• Meghan Markle revealed on her Netflix show that her family's last name is Sussex.
• Some royals use Mountbatten-Windsor as a last name, but Harry never has.
• The change to Sussex aligns with decadeslong royal traditions.

Meghan Markle isn't Meghan Markle anymore.

In episode two of her new Netflix show, "With Love, Meghan," Meghan, 43, told Mindy Kaling that her last name was Sussex. The name comes from her title as Duchess of Sussex, which she gained when she married Prince Harry, 40.

Meghan told Kaling she found it "meaningful" to share the same name as her children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, calling Sussex their "family name." And on Wednesday, Drew Barrymore introduced her as Meghan Sussex in a clip of her appearance on "The Drew Barrymore Show," which airs Thursday.

However, Archie and Lili weren't born with that last name, so Harry and Meghan's decision to use it may confuse people who don't religiously follow the royal family.

Here's a breakdown of how surnames work for the royals and how Harry and Meghan may have made the change to Sussex.

Royal last names

Harry's legal name when he was born was Henry Charles Albert David, and he didn't have a last name on his birth certificate. His official title was His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales, as his father was the Prince of Wales.

Often, royals simply do not use surnames, though some members of the British royal family use Mountbatten-Windsor as a last name when needed.

The royal family has used the last name Windsor since 1917. In 1960, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip decided that their direct descendants who did not have HRH titles or have the title of prince or princess would use Mountbatten-Windsor, incorporating Philip's last name, according to the royal family's website.

Harry never used Mountbatten-Windsor because he always had an HRH title. Instead, he went by Harry Wales when he needed a last name, such as when he was in school and the army, as did Prince William.

Ahead of their May 2018 wedding, Buckingham Palace announced Harry and Meghan's new royal titles would be the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and Meghan gained an HRH title as Harry's wife.

In contrast to their father, Archie and Lilibet's birth certificates listed Mountbatten-Windsor as their last names, as they did not have the titles of prince and princess at the time of their births. Instead, they were "Master Archie" and "Miss Lilibet."

The switch to Sussex

Though he agreed not to use it for official business in 2020, Harry did not formally give up his HRH title when he stepped back as a senior royal, so he never adopted Mountbatten-Windsor.

However, Harry's children got new names and titles when the royal line of succession shifted after Queen Elizabeth II died and King Charles III took the throne in September 2022.

Archie and Lili moved to sixth and seventh in line for the throne and became Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex. Buckingham Palace updated the line of succession on its website to reflect their title changes in March 2023.

Because they now had prince and princess titles, it would go against royal tradition for Archie and Lili to have continued using Mountbatten-Windsor despite it being on their birth certificates. So, the change to Sussex isn't new; it aligns with long-standing royal traditions.

In March 2024, People reported that Harry and Meghan were using Sussex as their children's last name at school, adding that "Sussex is their family surname."

It's unclear if Harry and Meghan have legally changed their last name to Sussex. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Whether they made the change legally or not, Harry and Meghan are doing the same thing as Prince William and Kate Middleton.

William and Kate were named the Prince and Princess of Wales in 2022, and now, their children are Prince George of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales, and Prince Louis of Wales. They use Wales as their last name at school, just as their father and uncle did.

• Meghan Markle's "With Love, Meghan" premiered on Netflix on Tuesday.
• Prince Harry only appears in the final episode of the show.
• His absence from the show can help Meghan grow her own brand.

Meghan Markle is back in her TV star era.

Her much-anticipated lifestyle series "With Love, Meghan" dropped on Netflix on Tuesday. In the show's eight episodes, the Duchess of Sussex shares entertaining tips and recipes with her famous friends, and she works on her craft with cooking experts like Roy Choi.

However, one person is conspicuously absent from most of the series: Meghan's husband, Prince Harry.

The Duke of Sussex only appears briefly in the show's final episode, a change for the couple who have been attached at the hip, particularly in their work, for nearly a decade.

Although it's a shift for the duke and duchess, the professional separation makes perfect sense for Meghan as she returns to her lifestyle roots.

