Online hawkers target Meghan Markle's new clothing collection

Online hawkers have targeted Meghan Markle’s new charity clothing line—selling pieces on Ebay for three times their market value.

The shock turns come just days after the five-item collection was released, with the aim of donating one piece to charity Smart Works for every one sold.

The ‘Smart Set’ collection includes workwear staples from leading British high street brands John Lewis, Marks and Spencer and Jigsaw, as well as Meghan’s fashion designer friend, Misha Nonoo.

Not so charitable

But now, opportunistic buyers are foregoing the collection’s charitable message and selling its first release for a tidy personal profit.

A classic leather tote bag from John Lewis, which retailed for $198AUD and sold out within hours of launch, was the most-wanted product.

The bag currently has a ‘buy it now’ price on eBay of $627, with eight people viewing the item per hour.

The most affordable item from the collection, a $35 shift dress from M&S, has also sold out in the long silhouette, and is now being sold on eBay for an average of $90.

The Duchess of Sussex launched the collection on a London rooftop of Thursday afternoon, in what was her first solo engagement since Archie’s birth in May.

Best intentions

At the event, Meghan told the captive audience that her aim was to “transform the idea of charity to community”, and to help women be part of other women’s “success stories”.

The concept behind The Smart Set is that for every item purchased by a customer, Smart Works will provide the same item to help a woman get back into the workplace.

“If you can share that blazer and be part of another woman’s success story, that’s community,” the duchess said.

At one point during her speech, Meghan made an impassioned plea for women to “support and uplift each other”.

Additional reporting by Sabrina Carder.

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