Oscar de la Renta CEO Alex Bolen has banned Meghan Markle from wearing the brand's new designs, according to a report in The Daily Mail.
The decision comes after the Duchess of Sussex faced backlash for wearing a $4,700 Oscar de la Renta gown to the 2023 Met Gala. Some people criticized Markle for wearing such an expensive dress while many people in the world are struggling financially.
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The backlash also led to a drop in sales for Oscar de la Renta. In the weeks following the Met Gala, the brand's sales fell by 20%.
Bolen reportedly made the decision to ban Markle from wearing Oscar de la Renta after consulting with the brand's board of directors. He reportedly told the board that he did not want the brand to be associated with Markle's "divisive" image.
The decision has been met with mixed reactions. Some people have praised Bolen for standing up to Markle, while others have criticized him for being too sensitive to criticism.
It is unclear what impact the ban will have on Markle's fashion choices. She has previously worn designs by a number of other high-end designers, including Givenchy, Dior, and Valentino.
However, it is possible that the ban will make it more difficult for Markle to find designers who are willing to dress her. This could lead to her wearing more casual or less expensive clothes.
The ban is also a reminder of the scrutiny that Markle faces every time she steps out in public. Even her fashion choices are now being used to attack her.