The reality TV playbook

Harry and Meghan began working together when they announced their engagement in 2017, which is standard for senior royals. They continued to brand themselves as a package deal in their early post-royal projects, like their first Netflix show, "Harry & Meghan."

"I think they were very smart in the early days of trying to give the public what they wanted," Kristen Meinzer, a royal commentator, told Business Insider. "The public wanted to know the story of what happened behind the castle doors."

In recent months, that strategy has shifted. Harry has focused on philanthropic endeavors, attending events without his wife, while Meghan prioritizes her series and forthcoming lifestyle brand, As Ever.

Stacy Jones, the founder and CEO of Hollywood Branded, told BI that Meghan's decision to make "With Love, Meghan" largely Harry-less was savvy, even if his royal lineage is part of why people are tuning into the show.

Jones compared "With Love, Meghan" to other reality series that star women married to famous men, like "The Osbournes" or some of the "Real Housewives" franchises. "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" also relied heavily on Robert Kardashian's memories in its early seasons.

Jones said that the successful man functions as a "prop" while his wife is the star beloved by audiences, and he typically only makes brief on-screen appearances — just as Harry does on "With Love, Meghan."

Sure, having your literal prince of a husband make one long-awaited guest appearance on the series probably helps keep viewers tuned in, but keeping Harry off-screen until that moment allows Meghan to sell herself as an individual rather than just one half of the Sussex team.

"It's important to have that prop because that's the unique definer," Jones said about Harry's royal status. "Meghan with Harry is special, but Meghan does not have to be with Harry at her side all the time."

Off-screen support

Although he isn't on screen much, traces of Harry are all over the show, as Meghan discusses her family's favorite foods or their routine with their children and dogs.

She also told People that she and Harry are in "a honeymoon period again" because of her work on the show, adding that he and her children frequently visited her on set.

"My husband met me when I had The Tig, and I see this spark in his eye when he sees me doing the thing that I was doing when he first met me," she told People, speaking of the blog she ran from 2014 to 2017. "I think he loves watching as much as I love doing that creative process."

Jones said those traces of Harry in the series can remind the audience they are a unit even as they define themselves as individuals, and Meghan can do the same for Harry as he finds his post-royal identity.

Meghan's appearance at the Invictus Games in February was a step in the right direction. She seemed like Harry's supporter rather than the cohost of the games, even leaving them a few days early to return to their children.

Harry and Meghan's professional lives will likely always be intertwined in some capacity, but their newfound distance will benefit them both.

• Meghan Markle's Netflix show dropped on Tuesday, and she is launching a lifestyle brand this spring.
• It might be difficult for Meghan to stand out and seem relatable in the lifestyle industry.
• PR and branding experts said leveraging her royal status may help Meghan find success.

Say hello to the new Meghan Markle — again.

On Tuesday, "With Love, Meghan" dropped on Netflix. In the first episode alone, the Duchess of Sussex explained how to make a bath salt kit, shared a hack for making homemade popcorn in a paper bag, harvested honey from her personal hive, and made candles with the leftover wax.

The lifestyle series presents Meghan as a jack of all trades when it comes to hosting and homemaking, complementing her lifestyle brand, As Ever. The brand's first product line will be available later this spring. On Tuesday, Meghan revealed As Ever's offerings will include spreads, teas, crepe and cookie mixes, and flower petal sprinkles, which she often uses on "With Love, Meghan."

These new ventures won't surprise longtime fans who have followed Meghan since her scrappy blogging days, but it's also no secret that critics are primed to critique these latest moves. Add in the pressure of entering the oversaturated aspirational lifestyle market, and it's clear Meghan has an uphill battle in creating a brand that feels inviting and approachable. After all, few things are less relatable than a duchess telling you your life can be like hers.

Still, if Meghan can stay true to her fans and lean into her life's fairy-tale arc, she might be on her way to starting her best chapter, experts say.

The crowded lifestyle industry

Although she was known for her acting career before she married Prince Harry, Meghan also ran a blog called The Tig from 2014 to 2017, sharing recipes, travel stories, and posts about her favorite restaurants.

