Meghan Markle’s Montecito wardrobe sparks debate over audience reach after Costner charity event

Meghan Markle drew attention for her appearance at Kevin Costner’s charity event Sunday in Summerland, California, where her jewelry and wardrobe were valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars and prompted renewed discussion about whom she is trying to reach with her public image.

At Costner’s home, Markle wore pieces that the reporting circle described as among the costliest in her public appearances in recent memory. Observers highlighted a Cartier Tank Française watch once worn by Princess Diana—valued by sources at about $24,000—and a collection of bracelets and rings that, in aggregate, exceeded six figures. One item cited was a solid-gold Cartier Love bracelet, with estimates ranging from roughly $7,000 to $9,500, along with a $5,000 mini bezel tennis bracelet and, of course, Markle’s engagement ring reported around $160,000. The total jewelry for the weekend was described by multiple outlets as surpassing $300,000. These prices, reported after the event and repeated in coverage, come as viewers and critics have long debated Markle’s effort to balance luxury with relatability.

Beyond the jewelry, the episode reflected a broader pattern noted by observers: Markle’s Netflix shows have featured expensive fashion and accessories, a contrast to the persona she has sometimes projected as approachable and down-to-earth. Across both seasons of her cooking program With Love, she has showcased designer dresses and premium cookware. Reported wardrobe items include a $3,000 Carolina Herrera dress, a nearly $600 cotton poplin pinstripe shirt from CO, and a $1,000 sleeveless silk gown from Ulla Johnson. In the spring of 2025, she linked several of these items to a ShopMy storefront that, at the time, connected followers with affiliate links; that storefront was quietly shut down earlier this month and the link removed from her Instagram bio. The cookware on the show was white Le Creuset, priced between about $200 and $340 per pot, while dishes were served on pieces from Earth and Element, a Los Angeles ceramics studio whose dinnerware can fetch higher prices.

Industry observers note the tension between Markle’s brand of luxury and her stated aim of reaching a broad audience. Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield told the Daily Mail that the target audience could be misread if it is assumed Markle must appeal only to a traditional royal-watcher demographic. “Meghan and her team may believe her target audience is the classic royal watcher, an older and more affluent demographic,” Schofield said, but added that loyal royal watchers sometimes view Harry and Meghan as disloyal. “Her natural audience is younger people, especially Gen Z and Millennials in the US and UK. Why she thinks a 20-year-old would want to buy overpriced fruit spread is beyond me.” Schofield also suggested that the jewelry’s high price tag makes it harder for the duchess to be perceived as relatable. And while the cookware’s price range is more accessible, Schofield argued that the jewelry’s display aligns Markle more with Hollywood circles than with the average consumer.

Ryan McCormick, managing partner at Goldman McCormick PR, echoed the tension, noting that the moment underscores a broader question about how Markle targets her audience. “Meghan may desire to connect with everyday people, but if so, she has to be fully committed,” he said. McCormick pointed out that while the jewelry may signal luxury, it’s not necessarily a message that aligns with a broad, affordable lifestyle. He also observed that the price tag attached to Markle’s weekend jewelry was described as eight times the average annual salary of many UK residents, a statistic cited to illustrate the perceived gap between Markle’s public persona and the everyday experiences of many viewers.

The conversation about audience alignment extends to Markle’s broader brand ecosystem, including her Netflix project and related product lines. On the show With Love, the wardrobe and prop choices have drawn attention from viewers and commentators alike, with some noting a contrast between the upscale aesthetics and the more “everyday” lifestyles Markle has discussed in interviews. The As Ever lifestyle line, which was highlighted in the past for its accessible price points, prompted discussion about whether the brand could legitimately reach a mass-market audience if the signature items remain highly priced. A variety of experts have pointed out that pricing strategy can influence perceptions of brand inclusivity, and some have suggested that elevating prices could shift perception toward luxury, potentially narrowing the audience.

The broader entertainment and business context also includes Netflix’s ongoing relationship with Markle. Netflix chief executive Ted Sarandos praised Season 2 of Meghan and Harry’s documentary work and highlighted Markle’s ability to move consumer products, noting the show’s performance and the overall impact of the brand. Sarandos described Markle as having “remarkable influence” and cited the popularity of elements from her shows, such as edible flowers and jam, in consumer engagement. The praise comes as Netflix’s chart performance for Season 2 placed it in the upper echelons of viewership shortly after its August release, while the couple’s broader deal with the streamer has been described by analysts as a strategic shift from previous terms.

Market watchers and fans alike remain focused on how Markle will balance her public persona going forward: whether she will lean into the luxury-forward image associated with Montecito and Hollywood circles, or whether she will pivot toward a more accessible, down-to-earth messaging that resonates with a younger, more diverse audience. The question remains whether the current branding can bridge both worlds without alienating larger segments of the public who have watched Markle’s ascent from televised royalty to global media figure.

In the end, observers say the answer may lie in consistent messaging and transparent alignment between public appearances, on-screen storytelling, and product partnerships. As Markle continues to navigate a landscape that blends celebrity, philanthropy, and media, the public’s response to her wardrobe choices, pricing strategies, and audience targeting will likely shape the reception of her next major projects.