Meghan has undergone many transformations, but one thing remains unchanged: her influence in the world of fashion. Her ability to move merchandise has become legendary, so much so that in 2020, she began investing in a small portfolio of female-run companies, supporting brands that resonate with her values.
The latest addition to Meghan’s investment portfolio is Cesta Collective, a brand specializing in handwoven basket bags created by a collective of women in Rwanda and finished in Italy. Meghan first discovered the brand while browsing online, a habit she maintains as she searches for new and unique designers.
In an interview with the New York Times Meghan shared —
I spend a lot of time just Googling, looking for brands. When people are online looking for things or reading things, I’m trying to find great new designers, especially in different territories.”
Meghan carried the Cesta Collective Braided Canvas Tote in navy and natural, $750, for a lunch date in Montecito, November 2023. (Illustrations by Amelia Noyes)
Cesta Collective, co-founded by Erin Ryder and Courtney Weinblatt Fasciano, experienced an immediate surge in interest after Meghan was photographed with one of their bags during a dinner date in May 2023. Ryder and Fasciano recalled how they were en route to Mexico when their phones began buzzing.
Below, Meghan carrying the Cesta Collective Bucket bag in Neutral Mélange, $695, for a dinner date in Montecito, May 2023. (Illustration by Amelia Noyes)
Erin had this to say about the experience —
We got off the plane, got our internet on and, all of a sudden, this one style that had been a little bit sleepy was totally sold through, and we were getting a lot of ‘back in stock’ sign-ups. We knew there had to be some reason that these were selling so quickly, so Courtney did some internet sleuthing to find out. We had more sales in one day than we’ve ever had.”
The overwhelming response prompted the founders to write Meghan a thank-you note, which blossomed into a meaningful relationship. This summer, Meghan became their first outside investor, acquiring a minority stake in the company.
The Bucket Bag is available in three additional colors — Black, Camel Sand and Navy/Natural.
Meghan’s decision to invest in Cesta Collective aligns with her broader philosophy on fashion and influence. She first became aware of her impact on sales in 2017, after her engagement to Prince Harry, when she wore a bag from the Scottish brand Strathberry for a public appearance, it sold out online in just 11 minutes. The realization that her fashion choices could significantly boost a brand’s success transformed the way she approached dressing.
It changed everything in terms of how I then looked at putting an outfit together,” Meghan said.
Meghan was seen carrying the Cesta Collective ‘Taco Tote’ in the color-way Olive Grove, $850 in April 2024, while in Florida for the Sentebale Polo Challenge.
Meghan sees her role not just as a style icon, but as a supporter of emerging designers and smaller brands that deserve more attention.
Times where I know there is a global spotlight, and attention will be given to each detail of what I may or may not be wearing, then I support designers that I have really great friendships with, and smaller, up-and-coming brands that haven’t gotten the attention that they should be getting,” she said. “That’s one of the most powerful things that I’m able to do, and that’s simply wearing, like, an earring.”
For a lunch date back with Clare Waight Keller in Los Angeles, February 2024, Meghan carried the Cesta Collective – the suede clutch in Tobacco, $490.
While Meghan’s financial backing is undoubtedly valuable, the founders of Cesta Collective see her belief in their mission as even more crucial. The company, which has an annual revenue of about $1 million, produces its bags in small batches, prioritizing responsible production and fair wages over profit margins. With Meghan’s involvement, Ryder and Fasciano hope to expand their business into other categories and begin working with female artisans in other developing countries.
Just last week while the couple were visiting Colombia, South America, Meghan carried the Cesta Collective crossbody bag in Panna, $750.
She also carried the Cesta Collective Crossbody in Olive Grove, $725, during the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, September 2023.
Meghan’s interest in investing began during the pandemic when lockdowns limited her ability to leverage paparazzi moments for brand promotion. Her first stake was in Clevr Blends, a vegan instant latte company, and her portfolio has since grown to include between five and ten brands. She views these investments as complementary to her own emerging lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.
Investing in them has helped me line up for this chapter where I’m investing in myself,” Meghan explained.
Below, Meghan with the Clevr team in early 2023.
Read our posts about Meghan’s involvement with Clver here and here.
Reflecting on her venture-capital approach, Meghan described it as a “dolphin tank” rather than a “Shark Tank.” She emphasizes the supportive nature of her investments, saying, “These are friendly waters.”
Through her thoughtful investments and strategic fashion choices, Meghan continues to use her influence to champion causes close to her heart, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the world of fashion.
Susan, this is a great post which is going to be very bad news for my credit cards!! Thank you for your continued coverage during a slow summer!
Comme je vous comprends Lucy. J’ai le même problème 😂
translation: I understand you Lucy. I have the same problem