Meghan Markle saved dozens of women from a future of human trafficking, abuse and forced labour by wearing a pair of jeans
After the duchess put her 'Meghan Markle' effect to good use, 46 abused women have been given a brighter future
WHENEVER the Duchess of Sussex steps out in public, her outfit usually sells out within hours.
And it seems she is putting her “Meghan Markle effect” to good use by wearing items that have a powerful message behind them.
On her royal tour in October last year, Meghan wore a pair of black skinny jeans from Outland Denim, which cost £140.
The Australian company helps provide jobs to survivors of sex trafficking, and women at risk of falling into poverty in Cambodia.
After Meghan wore the jeans Down Under, company sales boomed by a staggering 640 per cent.
This meant that founder James Bartle was able to hire 46 seamstresses in his Cambodian factory, and give them a better chance at life.
- Harriet in Black, £140 from Outland Denim -
James told : “The core of our business is about giving opportunity to vulnerable women, and for Meghan to align so closely with that and to expose us to the world, it’s been huge.
“To come from the situation they were in previously to a situation where they are making jeans fit for a princess – that’s a big deal.”
The company was created in 2011 after James met with an anti-trafficking group.
He learned the importance of helping women establish career paths after being rescued from the dangerous industry.
When the company launched, they had five seamstresses in the factory who were victims of sex trafficking or forced labour, and the figure has increased dramatically.
James initially announced he would be hiring 15-30 more women thanks to a boom in sales, but now 46 families have had the chance to a brighter future.
Not only does he offer the women employment, but also gives them the chance to learn English, self-defence, and helps with personal development and infant health.
He said: “It is incredible to be able to offer job opportunities to more young women in Cambodia for whom the prospects are not great.
The core of our business is about giving opportunity to vulnerable women, and for Meghan to align so closely with that and to expose us to the world, it’s been huge
James Bartle, founder of Outland Jeans
“It’s not just that one woman who has been impacted, it’s her entire family. You really can’t put a value on that: The fact that their dignity is restored by their own hard work, not by anyone else.”
James confirmed jeans were sent to both Prince Harry and Meghan Markle via a third party, and he’s overjoyed the duchess decided to wear them.
He said: “We are just so thankful that she loved the product and the story behind it enough to choose to wear them. It was a rare and unique opportunity that coincided perfectly with the royal tour in Australia.”
The jeans are made using organic cotton, natural vegetable dyes, with zips made from recycled materials.
Outland Denim is currently in the process of reducing their environmental footprint further by creating a new wash room.
UK shoppers keen to get hold of any of their clothing items are able to pre-order them on the website, with delivery in April.
James said of Meghan: “She is absolutely making a conscious decision with the products she is wearing.
“I want nothing more than to give her a hug and say thank you, not just from the women here today but for the women of the future.”
- Nosheen stud earrings, £50 from Pippa Small -
- Omeen bangle, £160 from Pippa Small -
- Wajiha bangle, £360 from Pippa Small -
It's not the first time she has worn items that are ethically-conscious.
At the British Fashion Awards in December, Meghan wore jewellery by Pippa Small.
The Sun's Royal correspondent Emily Andrews said: “Her bangles and stud earrings were made by artisans of the Turquoise Mountain Foundation in Afghanistan, a charity that helps those in conflict areas and is supported by her father-in-law Prince Charles.
"Meghan wants to wear jewellery and clothes that are both fabulous and have a social conscience."
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