Strong feelings were expressed online in response to Meghan Markle’s SXSW appearance.
Social media users criticized her dress, comparing it to pajamas and bed linen.
Meghan Markle made a notable appearance on International Women’s Day and lit up the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas.
Taking on a keynote panel with media heavyweights Brooke Shields and Katie Couric on Friday, Meghan dove deep into conversations about the representation of women in media, a topic close to her heart.
But the duchess’ choice of outfit for the occasion soon became a hot topic of discussion on the internet.
She chose a beautiful outfit that epitomized relaxed business casual, complemented by a silky combination of a striped skirt. There was clear disagreement online about Meghan’s fashion statement.
Critics were quick to share their thoughts, with some making disparaging remarks comparing her chic outfit to bed linen. One reviewer said, “It looks like a crumpled leaf.” Others asked, “Dream set = pajamas?” with skepticism. and “Dream Team?” “You mean it looks like he’s sleeping there?”
The sarcastic remarks did not end there.
Several people have negatively compared her to Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales. One commenter outright called her a “hot mess.” The overly casual and rumpled outfit along with her hair makes her unsuitable for Catherine, Princess of Wales, who always wears impeccable and elegant outfits.”
Others said: “The woman looked like a total mess again,” “She woke up and decided it was too much work to put on a dress so she opted for sheets???” and “Who dresses her and has no friends?”
In stark contrast to the criticism, Meghan has been showered with love and support from her supporters. Comments such as “I love her so much, her dressing and gestures” and the terse yet poignant “So pretty” praised her wardrobe choices and overall disposition.
Meghan’s clothing exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship and elegance of Giuliva Heritage. Her ‘Striped Silk Husband Shirt’ is a great fit, with long sleeves and beautiful mother-of-pearl buttons. It is a monument of tailoring art.
When worn with it, the “Lena Skirt in Striped Silk”, which is made of shimmering silk and fastens with a side zip, blends in elegantly. Made from 100% sustainable silk, these beautifully crafted silks have been painstakingly crafted in Italy and showcase hours of painstaking skill and technique.
Retailing for around $973 and $1,050 respectively, the blouse and skirt are more than just clothes; serve as examples of Giuliva Heritage’s commitment to sustainability and high standards. Despite her elegant and well-tailored attire, public perception remained divided.
The discourse surrounding her outfit didn’t hint at the important topics she addressed during her SXSW presentation, “Breaking Barriers, Shaping Stories: How Women Lead On and Off Screen.” The gathering addressed several pressing topics, one of which was the widespread toxicity of social media.
SXSW warmly invited Meghan to speak, describing her as an advocate for gender equality, human rights, and feminism.
During the interview, Meghan talked about her experiences with social media and the harassment she faced, especially when she was a new mother and during her pregnancy.
Meghan revealed, emphasizing the brutality rather than the feline nature of the attacks: “Most of the bullying and abuse I experienced on social media and online was when I was pregnant with Archie and Lily and had newborns with each of them. .”
“As a mother, you realize that this is a delicate and sacred moment. You can either give in to that agony or almost give in to it,” she continued.
She emphasized the need for a safer online environment, especially for women and children, and highlighted the terrible irony that hate crimes against other women are mostly committed by women. “We have forgotten our humanity and that has to change,” she said. Her moving speech highlighted a more general call for people to practice empathy and kindness.
Other notable panel speakers included sociologist and diversity, equity, and inclusion expert Nancy Wang Yuen; actress, model, and author Brooke Shields; and Emmy Award-winning journalist Katie Couric.
In this colorful setting, Prince Harry sat in the crowd and cheered on his wife. Because of their public persona, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry often face criticism and resentment. Before that, they went on a Valentine’s Day date that sparked hate mail online.
Meghan celebrated Valentine’s Day with Harry in Whistler, British Columbia in a bold red outfit. The royal couple were spotted leaving the luxury Italian restaurant Il Caminetto after a private dinner and briefly leaving their duties at the Invictus Games.
One of the best restaurants in Whistler, known for its excellent Italian food, serves as the setting for their romantic dinner. Dinnerware ranges from $21 to $55 and bottles of wine from $5,758 to $10,334. Online users expressed their opinions about the dinner in real-time.
One Facebook user asked: “Secret?”
“Cameras everywhere and the cops called. The couple’s dinner was “paid for by Invictus, donating funds to wounded veterans,” another individual concluded in a tweet, calling their behavior “grossly inappropriate.”
On Twitter, another user replied: “Who paid I wonder [sic].” On social media, another person said: “How nice of BC taxpayers to pay for this.”
In particular, one commenter pointed out that Meghan’s “outfit looked messy.” Meanwhile, another person was looking for the children and commented, “No children… weird… wonder where they are… they haven’t seen them…
Harry’s commitment to the Invictus Games and its competitors will never waver. Former contestant Mike Bourgeois highlighted the royal family’s genuine interest in the contestants’ experience, from their coaching and training to their overall health.
His goal is to understand athletes.
It’s about appreciating those who are starting their journey to recovery. That’s his motivation,” Bourgeois noted. “He hears and sees you.
For me it was. And I am aware that many of my teammates experienced it similarly.
Speaking about the difficulty of categorizing oneself and the complexity of identity, Meghan reflected on her early years.
She remembered how she had fair skin, curly hair, and a freckled face when she was younger. The blending affected her appearance and made it difficult for her to blend in.
As a mother, Meghan recognizes echoes of her early years in her son Archie. She provided a photo of herself when she was five years old, looking cute in a black hoodie. It shows how much her son looks like her at the same age.
Meghan Markle’s recent appearance at the SXSW festival sparked intense reactions across social media, showing how public figures often become the focus of both admiration and criticism. While her involvement in discussions about the representation of women in the media underscored her commitment to important social issues, the discourse surrounding her fashion choice overshadowed the significance of her message. Critics harshly compared her clothing to bedclothes and pajamas, highlighting the often superficial nature of public scrutiny. Yet, amid the negativity, her fans celebrated her style and presence, illustrating the polarized views of celebrity culture.
The panel discussion, titled “Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Out the Screen,” gave Meghan a platform to address the pressing issues of online harassment and the need for a safer digital environment for women and children. Her candid reflections on her experiences of social media bullying, particularly during her pregnancy, revealed the personal toll such attacks can take. This conversation was crucial and reminded the audience of the need for empathy and kindness in a world often marked by hostility.
Meghan’s presence at SXSW alongside notables such as Brooke Shields and Katie Couric reinforced her role as an advocate for women’s rights and equality. Her husband Prince Harry showed his support by attending the event, illustrating their united front against public scrutiny. Despite unrelenting criticism, both Meghan and Harry continue to stand up for the causes they care about and demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity.
While discussions about their lives persist, Meghan’s journey reflects broader themes of identity, motherhood, and the challenges of fame. Her reflections on her mixed heritage and the complexities of her identity serve as a reminder that public figures are more than their looks; they are individuals with rich personal stories and issues. Ultimately, Meghan’s performance at SXSW not only highlighted the ongoing conversation about female representation but also fostered a more compassionate discussion about the pressures people face in the public eye.