Her two new ventures — "With Love, Meghan" and As Ever — allow her to tap back into those interests before her royal detour, though it will have to evolve as she did in the last eight years.

"She was creating some branding, but it was not as cultured. It was not as refined," Stacy Jones, the founder and CEO of Hollywood Branded, told Business Insider of The Tig. "Becoming part of the royal family, she opened up a whole different level of product class."

Although Meghan's passion for lifestyle is well-established, the industry is crowded.

Martha Stewart has long been the it-girl of the lifestyle world, and celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Alba have carved their own place in the industry with Goop and the Honest Company, finding commercial and financial success. Goop was worth $433 million in 2020, and as of March 2025, the Honest Company, which went public in 2021, was valued at about $530 million.

Likewise, influencers such as Meredith Hayden have built massive social media followings with lifestyle content, appealing to viewers as "every women."

Jones said Meghan will "need a strong and unique selling point" to make As Ever resonate. Megan Balyk, the vice president of Jive PR + Digital, told BI she thinks Meghan will struggle if she "cannot find a clear, consistent brand identity."

Consistency has been an issue for Meghan since 2020, said Balyk. Meghan has tried her hand at ventures that didn't pan out, like her animated series "Pearl" or the $20 million Spotify deal to make podcasts with Harry. (People reported on March 3 that Meghan is working on a new podcast with Lemonada Media.)

The ever-evolving nature of Meghan's post-royal life has also bred some public distrust, and she doesn't do herself any favors by seeming to take cues from the royals' "never complain, never explain" mantra when it comes to her middling business dealings.

For instance, Meghan announced in February that she was changing her company's name from American Riviera Orchard, a nickname for her neighborhood of Santa Barbara, to As Ever. She cited her partnership with Netflix, her desire to make items that aren't just localized, and the name's nod to her longtime love of cooking as the reasons for the change.

There's truth there, but it doesn't tell the whole story. The trademark office temporarily denied Meghan's application for American Riviera Orchard in August 2024, saying the name was "primarily geographically descriptive."

That denial was likely a motivating factor in the rebrand, and when that kind of information trickles out to the public from the media or internet sleuths as Meghan tells an edited version of events, her critics — who have no reason to give her the benefit of the doubt — may feel even more vindicated in distrusting her.

Finding her brand

Meghan's ventures have an effortlessly luxurious feel in their branding so far, simultaneously appealing and just slightly out of reach. Their light tones are also starkly different from those of her previous Netflix hit, "Harry & Meghan," which detailed her struggles with royal life. Harry is also largely absent from her new show.

The people watching "With Love, Meghan" will likely differ from those eager to hear about her dramatic life as a royal.

"People like looking at train wrecks and car crashes, and they want to gossip," Jones said. "You're really leaning into a very different type of fan base."

Meghan has to build out a new audience that trusts her, but her existing supporters can help. Young women make up much of her fan base, and Black women have been some of Meghan's strongest supporters as she's risen to fame.

Jones said it could "be a huge missed opportunity" if Meghan doesn't prioritize Black women in her lifestyle ventures.

"Most celebrity lifestyle brands cater to a polished, elite, mostly white audience," she said. "If Meghan embraces this community with real action, As Ever could be powerful. If she doesn't, it may feel like she's lost touch with the very people who saw themselves in her story."

Balyk also said that it might be easier for Meghan to build a brand people trust if she positions Melinda Gates and Oprah Winfrey as her contemporaries rather than Stewart or Paltrow, as her passion for philanthropy has been clear to the public from the earliest days of her fame.

If she can incorporate that focus on giving back into her lifestyle work, Meghan may even be able to get the best of both worlds.

Authentically Meghan

When Meghan made The Tig, she was in the sweet spot of being successful but not too famous.

Now, though, she is among the most famous people in the world, married to a prince, and mother to children who are sixth and seventh in line for the British throne. She also lives in a celebrity-studded neighborhood in California and counts A-list stars among her close friends.

