If You’re Thinking About Buying Meghan Markle’s Clothing Collection Second-Hand, Think Again

When Meghan Markle dropped her Smart Set capsule collection, many pieces sold out onlinewithin hours. In fact, a John Lewis tote bag, was the first to go as fans swarmed to the website to pick up the perfectly sized tan leather tote. Now, however, John Lewis has warned against buying the bag second-hand on e-commerce sites like eBay.

According to ELLE UK{ =nofollow}, multiple retailers have added to the sentiment. Apparently, they’re concerned about the fact that charity donations will be lost if people choose to purchase any of the Smart Set collection from external outlets.

‘For those customers who are interested in buying a bag and consequently having another one donated to Smart Works, we urge them to go into one of our shops where they can purchase a Smart Set bag today,’ a spokesperson for John Lewis & Partners told the publication. ‘If that isn't possible, more stock will be on our website next week. Sales of the tote bag anywhere else do not lead to a charity donation.’

‘If you buy externally, we can’t guarantee that the money will go directly to Smart Works,’ a representative for Marks & Spencer – which sells one of Meghan’s picks – added.

The capsule collection of workwear pieces is part of an initiative to help women’s charity Smart Works, of which Meghan is a patron. For every purchase of the Smart Set collection, one item is donated to the charity, which provides free clothing and job training to unemployed women with confirmed job interviews.

‘We harness the power of clothes and confidence to allow a woman to be her best at a crucial moment in her life,’ the charity states online, ‘giving her the confidence, the self-belief and the practical tools required to succeed at interview and transform her life.'

Unsurprisingly given the Meghan Markle effect, the collection has proven a hit with shoppers. However, to truly support the Duchess it seems that waiting patiently for restocks is a necessity. Luckily, some of the items, like Jigsaw’s slim fit suit and Misha Nonoo’s husband shirt, are still available to purchase now. Check out the whole collection here...