There was always going to be a lot of fashion speculation when Meghan Markle arrived in Sydney for her first royal tour alongside Price Harry. And the Duchess of Sussex hasn't put a foot wrong, with careful consideration going into each Australian designer she chooses to wear.
This morning the royal pair arrived in Dubbo, with Markle wearing jeans made by Australian label Outland Denim. It's clearly not just style that Markle is looking for, but clothing that is ethically made. The Queensland-based company employs Cambodian women who were once part of the human and sex trafficking trade.
"Outland Denim began in 2011 to combat the plight of young women caught up in human trafficking and sexual exploitation. We spent five years developing a unique employment framework that eventually proved to be the most vital tool in allowing our staff to rise above their circumstances and become the agents of their own success," CEO James Bartle recently said.
The company has established a production facility in Cambodia where, according to Outland's website "we manage our manufacturing operations and oversee the holistic care of our staff through wage and personal development initiatives."
Using ethically-sourced material and recycled packaging, the jeans label received an A+ on the Baptist World Aid 2018 Ethical Fashion Guide and is the first denim label in Australia to receive B Corporation certification, a global community of brands that meets ethical standards for social and environmental impact.
It's not the first time Markle has shown philanthropy through her wardrobe. In May, the gown worn by Markle to her wedding reception was designed by Stella McCartney (known for her cruelty-free and sustainable clothing), and she frequently chooses ethical fashion designers. At a reception in Sydney yesterday she opted for a dress by Australian designer Karen Gee, a company accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia.