Lifestyle content thrives when consumers relate to the creator, but Meghan's life is so singular that relatability isn't an option for her anymore, no matter how much she wants it to be.

Ironically, Jones told BI that Meghan may be able to make herself more approachable to audiences by reminding them that she isn't like them.

"Everyone can buy in on the princess," she said. "Americans like a fable. They like a happy ending."

Viewers might not be able to see themselves in much of Meghan's life, but they can invest in the American dream she lived, looking to her for guidance on how to make their ordinary lives just a bit more sparkly. The duchess can also use her show to tell that story and sell customers on As Ever.

"She has a literal infomercial for who she is that can be viewed 24/7 and streamed," Jones said. "She can tell the stories about the lifestyle and the brand. She can paint pictures about her jam and how it came to be and all the little steps that actually people are fascinated with."

Meghan's fairy tale shouldn't be hard to sell. She is a beautiful actor who fell in love with a prince and wants to live happily ever by helping people make their lives more aesthetically pleasing. If she can tap into that narrative, Meghan will finally find a niche that feels like home.

• Celebrities flocked to the Vanity Fair Oscar party in Los Angeles on Sunday.
• The red carpet had plenty of high-fashion looks, but some stars didn't wear their best outfits.
• Kim Kardashian's gown looked out of place, and Megan Thee Stallion's dress was a little too daring.

The 2025 Academy Awards came and went on Sunday, and A-list stars closed out the night at Vanity Fair's annual Oscar after-party in Los Angeles.

Celebrities arrived at the event in red-carpet attire, and many Oscars attendees changed into second looks for the evening.

There were plenty of stylish outfits at the event, but there were also stars who didn't nail their looks, from poorly tailored outfits to dresses that didn't suit the occasion.

Take a look at the outfits that missed the mark at the Vanity Fair after-party.

Kim Kardashian

Kardashian went bridal for the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in a custom Balenciaga gown. The white, strapless look had a corset bodice, a full skirt, and ruching from top to bottom.

That said, it looked far more like a wedding dress than a fun, after-party frock. The same gown in a different color could have been more interesting, and accessorizing with statement jewels would have been fun.

John Legend

Legend sported an all-black ensemble consisting of baggy trousers, a thick skirt, and a high-necked, long-sleeved poncho.

Unfortunately, the outfit wore him — it was too oversized and overwhelming in shape.

Zoe Saldaña

Saint Laurent designed the Oscar winner's after-party look. It featured a black long-sleeved top that Saldana wore without a bra, a peach high-low skirt with thick ruffles and a train, and sheer black tights.

Though the color combination looked sharp on Saldaña, the top half of the outfit was too casual for the Oscars-related event. A black halter top or strapless bodice would have been a better match.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope looked dapper at the Oscars in a simple black Balmain suit decorated with bowties. His after-party look, however, wasn't as strong.

He arrived wearing a wide-legged leather catsuit and platform boots. Though the bottom half of his outfit had potential, its bodice only covered half of Pope's chest before extending into a scarf that covered his mouth. The outfit was ultimately more odd than fashionable.

Taraji P. Henson

Henson was one of the few stars to wear a minidress after the Oscars.

But the asymmetrical piece looked more messy than daring. Its sparkling embellishment attached at the dress' waistline looked especially out of place.

Julianne Hough

From the front, Hough's black-and-white gown was eye-catching. It had a leotard-like top with sheer panels showing her arms and waist, and a ruched, cream-colored skirt that added elegance.

It was the other side of the gown, however, that ruined the look. Its backless design extended so low — all the way to Hough's backside — that it was more distracting than interesting.

Matt Bomer

Bomer's Valentino tuxedo had a classic silhouette, and his relaxed tie and decorative brooch paired well with the look.

However, his patterned scarf was distracting, particularly because he wore it tucked under the tuxedo jacket. The look would have been better if Bomer ditched the superfluous accessory.

Lily-Rose Depp

Depp took a unique approach to Chanel, wearing two pieces that were more daring than usual for the fashion house.

