Meghan Markle to launch workwear collection to support unemployed women

'Not only does this allow us to be part of each other’s story, it reminds us we are in it together'

The Duchess of Sussex is launching a capsule collection to benefit Smart Works, the women's charity for which she is royal patron.

Meghan revealed the partnership in the September issue of British Vogue, which she guest-edited.

The collection, created in collaboration with Marks and Spencer, Jigsaw, John Lewis & Partners and designer Misha Nonoo, will launch later this year and be comprised of stylish workwear garments.

Smart Works offers styling and coaching services for unemployed women with job interviews.

"When you walk into a Smart Works space, you're met with racks of clothing and an array of bags and shoes," Meghan writes in Vogue.

"Sometimes, however, it can be a potpourri of mismatched sizes and colours, not always the right stylistic choices or range of sizes."

The Duchess explained that she hopes the forthcoming capsule collection will help combat this and provide Smart Works' clients with more suitable clothing choices.

The mother-of-one also revealed that many of the brands she is working with have agreed to use a one-for-one model, meaning that for every item purchased from the collection by a customer, one is donated to charity.

“Not only does this allow us to be part of each other’s story, it reminds us we are in it together,” the 37-year-old added.

According to the Smart Works' website, each client receives a one-to-one interview preparation session designed to help them secure employment.

“Once a client is successful at interview, they are welcomed back for a second dressing to receive five additional pieces of clothing,” the charity adds.

“This means that they can start their new role with a capsule working wardrobe which will see them through until their first pay cheque.”

Meghan became the royal patron for Smart Works in January and visited the organisation’s headquarters later that month to help style some of the charity’s clients.

“It was such a beautiful experience,” one client named Sarah said of the visit. “I love colour and they found clothes that really represented me. It made me feel like myself again. ”

Ashwak, another Smart Works client who worked with Meghan, said: “I got so much confidence from talking to a coach and getting that hands-on advice.

“She told me I had everything there; it was just a matter of reminding myself."