Martha Stewart Vs. Meghan Markle: Decoding The Lifestyle Empire Dynamics

In the ever-evolving landscape of lifestyle brands, where personal aesthetics meet entrepreneurial ambition, two prominent figures have found themselves at the center of a fascinating narrative: the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, and the undisputed queen of domesticity, Martha Stewart. While one is a seasoned titan with decades of experience, the other is a formidable new entrant leveraging her global platform. Their paths, though seemingly distinct, have recently converged, sparking public interest and a flurry of speculation about their perceived rivalry or, perhaps, a surprising lack thereof.

Meghan Markle has made significant strides in re-establishing her presence in the lifestyle and home content sphere. Following the launch of her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, in March, she quickly followed up with the announcement of her highly anticipated Netflix show, "With Love, Meghan." This venture, slated for early 2025, promises to offer fans an intimate look inside her kitchen, garden, and home, marking a full circle return to the roots of her popular former blog, The Tig. Her ambition to build a brand around her personal style and domestic expertise is clear, and it immediately drew comparisons to the original lifestyle guru.

Enter Martha Stewart. At 83, Stewart remains a formidable force, having spent 50 years at the pinnacle of the lifestyle world. Often described as the "original lifestyle influencer" and the "queen of the kitchen," her empire spans publishing, television, merchandising, and more. Her recent appearances, promoting her new NBC cooking show "Yes, Chef!" with acclaimed chef José Andrés, have inevitably led to questions about Meghan Markle's burgeoning ventures. And it's Martha's responses, or lack thereof, that have truly captivated observers.

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Meghan Markle's Grand Return to Lifestyle

Meghan Markle's recent endeavors signal a clear intention to reclaim her narrative and build a lifestyle empire on her own terms. Her strategic re-entry into this space has been met with both excitement from her fanbase and keen observation from industry veterans.

The Launch of American Riviera Orchard

The first major move was the quiet but impactful launch of American Riviera Orchard in March. This new lifestyle brand, introduced via Instagram, immediately generated buzz, signaling Markle's return to the world of home and garden content. The choice of name, evoking the sophisticated charm of Santa Barbara, hinted at a brand deeply rooted in her personal aesthetic and location. However, the launch wasn't without its critics, with some accusing the Duchess of 'insulting' Martha Stewart by entering a domain so synonymous with the veteran icon.

"With Love, Meghan" - A Glimpse into Her World

Building on the momentum of American Riviera Orchard, Meghan announced her Netflix show, "With Love, Meghan," set to debut in early 2025. The show promises an intimate journey into her life, taking viewers inside her kitchen, garden, and home. This format is designed to foster a deeper connection with her audience, sharing her passion for entertaining, cooking, and home décor. Interestingly, reports suggest that Chef José Andrés, a close friend of the Duchess, is expected to be a guest on Season 2 of the show, further intertwining her brand with established culinary figures.

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Martha Stewart's Reign: 50 Years at the Top

Before the term "influencer" existed, there was Martha Stewart. Her meticulously curated world of elegant living, gourmet cooking, and pristine gardening set the gold standard for lifestyle content. Her longevity and continued relevance are testaments to her pioneering spirit and business acumen.

The Original Lifestyle Icon

Martha Stewart's career is a masterclass in brand building. From her early days as a caterer to her multimedia empire, she has consistently delivered aspirational yet attainable content. Her image as the "domestic doyenne" and "queen of the kitchen" is deeply ingrained in popular culture. She has not only created a brand but has also defined an entire industry, inspiring countless others to follow in her footsteps. Her recent ventures, like the NBC cooking show "Yes, Chef!", demonstrate her ongoing commitment to her craft and her ability to remain at the forefront of culinary entertainment.

The Elephant in the Room: Martha's Take on Meghan

Given Martha Stewart's unparalleled status in the lifestyle world, her opinion on Meghan Markle's entry into the same space has been a topic of much discussion. What's emerged is a nuanced, somewhat enigmatic stance that speaks volumes without saying too much.

