Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, made a surprise solo appearance at the 2026 Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala in Los Angeles on Feb. 7, captivating the crowd with her stylish presence and support for economic equity initiatives.
The event, held at Paramount Studios, honored fashion and entertainment icon Tina Knowles for her longtime advocacy of Black-owned businesses and creative community empowerment.
The Fifteen Percent Pledge, founded by Aurora James, is a nonprofit initiative that calls on major retailers to dedicate at least 15 percent of their shelf space to Black-owned brands — a figure that reflects the proportion of Black Americans in the U.S. population.
The annual gala brings together changemakers, entrepreneurs, and cultural influencers to celebrate progress and spotlight challenges in advancing corporate inclusion for Black-owned enterprises.
Markle’s appearance was a highlight of the evening, as she arrived solo and embraced old Hollywood glamour in a custom strapless gown by Harbison Studio, featuring a striking black-trimmed sweetheart neckline, a column silhouette, and a dramatic velvet and silk shawl with a train. Her look was completed with elegant accessories including black onyx and diamond drop earrings and strappy Stuart Weitzman sandals.
Attendees described the Duchess, 44, as vibrant and engaging, mingling with fellow guests including model Winnie Harlow, music star Kelly Rowland, and fashion executive Emma Grede. Though her husband, Prince Harry, did not attend the gala, Markle’s presence underscored her ongoing support for community and philanthropic causes.
In addition to the red-carpet spectacle, the gala underscored continued momentum behind the Fifteen Percent Pledge’s mission. According to organizers and supporters, the initiative has helped connect thousands of Black-owned brands with retail opportunities, mentorship programs, and funding support, contributing to broader efforts to increase economic participation and visibility for underrepresented entrepreneurs.
The evening included a celebration of Knowles’ decades of influence — both as a mother to Beyoncé and Solange Knowles and as a business leader and creative force — and served as a platform for voices advocating for sustainable investment in Black communities.
Markle’s appearance, which comes shortly after her and Prince Harry’s presence at the Sundance Film Festival in January to promote their documentary Cookie Queens, marks another high-profile outing in support of intersectional cultural and economic causes.
Her choice to attend the gala underscores a growing trend among public figures to leverage visibility not just for fashion moments, but for advocacy work tied to equity and representation in business and culture — a message that resonated deeply with guests and organizers alike.
