Home » Meghan Markle looked sharp at the launch of her Smart Works collection

Meghan Markle looked sharp at the launch of her Smart Works collection

She also wore Princess Diana’s jewellery. By Alyssa Bailey

By Annzra Denita

13/09/19

Meghan Markle made a stylish return to the royal event circuit. The Duchess of Sussex just arrived at the launch event for her Smart Works capsule collection that will benefit her patronage. Meghan chose to wear a white blouse from the collection (by Misha Nonoo), a Ralph Lauren belt, black trousers (by Jigsaw), and brown heels. She accessorised with Princess Diana’s bracelet and butterfly earrings, pieces she has worn before.

Ahead of the event, the SussexRoyal Instagram shared photos from the shoot for the Smart Set line and a quote from Meghan. ‘Since moving to the UK, it has been deeply important to me to meet with communities and organisations on the ground doing meaningful work and to try to do whatever I can to help them amplify their impact,’ the Duchess said. ‘It was just last September that we launched the “Together” cookbook with the women of the Hubb Kitchen in Grenfell.

Today, a year later, I am excited to celebrate the launch of another initiative of women supporting women, and communities working together for the greater good. Thank you to the four brands [Jigsaw, Marks & Spencer, Misha Nonoo, and John Lewis and Partners] who came together in supporting Smart Works on this special project—placing purpose over profit and community over competition. In convening several companies rather than one, we’ve demonstrated how we can work collectively to empower each other—another layer to this communal success story, that I am so proud to be a part of.’

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Last month, The Duchess of Sussex surprised Smart Works clients during the capsule collection shoot in west London…Today, The Duchess, alongside @SmartWorksCharity – in partnership with @InsideJigsaw, @JohnLewisandPartners, @MarksandSpencer and @MishaNonoo – are incredibly proud to reveal to everyone, #TheSmartSet – a five piece capsule collection that will equip the Smart Works clients with the classic wardrobe pieces to help them feel confident as they mobilise back into the work space. • “Since moving to the UK, it has been deeply important to me to meet with communities and organisations on the ground doing meaningful work and to try to do whatever I can to help them amplify their impact. It was just last September that we launched the ‘Together’ cookbook with the women of the Hubb Kitchen in Grenfell. Today, a year later, I am excited to celebrate the launch of another initiative of women supporting women, and communities working together for the greater good. Thank you to the four brands who came together in supporting Smart Works on this special project – placing purpose over profit and community over competition. In convening several companies rather than one, we’ve demonstrated how we can work collectively to empower each other – another layer to this communal success story, that I am so proud to be a part of” – The Duchess of Sussex The collection – which features a shirt, trousers, blazer, dress and tote bag – will be on sale for two weeks starting today, with the objective of selling enough units to give Smart Works the essentials they need to help dress clients for the coming year! For every item bought during the sale of the collection, one will be donated to Smart Works, this 1:1 model allows customers to directly support the Smart Works women by playing a part in their success story – how they look and more importantly, how they feel. Photo © @JennyZarins

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Sep 12, 2019 at 5:08am PDT

The Duchess spoke during the event. ‘Meghan made a short speech before watching a panel discussion with SmartWorks reps, two of its clients & Patron,’ royal reporter Emily Andrews wrote on Twitter when the engagement was announced last week. ‘She’ll meet Smart Works and brand representatives who will talk through the SW journey every client undergoes—including wardrobe and interview.’

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Introducing the new Smart Works collection, #TheSmartSet Over the last year, The Duchess of Sussex and @SmartWorksCharity have come together to launch a very special initiative. Following numerous visits to the charity, The Duchess, who is patron of Smart Works, noticed an underlying issue… while the donations were plentiful, the right sizes and classic wardrobe staples were not always available. Since then – having partnered with leading British fashion designers @InsideJigsaw, @JohnLewisandPartners, @MarksandSpencer and @MishaNonoo – The Duchess has championed the launch of a new Smart Works capsule collection that will help properly equip these women for their next chapter. • “When you buy any item in the Smart Set Capsule Collection for Smart Works, the same item will be given to a Smart Works client, and with it, the confidence and support she needs to enter the workforce and take an important step in building a career.” – The Duchess of Sussex Created in September 2013 with the goal to help unemployed women regain the confidence that may have been blurred during more difficult times, Smart Works provides invaluable support in these women’s return to employment and towards transforming their lives. Not only do they supply complete outfits for job interviews, Smart Works provides access to one-to-one interview training and the opportunity to join Smart Works Network, meeting every month to further their professional and personal development. #TheSmartSet collection – that features a shirt, trousers, blazer, dress and bag – will be on sale for two weeks starting today. Please support the women of Smart Works by purchasing one of the pieces and being part of another woman’s success story. Video ©️ SussexRoyal / Photo ©️ @JennyZarins

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Sep 12, 2019 at 9:07am PDT

This is Meghan’s first official event of the fall and marks her return from her maternity leave. Meghan welcomed her and Prince Harry’s first son, Archie Harrison, in May this year. The Duchess made a couple appearances over the summer, including two at Wimbledon and two with her husband Prince Harry. Meghan’s meeting with Beyoncé, of course, happened during her The Lion King premiere date with him.

Meghan was last photographed out on Saturday in New York City. The Duchess took a last-minute flight to the U.S. to cheer on her friend Serena Williams in the U.S. Open final on Saturday. Page Six reported that Meghan was ‘determined’ to keep her trip low-profile.

A royal insider told that outlet that ‘after all the big fanfare of her [last New York City] trip for her two-day baby shower, where paparazzi followed her every move and staked out The Mark Hotel to catch Meghan, her famous friends and the array of gifts arriving, it seems Meghan has learned her lesson. She was in New York to support Serena, and catch up with a few other old friends, but was determined to keep everything very low-key and as under-the-radar as possible.’ Meghan flew in Friday and left Sunday. She was photographed just once, at the game.

Image: Getty
Source: Good Housekeeping US