons she may have wished. Whether this is a minor misstep or a lasting mark on her brand identity remains to be seen.