The Duchess of Sussex told how it has been ‘deeply important’ to work with local communities and organisations since moving to the UK as she prepares to launch her charity clothing collection this afternoon.
In a statement released today, Meghan, 38, championed her own charity commitments as she spoke of how work with grass-root level groups has been a focus of her work as a royal.
Ahead of the launch of her latest project – a limited edition clothing range named Smart Set – the Duchess also shared a series of previously unseen photos taken on the set of a shoot for the collection last month.
The black and white photos show Meghan beaming as she hugs and helps to style models in pieces from her limited edition line. Others capture the models showcasing the pieces, which include a blazer, trousers, white shirt, dress and a tote bag.
The Duchess of Sussex will later attend an event formally unveiling the five-piece collection, although two of the designs – an £19.50 Marks & Spencer dress and a £109 tote bag from John Lewis – went on sale earlier this morning.
The Duchess of Sussex is seen smiling and laughing in previously unseen photos taken on the set of a shoot for her new charity collection, Smart Set, which will be formally unveiled this afternoon
Meghan Markle, 38, was captured embracing one woman on the set of the shoot, which took place last month
The Duchess of Sussex shares a light-hearted moment with the women on the set of the campaign, which launches today
For every item bought during the sale of the collection, expected to last at least two weeks, one will be donated to Smart Works, which offers clothing and interview coaching to unemployed women.
In a statement released to accompany the photos, the Duchess told how working with local communities had been a key focus of hers since moving to the UK.
She said: ‘Since moving to the UK, it has been deeply important to me to meet with communities and organisations on the ground doing meaningful work and to try to do whatever I can to help them amplify their impact.
‘It was just last September that we launched the ‘Together’ cookbook with the women of the Hubb Kitchen in Grenfell.
Other images capture the models relaxing and joking on the set of the photo shoot, which was held last month
Models showcase the £109 John Lewis tote bag, left, and the £120 Jigsaw slim fit trousers, right, in a photo from the shoot
Models in the £125 Misha Nonoo shirt, left, the £120 trousers and £199 Jigsaw jacket, centre, and the £109 tote bag and £19.95 Marks & Spencer dress, right
‘Now, one year later, I am excited to celebrate the launch of another initiative of women supporting women, and communities working together for the greater good.
‘When you buy any item in the Smart Set Capsule Collection for Smart Works, the same item will be given to a Smart Works client, and with it, the confidence and support she needs to enter the workforce and take an important step in building a career.
‘Thank you to the four brands who came together in supporting Smart Works on this special project – placing purpose over profit and community over competition.
The £199 Jigsaw jacket is worn over the £19.50 dress from M&S, showing how the pieces can be styled together
The model adds the £109 leather tote bag from John Lewis to the look, showing how the range is designed to mix and match
A model showcases the tailored jacket (£199) and trousers (£120) from Jigsaw, which she wears with the Misha Nonoo shirt
A model looks stunning in the £19.50 dress from M&S, pictured, which is designed to flatter any body shape
‘In convening several companies rather than one, we’ve demonstrated how we can work collectively to empower each other – another layer to this communal success story, that I am so proud to be a part of.’
The Smart Set will be available in stores, online and in Smart Works Dressing Rooms across the UK from Thursday 12 September.
To ensure the capsule collection is as accessible and inclusive as possible, the pieces will be available at a range of different price points and in a range of different sizes and colours