Gwyneth Paltrow vs. Meghan Markle: Who’s the Ultimate Lifestyle Queen?
There’s a chill in the air, and it’s not the weather – it’s the ongoing competition between two Montecito neighbors: Gwyneth Paltrow and Meghan Markle.
Gwyneth, Hollywood royalty and founder of Goop, has built a $200 million wellness empire over the past 16 years. Meghan, former actress-turned-duchess, is just stepping into the wellness industry with her brand, As Ever. But with Paltrow’s recent comments about her “seeing women as friends, not foes,” the question remains – are these two on friendly terms, or is this the battle for the ultimate lifestyle queen?
Gwyneth’s Goop Empire: The OG Wellness Brand
Gwyneth Paltrow started Goop in 2008 as a wellness newsletter and transformed it into a multi-million-dollar empire. The brand spans skincare, fashion, homeware, supplements, and even controversial wellness products.
Some of Goop’s most talked-about items include:
- This Smells Like My Orgasm candle ($75)
- Gold-plated dumbbells ($18,000)
- Psychic Vampire Repellant spray ($27)
- Vagina eggs (which led to a $145,000 legal settlement for false health claims)
Despite criticism for promoting pseudoscience and overpriced luxury, Goop has a loyal customer base that embraces its high-end, unconventional approach to health and wellness.
However, financial struggles in 2023 forced Goop to downsize, raising questions about the brand’s long-term stability.
Meghan Markle’s As Ever: A Royal Wellness Dream
Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, is still in its infancy, but her plans are ambitious. The company has trademarked a variety of products, including:
- Organic honey
- Shortbread and jam
- Crepe mix and edible flowers
- Tableware, cosmetics, and pet supplies
However, Meghan’s attempt to expand into clothing hit a roadblock when Chinese fast-fashion brand ASEVER blocked her trademark application.
While Meghan presents herself as a relatable working mom, critics argue her brand lacks direction. Her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, portrays an aspirational lifestyle that many find out of touch. Growing organic produce, curating Pinterest-perfect charcuterie boards, and decorating breakfast with edible flowers might be fun, but is it realistic for the average consumer?
The Montecito Rivalry: Who’s More Influential?
Both women call Montecito home, an ultra-wealthy enclave known for its exclusive wellness culture.
- Gwyneth moved there in 2016, transforming her $5M property into a luxury eco-mansion.
- Meghan and Prince Harry bought their $14.65M estate in 2020, emphasizing privacy.
Interestingly, Vanity Fair noted that Gwyneth’s home is perched “high in the hills beyond Oprah and the Sussexes’ gates.” A subtle dig? Perhaps.
In terms of media influence, Gwyneth landed a glowing Vanity Fair cover this month, praising her as the “ultimate wellness leader.” Meghan, however, was the subject of a brutal Vanity Fair exposé in January, calling her and Harry “entitled and disingenuous.”
A-List Networks: Who’s More Connected?
Gwyneth’s Hollywood roots run deep. Born into the industry, she grew up with stars like Steven Spielberg as her godfather. Over the years, she’s been linked to Brad Pitt, Ben Affleck, and Chris Martin, and she counts Reese Witherspoon, Robert Downey Jr., and Demi Moore among her closest friends.
Meghan, on the other hand, made a strong push into elite circles after marrying Prince Harry. Her wedding guest list included Oprah Winfrey, the Clooneys, and the Beckhams. However, reports suggest many of these friendships have since cooled.
Her attempt at celebrity outreach – sending jars of As Ever jam to stars like Kris Jenner and Chrissy Teigen – was met with mixed reactions. Gwyneth didn’t publicly acknowledge receiving one, adding to speculation that she’s not in Meghan’s circle.
Career Legacies: A-List Actress vs. Suits Star
Gwyneth won an Oscar for Shakespeare in Love (1999) before shifting her focus to Goop. Though she “retired” from acting in 2019, she remains in demand and will appear in the upcoming film Marty Supreme with Timothée Chalamet.
Meghan’s Hollywood career was more modest. Her most notable role was Rachel Zane on Suits. Post-royalty, she landed a voiceover deal with Disney for Elephant (2020), but her entertainment career hasn’t taken off as she and Harry initially hoped.
Who Wins the Lifestyle Queen Title?
At this point, Gwyneth remains the reigning wellness queen. Her brand, despite its ups and downs, is well-established and has a devoted following. Meghan’s As Ever is still finding its footing, and her brand identity seems conflicted between relatable mom and luxury influencer.
For Meghan to truly compete, she’ll need to define her vision, embrace her privilege, and deliver something genuinely innovative – because right now, Goop still rules Montecito.
What’s Your Take?
Are you in team Gwyneth or Meghan when it comes to lifestyle brands? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
