Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has made another strategic move in her ongoing mission to support women-owned businesses by investing in Cesta Collective, a luxury brand known for its sustainably woven basket bags crafted by artisans in Rwanda.
The bags are then finished in Italy, blending global craftsmanship with ethical fashion.
Markle’s connection to Cesta Collective began in an unexpected way—through her own online shopping. As she explained to The New York Times, she often spends time searching for unique brands, particularly those led by women or based in different parts of the world.
This curiosity led her to Cesta Collective, where she discovered their commitment to ethical production and fair wages for their artisans.
In May 2023, Markle brought the brand into the spotlight by carrying one of their handbags to a high-profile dinner with her husband, Prince Harry, and celebrity couples Cameron Diaz and Gwyneth Paltrow.
The impact was immediate and significant. Cesta Collective saw a surge in sales, with one style of handbag selling out almost instantly. “We had more sales in one day than we’ve ever had,” said Erin Ryder, one of the co-founders of Cesta Collective.
This successful collaboration sparked a relationship between Markle and Cesta Collective, culminating in Markle becoming the brand’s first outside investor in the summer of 2024. While the exact details of her investment remain private, it is known that she holds a minority stake in the company.
Markle’s investment aligns with her broader goal of supporting emerging designers and ethical brands. She views her role as a tastemaker as a powerful tool to uplift smaller, deserving brands.
“That’s one of the most powerful things that I’m able to do, and that’s simply wearing, like, an earring,” Markle noted, pointing out her ability to bring global attention to underrepresented designers.
Cesta Collective, founded by Erin Ryder and Courtney Fasciano, prioritizes responsible production and the well-being of their artisans.
Despite the brand’s high-end appeal, with bags retailing for hundreds of dollars, Ryder and Fasciano remain the only full-time employees, underscoring their commitment to sustainable growth rather than sheer profit.
Markle’s investment is part of a broader venture capital initiative she playfully refers to as a “dolphin tank,” in contrast to the competitive “shark tank” model.
Her portfolio now includes between five and ten brands, all of which complement her own American Riviera Orchard brand. She describes this approach as navigating “friendly waters,” where collaboration and mutual support are key.
Markle’s investment in Cesta Collective amplifies the brand’s reach and also aligns with her mission to empower women, support ethical practices, and champion sustainable fashion.
