Meghan Markle’s ‘As Ever’ rebrand hits another roadblock

The Duchess of Sussex’s latest venture has hit yet another snag, just a couple of weeks out from its official launch.

Meghan’s Markle’s company rebrand has hit another snag — this time with a family-run NYC clothing brand.

One day after the Duchess of Sussex announced she was changing American Riviera Orchard to “As Ever,” the small company’s owner, Mark Kolski spoke out on Instagram amid a flurry of support, reports Page Six.

“Wow and Hello,” Kolski, wrote in a post on Tuesday. “I want to say thank you to all the old friends who know and love our small family brand As Ever, and also say hi to all those that have just become aware we exist.”

Kolski said that in the last 36 hours, his brand has received an outpouring of “support and concern regarding recent events around our namesake brand.”

“We are aware. We are not affiliated,” he added.

“This venture started back in 2015 when I reworked vintage military to make our signature tanker pant for my wife, Astrid Dahl as a side hobby. It was followed by a pink jumpsuit that quickly became a cult classic.”

Meghan announced the unexpected rebrand earlier this week. Picture: Instagram

Another company already exists with the same name. Picture: Instagram

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Kolski said his company, “As Ever,” became official in 2017 and he is “grateful” to still be making clothes in New York and New Jersey today.

“We are grateful for all the customers coast to coast and world wide that have supported our venture. We will continue As Ever,” he concluded his post.

Kolski, who admitted he doesn’t own the trademark to “As Ever,” told the US Sun that he would not be changing the name of his company and is “exploring all possibilities.”

“I’m a very small business, it’s a family-run operation. I’m essentially a one-man band,” the fashion designer told the outlet.

“This new venture has the power and money of Netflix behind it. Even if I wanted to do something I don’t think I have the behemoth of lawyers and money that are behind this.”

A source told Page Six on Wednesday that her brand, “As Ever,” is a lifestyle brand and will not be making clothing.

The website will launch in the coming weeks. Picture: Supplied

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Page Six has reached out to a rep for Meghan for comment but did not immediately hear back.

On Tuesday, Meghan, 43, announced on Instagram that her company, American Riviera Orchard, would be renamed to “As Ever” after the mum of two’s original brand name faced several trademark snags.

“I’m thrilled to introduce you to As Ever — a brand that I created and have poured my heart into,” she captioned her Instagram post.

“‘As ever’ means ‘as it’s always been’ or some even say ‘in the same way as always’. If you’ve followed along since my days of creating The Tig, you’ll know this couldn’t be truer for me,” the Duchess of Sussex added.

Her series was postponed in January amid the LA fires but will launch next month. Picture: Netflix

After Meghan’s rebrand, Xisca Mora, a politician in Spain, revealed she is reportedly considering suing the Suits alum for seemingly plagiarising one of the country’s coats of arms for As Ever’s logo.

However, the logo holds a special meaning to Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry.

“The logo incorporates a palm tree as a nod to the Duke and Duchess’ home in California, along with two hummingbirds — a favourite of [her husband] Prince Harry’s,” a source told Page Six on Tuesday.

“The distinct shape enclosing the birds and tree was intentionally designed to create a unique and personal emblem. As part of the process, comprehensive global searches of registered trademarks were conducted,” the insider added.

Meghan has not publicly responded to the plagiarism claims.

This article originally appeared in Page Six and was reproduced with permission.

Originally published as Meghan Markle’s ‘As Ever’ rebrand hits another roadblock