Public Politeness vs. Private Whispers

Publicly, Martha Stewart has maintained a polite, almost diplomatic tone when asked about Meghan's new ventures. She has been quoted as "publicly saying polite things" about Meghan Markle's latest lifestyle company. However, behind the scenes, sources have exclusively told In Touch that the cookbook author is "no fan of Prince Harry's wife." This dichotomy highlights the careful navigation required when a seasoned icon is asked to comment on a high-profile newcomer.

"Has It Started?": The Apparent Indifference

Perhaps the most telling aspect of Martha's reaction has been her apparent lack of awareness or interest in "With Love, Meghan." While promoting "Yes, Chef!" on various platforms, Stewart was repeatedly asked about Markle's Netflix show. Her responses were consistently vague, often accompanied by the question, "Has it started?" She has made it clear that she's "not tuned in" to Meghan Markle's latest project, revealing she "didn't even..." finish her thought, implying a complete disconnect. This apparent indifference from someone who has spent five decades at the top of the lifestyle world is a powerful statement in itself, suggesting that Meghan's new venture simply hasn't registered on Martha's radar, or at least, she doesn't wish to give it that impression.

Acknowledging Ambition (and a Hint of Scrutiny)

Despite her seeming disinterest, Martha Stewart did offer a rare moment of acknowledgment during an interview at the Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival. She shared her "appreciation that Markle 'wants to become a brand.'" This comment, while seemingly positive, can also be interpreted as a veteran's assessment of a newcomer's ambition, perhaps with an underlying hint of scrutiny. It acknowledges Meghan's goal but doesn't necessarily endorse her execution or potential success. Later, in an interview with Access Hollywood, Stewart softened her stance slightly, stating that she plans to watch "With Love, Meghan," and will "give it a chance." This suggests a grudging curiosity, or perhaps a strategic move to appear open-minded.

More Than Just a Brand: A Clash of Eras and Styles?

The dynamic between Martha Stewart and Meghan Markle transcends mere business competition; it represents a fascinating intersection of eras, styles, and approaches to brand building. Martha built her empire through decades of meticulous work, traditional media, and a hands-on, aspirational yet accessible approach. Her brand is synonymous with perfection and rigorous standards.

Meghan, on the other hand, enters the lifestyle space as a global celebrity, leveraging her immense platform and modern digital strategies. Her brand is inherently tied to her personal story, her royal connections, and a more contemporary, perhaps less formal, aesthetic. The accusation that Meghan 'insulted' Martha by launching American Riviera Orchard speaks to the perceived challenge to Martha's established territory. Does Martha feel genuinely threatened, or is it simply a matter of a seasoned professional observing a new player with a critical eye, perhaps even a touch of bemused detachment?

Ultimately, Martha Stewart's reactions, from polite public comments to rumored private disinterest and the occasional "Has it started?", paint a picture of a reigning queen who acknowledges the presence of a new challenger but remains largely unperturbed. She has little time for what she perceives as a nascent effort, particularly when she is busy promoting her own projects and celebrating 50 years of unparalleled success. While Meghan Markle is turning heads with her ambitious return to lifestyle, Martha Stewart continues to operate from a position of established authority, seemingly unfazed by the new Duchess on the block.

In summary, the narrative surrounding Martha Stewart and Meghan Markle's foray into the lifestyle world is characterized by Meghan's ambitious new ventures, including American Riviera Orchard and the Netflix show "With Love, Meghan," and Martha Stewart's largely indifferent or cautiously polite public reactions. Despite being the established "original lifestyle influencer," Martha has repeatedly stated she hasn't watched Meghan's show, even asking if it has started, while privately sources suggest she's "no fan." This dynamic highlights a contrast between a seasoned icon's long-standing empire and a new, high-profile entrant's efforts to establish her own brand, with Martha seemingly unconcerned by the competition.