It has emerged that As Ever, the new name of Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand also shares its name with a small clothing company based in New York – with the owner hitting out
Meghan Markle has been caught up in another row over her newly-named lifestyle brand after it emerged a small clothing brand is also named As Ever.
The Duchess of Sussex revealed yesterday that she was scrapping her American Riviera Orchard name in favour of As Ever. She also unveiled a new website with a new logo featuring a palm tree flanked by two hummingbirds.
It has prompted allegations of copying as the Mayoress of Porreres, a town on the Spanish island of Majorca, claims the logo is strikingly similar to their coat of arms. And now it has also emerged that a small independent New York-based clothing brand is also called As Ever.
Meghan revealing that the new name for her brand is As Ever(Image: Meghan/Instagram )
The new logo for As Ever (Image: As Ever)
The brand was set up in 2015 by designer Mark Kolski and now he has spoken out to address Meghan’s new brand sharing the same name as his business. However, he told The Sun he will keep his company’s name and is “exploring all possibilities”.
He said: “I’m a very small business, it’s a family-run operation. I’m essentially a one-man band. Even if I wanted to do something I don’t think I have the behemoth of lawyers and money that are behind this.”
It came after he took to Instagram to address the naming row and said: “I want to say thank you to all the old friends who know and love our small family brand As Ever and also say hi to all those that have just become aware we exist. In the last 36 hours, there has been an outpouring of support and concern regarding recent events around our namesake brand. We are aware. We are not affiliated.”
The designer then explained how the brand dates back to 2015 when it started as a side hobby for him and his wife. He said that it first started manufacturing its clothes in 2017 and added: “It’s 2025. We are grateful to still be here making clothing in New York & New Jersey. We are grateful for all the customers coast to coast and worldwide that have supported our venture. We will continue As Ever.”
It adds to Meghan’s brand headache after the mayoress of Porreres, Xisca Mora has gone as far as saying the logo is a “complete copy” of her town’s coat of arms, which also features a palm tree and birds.
Mayoress Ms Mora told Spanish publication El Pais that the town’s heraldic coat of arms dates back to 1370 and its reproduction is “part of the idiosyncrasy of Porreres, of its heritage and cultural identity”.
She admitted they are not in a position to sue for plagiarism but said they are calling for the logo to be removed. The Mirror understands that as part of the process of creating the logo, Meghan’s team undertook “comprehensive” global searches of registered trademarks were conducted. A spokesperson for Meghan has been contacted for comment.
Ms Mora said: “To sue for plagiarism is complicated and costly, and a small town council like ours is not in a position to fight against the English crown. “At first, we took it as a bit of a joke because we didn’t really understand where it had come from and what their objective was in copying our coat of arms,” she explained to Vanitatis.
Meanwhile, the mayoress also pointed out another similarity as Meghan’s brand is known to be offering jam – and the preserve is also a popular product of the town. Ms Mora said that Porreres has “the best jam in the world ” and quipped “the farmers will be happy” if Meghan wants to market it. A spokesperson for Meghan has been approached for comment.
