Meghan Markle Took ‘Styling Lessons,’ Donated Clothes to Wildfire Victims
Meghan Markle secretly took “styling lessons” ahead of volunteering for a teenage charity where she outfitted young girls affected by the recent wildfires on the West Coast — and donated “tons” of clothes and accessories to young women who, in the aftermath, had lost everything. In an exclusive article published in Marie Claire earlier this […]
Meghan Markle secretly took “styling lessons” ahead of volunteering for a teenage charity where she outfitted young girls affected by the recent wildfires on the West Coast — and donated “tons” of clothes and accessories to young women who, in the aftermath, had lost everything.
In an exclusive article published in Marie Claire earlier this week, 14-year-old Avery Colvert, founder of the Altadena Girls Recovery Fund, told the outlet that she was so overwhelmed by the devastation that recently swept Southern California, she knew she had to do something.
What she didn’t expect was for the Duchess of Sussex, 37, and the Archewell Foundation to lend a hand in what she says has turned her charity into a full-blown nonprofit with plans to expand.
“I felt really bad that I didn’t lose my home because almost everybody I knew lost everything in the fire,” Colvert shared with the outlet. “Their homes, their cars, their everything, all their stuff.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Charitable Work Throughout the Years
In the immediate aftermath of the wildfires, Colvert began collecting essential items and clothing for local wildfire victims. She, along with her stepdad, Matt Chait, then conceived a plan.
“We would collect some clothes from whomever will donate” and “have a little bit of a free fair for one day,” Colvert explained. Thinking like your typical teenager, she decided to include products like skincare, accessories and makeup — “exactly what a teenage girl would want.”
The initiative quickly garnered support from celebrities like Demi Lovato, Paris Hilton, Ariana Grande, Kerry Washington, Charli XCX and Bella Hadid. However, it was Markle’s direct involvement and commitment that made the greatest impact, according to Colvert, as she told the publication.
The Duchess not only donated fashions and accessories, she also dedicated hours of her time to personally style the young women impacted. Markle even secretly undertook personal styling lessons so that she would be better equipped at guiding the young women and girls when selecting outfits, which Colvert said helped them regain “confidence and sense of self.”
“For all the girls that were coming in, they got to be styled by Meghan Markle,” Colvert explained to Marie Claire, highlighting the emotional impact of the Duchess’s presence, noting some of the young women were moved to tears upon meeting the former Suits actor and avid humanitarian.
The support from Prince Harry and Markle’s Archewell Foundation went beyond immediate sartorial aid. The foundation played a crucial role in securing a new, larger 12,000-square-foot office space for the charity in Pasadena, allowing the fund to transition into a full-time non-profit.
Markle’s work with the fund mirrors her dedication to fashion-focused philanthropy. As patron of Smart Works, a U.K.-based charity providing interview clothing for women of all ages who are seeking employment, she has continued her support even after relocating to the United States.
In a message celebrating Smart Works’ 10th anniversary in September 2023, she released a statement that emphasized the charity’s holistic approach. “You provide much more than a handout, at Smart Works you provide a hand held,” she said.
Markle also launched a limited-edition clothing line in 2019, collaborating with mission-focused brands, like Marks & Spencer and John Lewis. Her endorsement with Scottish handbag label Strathberry, has led to significant profit increase, per an MSN article published on Tuesday, February 4.
Whatever Markle is wearing tends to sell out in record time. No doubt her pro bono personal styling sessions with the teenagers at the Altadena Girls Recovery Fund made them like a real-life royal for a day. A charitable and chic cause, indeed.
