In one of the most shocking tales from Paris Fashion Week 2025, luxury house Hermès has publicly rejected Meghan Markle after she requested a custom Birkin bag—an iconic status symbol in the world of high fashion. What started as a seemingly private inquiry turned into a public humiliation that has rocked the fashion world and left Meghan’s image bruised at a critical moment in her comeback.
According to Paris insiders, Meghan’s team approached Hermès headquarters late last year with a highly detailed request for a one-of-a-kind Birkin bag. The Duchess wanted a bespoke piece unlike any other—a symbol designed to reflect her global influence and commitment to philanthropy. Specifications included ethically sourced leather, gold-plated hardware, and an engraved quote from one of Meghan’s speeches, setting the stage for a sensational reveal ahead of a major charity gala.
However, what followed was far from the discreet collaboration Meghan anticipated. Hermès’s international relations department sent a polite but firm refusal, emphasizing that the maison’s legacy is defined by its own artisans and tradition, not outside creative direction. Meghan’s stylist and assistant pushed back, suggesting the project could modernize Hermès’s image, but the brand remained unmoved.
In an extraordinary move, Hermès escalated the matter by quietly sharing a sanitized version of the email exchanges with select fashion editors. This leak painted Meghan as embodying “modern entitlement” clashing with “traditional craftsmanship,” a narrative that quickly went viral across French fashion blogs and social media.
Hermès’s creative director’s pointed comments in an interview—mocking celebrities attempting to dictate design language—only fueled the fire, with many interpreting his remarks as a direct jab at Meghan. The hashtag #HermèsRejectsMeghan trended across platforms, with memes poking fun at the Duchess’s failed bid to imprint her influence on haute couture.
Inside Montecito, the atmosphere was reportedly tense as staffers were instructed to avoid mentioning Hermès altogether. Meanwhile, Meghan considered pivoting with a campaign focused on sustainable luxury but faced pushback from editors and producers unwilling to touch the controversy.
This saga has morphed from a mere handbag request into a symbolic clash between celebrity ambition and heritage craftsmanship—a story that continues to unfold as Meghan seeks to redefine her narrative far from the palace’s shadow.
Would you like insights on celebrity brand collaborations or a history of Hermès’s strict craftsmanship rules?