Meghan Markle's latest investment venture has ignited a wave of criticism, with the Duchess of Sussex facing backlash for her involvement in Cesta Collective, a handbag brand that sources its woven baskets from Rwandan artisans. The controversy centers on accusations that the brand's marketing and business practices amount to "poverty porn," a term used to describe the exploitation of impoverished people for marketing purposes.
In August, Markle was revealed as a minority stakeholder in Cesta Collective, a brand co-founded by Erin Ryder and Courtney Fasciano. The company's business model involves Rwandan women crafting the baskets, which are then sent to Italy for final assembly into luxury handbags, retailing for between $490 and $890. The brand has positioned itself as ethically conscious, claiming to pay these artisans "500-700% times the national average salary of Rwanda."
However, not everyone is convinced by the brand's ethical claims. A TikTok influencer, identified as georgiejxmes, posted a critical video on August 31, calling out the company for what she perceived as a superficial commitment to social responsibility. The influencer's critique, which has garnered over 11,000 likes, highlights a promotional image used by Cesta Collective that shows two white women-Ryder and Fasciano-sitting on a bench, surrounded by Rwandan women on the ground.
"Images matter," the influencer stated, arguing that the visual is inappropriate and perpetuates a problematic narrative. "Here we have two Western women sitting on a bench, the Rwandan women gaze up at them. It's inappropriate to use these women as a marketing tactic for your brand, especially when they're not full-time employees nor do they have any ownership of your brand."
The criticism didn't stop there. The influencer also took issue with the brand's emphasis on fair wages, suggesting that highlighting how much more the artisans are paid compared to the Rwandan average only serves to make affluent Western consumers feel better about their purchases. "This isn't a charity. You're not saving these women," she continued. "You're doing what you're supposed to do, which is pay them a living wage so that they can support their families."
The backlash has led to a broader discussion about the ethics of using African artisans in Western luxury markets, with critics accusing the brand-and by extension, Meghan Markle-of exploiting these women for profit. Social media users were quick to pile on, with one commenter accusing Markle of being just as complicit in exploitation as the royal family she has distanced herself from. "Meghan Markle thinks she's progressive, but every move she makes is to get richer," wrote one TikTok user.
Nevertheless, some have defended Markle, pointing out that as an investor, her role may be limited and suggesting that she could potentially influence the brand to adopt more sensitive practices. "MM is just an investor, maybe she could counsel them," suggested another commenter.
Responding to the criticism, Cesta Collective posted a statement on their Instagram stories, reaffirming their commitment to ethical practices and fair compensation for their Rwandan artisans. "We are dedicated to collaborating with talented female artisans who are experts in their craft," the statement read. "We are meticulous with every detail involved in making our products-from our craftsmanship and thoughtful material selection to our unwavering ethical standards and fair compensation practices."
Meghan Markle's investment in Cesta Collective is part of her broader strategy of supporting female-run businesses. In an interview with The New York Times on August 29, Markle spoke about her approach to investing, which involves searching for brands that align with her values. "I spend a lot of time just Googling, looking for brands," she said. "When people are online looking for things or reading things, I'm trying to find great new designers, especially in different territories."
Despite the controversy, Cesta Collective has gained significant visibility since Markle's involvement was announced. The brand has been seen on high-profile figures like Gwyneth Paltrow and Claire Foy, and Markle herself has been spotted carrying Cesta handbags on several occasions, most recently during her tour of Colombia in August 2023.
