Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has shared a candid mood board with her fans, that seems to provide some insight into her inspiration for her new lifestyle brand – As Ever
Meghan Markle shared a unique insight into her thought processes by sharing a glimpse at her mood-board online(Image: Getty & @Meghan)
When Meghan Markle officially returned to Instagram in the New Year, die-hard fans who had been following her journey long before she met Prince Harry were thrilled.
For years, while working as an actor on the hit legal drama Suits, the now Duchess of Sussex had run a lifestyle blog called The Tig – but she shut down the popular website when her relationship with Harry became serious and was attracting more and more public attention. However, Meghan is re-entering the lifestyle space, with her new show for Netflix – With Love, Meghan – and her new lifestyle brand, recently renamed As Ever, putting her firmly back on familiar ground professionally.
The surprise rebrand has faced backlash this week after a small Mallorcan town accused Meghan of ‘copying’ their coat of arms. Then, another indy fashion brand with the same name spoke out to say they were exploring ‘all options’. But the controversy has not got in the way of the duchess’ excitement as she’s defiantly continued to promote her new project by sharing a photo of her vision board, which brimming with hints on what to expect from As Ever.
Sharing the mood-board in all it’s glory, Meghan captioned the post: “From memory lane to the memories I’m making today…”. But it’s not just subtle nods to her brand that fans have spotted – the montage features motivational quotes with poignant meanings, sentimental nods to her family and a special tribute to her beloved dog Guy who passed away.
As Meghan ignores her critics and ramps up excitement around her latest venture, the Mirror takes a look at all the hidden details in her very personal vision board you might have missed.
Meghan shared a glimpse at her mood-board on Instagram(Image: @Meghan)
Meghan has been very active on Instagram to promote her brand(Image: Meghan/Instagram )
Archie’s very sweet artwork
Like parents across the world, Meghan’s mood board wouldn’t be complete without some creative input from her youngsters. Meghan pinned a green painted star with her son’s name emblazoned across – presumably written by the five-year-old Prince Archie himself – featuring yellow hues and swirls and patterns seemingly drawn by the young royal.
Nothing quite adds the personal touch to home decor like the artistic efforts of your kids – and Archie’s star appears towards the bottom of Meghan’s curated board of inspiration.
Meghan and Harry have been sharing more photos of their children(Image: ARCHWELL)
Iconic song
Meghan posted the mood-board accompanied by a seriously iconic song by Grammy winner Lauryn Hill. Doo Wop (That Thing) is the song the Duchess selected to play over her new post, and it’s a classic R&B song from 1998 that marked Hill’s first and only number 100 on Billboard.
Raspberry jam labels
Meghan included labels for her new raspberry spread that will be one of As Ever’s offerings on the board, as a major hint of what the future holds for the duchess as she launches this new project. The three matching labels are pinned together, with a piece of ribbon cascaded down in a delicate swirl above them.
Meghan gave her celeb pals a taste of her upcoming jam(Image: Instagram)
Celebs posted the product online(Image: (Image: mrstracyrobbins/Instagram))
When Meghan first launched As Ever it was under the name America Riviera Orchard – but she recently revealed that she decided to change the name, as the original meant she was only able to sell products made in her local area, which is nicknamed America Riviera.
When she tentatively launched the brand last year, her famous pals received limited edition jars of strawberry jam, including reality star Kris Jenner, 69. So it’s long been speculated when the company launched fully, jams and spreads would be part of Meghan’s offering, and she’s confirmed this is the case.
Throwback to The Tig
Meghan’s new lifestyle vision board would never be complete without some nods back to where it all started. Included in the scrapbook-style montage is the signature Tig Cup recipe, a refreshing-looking alcoholic beverage that seems dreamy for a summer’s day.
Among the collection of memories and musings were several nods to Meghan’s original blog The Tig(Image: @Meghan )
The ingredients include ribbons of cucumber, grapefruit rind, fresh mint, lime, ice, thin celery stalks, radish shavings – and, of course, “your favourite gin” along with some soda water, tonic water, and maraschino cherry liqueur.
Inspirational quotes
Meghan’s mood board was also filled with inspirational quotes, some of which had the Tig’s logo emblazoned at the bottom – indicating in some ways Meghan might be planning on picking up where she left off when it comes to the attitude behind her new project.
“Stay close to people who feel like sunshine,” one of the quotes read. Another humourous quote included by the duchess said: “I love you with all my butt. I would say heart, but my butt is bigger.”
In a message that some fans have read as a subtle dig to her critics, a third quote reads: “You cannot make everybody happy, you are not a jar of Nutella.”
Meaningful photos
Amid the personal keepsakes and memorabilia, there are a wide array of stunning photos included in the mood board. One sheet, which features 18 square images together, includes pictures of Meghan herself. In one image, she is playing with her rescue beagle Guy, who sadly recently passed away, and in two others she is facing away from the camera wearing her hair in a low ponytail and a stunning black gown.
There were also several photographs for inspiration and labels for her upcoming brand As Ever(Image: @meghan)
Other images include stunning shots of florals, fruits, foliage, and outside spaces, as well as close-ups of what might be Meghan’s hands, holding spoons, food, and a small ramekin.
Elsewhere, other aesthetic shots of plated food are pinned to the board, including a seriously cheerful image of a pancake with a smiley face and some totally delicious-looking meals to the top right.
There is also a throwback image of Meghan herself, taking a photo on her phone of food carefully arranged on the table, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how she manages to capture images of food.
Another snap included in the board sees Meghan clinking a flute of champagne with a friend, while they sit outside, on a sofa by a pool – the black and white image also includes a stunning landscape in the background.
Caligraphy and handwritten notes
Meghan is well known for being talented when it comes to calligraphy and there are some beautiful letterings included on the mood-board. From small yellow notes which seem to contain ideas in what is likely her own, very beautiful handwriting, to a list on the top left of the board, in stunning calligraphy, that reads: “Farm Fresh Eggs, Carrots Two Ways, Sweet Treats”.
One adorable note commended Meghan for her ‘great menu’(Image: @meghan)
Another note, written to Meghan, appears on the board and reads: “Love you Meghan. Great menu” signed by “TA”.
Special artwork
Meghan features a lovely picture of a peacock on her mood-board – a bird that has had a hugely symbolic meaning throughout the centuries in art. From associations with royalty – a nod to her husband’s family perhaps – to a symbol of the resurrection in Christian art, and showing beauty and wealth.
There were also several nods to Prince Harry and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet(Image: @meghan)
Next to the pinned image of the peacock is very sentimental painting – that looks like a watercolour – of Harry, Meghan, and their late dog Guy, on a walk. Guy is painted on his lead, which is being held by Meghan, as she shares a kiss with her husband, who has his arm wrapped around her shoulder.
Stunning linens
A huge focus of Meghan’s new show will be entertaining and hosting, and some delicately embroidered linens are pinned to Meghan’s board. She aims to help her audience elevate the everyday when it comes to hosting guests, and their inclusion might mean we can expect Meghan to provide some tips on how to create a beautiful dinner table.
