Meghan Markle's appeal in the fashion industry appears to be waning, as per the observations of Kinsey Schofield, a royal commentator and host of the "To Di For Daily" podcast. She made these comments during a recent appearance on Sky News Australia's "The Royal Report."

Caroline Di Russo, the host of the show, noted that despite being viewed as a fashion trendsetter by some, the Duchess of Sussex seems to be encountering difficulties within the fashion industry. Schofield concurred, stating that there is a growing reluctance among certain brands and individuals in the industry to collaborate with Markle.

"We were just discussing the growing distance between Meghan and some folks in New York and L.A. ... Dior was emphatic in their denial of collaboration with Meghan," Schofield said. She also mentioned a stylist in Los Angeles who was quoted as saying, "Over my dead body would I connect Meghan Markle to any of my high-profile couture clients."

Schofield suggested that the reluctance to associate with the Sussexes might stem from the perceived "toxicity" of their brand, alluding to the couple's public controversies and their inability to maintain privacy.

The royal commentator cited how the couple has publicly divulged private interactions, such as sharing a text message from Beyoncé on their Netflix special. "If they disapprove of you, they will publicly denounce you, even to the extent of criticizing you in a sit-down with Oprah [Winfrey]," Schofield said, referring to the couple's explosive interview in 2021.

In her estimation, brands are becoming increasingly concerned about the potential damage that could ensue from associating with the Sussexes, who are currently considered to be a controversial brand.

The rumors of Markle being in talks for a lucrative contract with French fashion giant Dior to become the brand's new face were recently denied by a Dior spokesperson. In a statement to WWD, the spokesperson confirmed that no such negotiations had taken place, and there had been no recent communication with the Duchess. Markle's spokesperson also denied the rumors in a statement to The Telegraph.

Royal biographer Tom Bower proposed that in light of recent setbacks, such as the termination of their Spotify contract and Dior's denial of rumors, the Sussexes may contemplate a rebrand by adopting Princess Diana's surname, Spencer.

Bower told GB News host Dan Wootton, "They've created controversy around themselves, which is what corporations like Dior fear. They don't want to be linked to that kind of controversy."