Her bralette-style top was sheer and had a sequined bow pattern, and her low-waisted skirt was pleated and made from green tulle. But because the garments sat so far apart on Depp's body, it looked like she was missing a chunk of her outfit.

Megan Thee Stallion

Stallion isn't a stranger to taking risks on the red carpet, but the green gown she wore to the after-party was a bit too daring for the setting.

The green, mermaid-style dress hugged her figure, and feathers on the bodice floated out from the dress like a peacock's plume. The neckline was so low that the rapper's chest was completely exposed, with only green nipple pasties providing her with coverage.

The dress would have been great if the neckline was a bit higher or if Meg had worn a statement bralette with the garment instead of pasties.

Michael Urie

While it was fun that Urie didn't just wear a traditional suit, there was too much going on in his sheer, lace-embellished set. The beading and lace on his jacket and pants were so intricate that they were hard to look at when they overlapped, and the wide leg of his pants didn't help.

Urie may have had a more balanced look if he paired the statement jacket with simpler pants.

Sarah Paulson

You couldn't miss Paulson's Marc Jacobs dress, both because of the red color and the massive bubbles of fabric that adorned the hem, backside, and neckline of the dress.

The play on volume could have been fun, but the bubbles were so big that not even Paulson's simple black clutch or heels could detract from them. Slightly less fabric would have made the look stronger.

Anna Kendrick

The black cocktail dress Kendrick wore from Ashi Studio was pretty — its fabric had a fun sheen and a bubble skirt hit above her knee.

However, flower-shaped sequin embroidery on the hemline and one sleeve took the dress from sleek to clunky. The look would have stood out more if it didn't have so many embellishments.

Ice Spice

Ice Spice wore a floor-length mustard skirt and coordinating cardigan, without a shirt.

The cardigan made the whole look feel casual for the red carpet, though, and Ice may have looked more red-carpet-ready if she paired the skirt with a formal top.

Laverne Cox

Cox's black dress looked more like a costume than a red-carpet outfit, particularly because of the way it was styled.

The archival Manfred Thierry Mugler dress formed a scalloped, halter neckline that looked like a spiderweb. Cox paired the dress with black gloves, and her dramatic hair and makeup included a short, black hairstyle, no eyebrows, and red lips.

The outfit would have been perfect for a chic Halloween party or themed event, but it didn't quite work for the after-party.

• The Vanity Fair Oscar Party was held in Beverly Hills on Sunday night following the Oscars.
• Rachel Zegler, Cynthia Erivo, and Mikey Madison changed outfits for the night's event.
• Their looks were even better than what they wore to the actual awards ceremony.

Celebrations didn't stop after the 2025 Oscars concluded on Sunday night.

Following the awards ceremony, dozens of stars headed to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, where many of them showed up in different outfits for the annual bash.

Here's a look at the stars who wore even better looks to the second event, including Mikey Madison and Kylie Jenner.

Selena Gomez

The "Emilia Pérez" star was undoubtedly among the best-dressed stars at the 2025 Oscars, in a rose-gold gown from Ralph Lauren.

When she arrived at the after-party, she topped the look with a shimmering black number from Armani Privè and a thick diamond choker that tied the look together.

Monica Barbaro

The custom Christian Dior look that Barbaro wore to the 2025 Oscars missed the mark.

But that wasn't the case for the custom Dolce & Gabbana gown she changed into for Vanity Fair's party.

The strapless dress, crafted from cream-colored fabric and embellished with sparkling silver strings, fit her perfectly and looked classic at the after-party.

Rachel Zegler

Zegler was a vision in her cream-colored halter gown. The neutral piece had a chest cutout, ruffles all over its bodice, and a lace skirt that flowed around her feet.

She also complemented the look perfectly with an updo hairstyle and long earrings.

Mikey Madison

Madison evoked old Hollywood glamour for her after-party appearance.

She wore a strapless black gown with a plunging V-shaped neckline, a wrapped bow belt, and a full skirt.

The Oscar winner also draped a scarf around her arms and donned a statement ruby necklace.

Meg Ryan

After wearing a velvet red dress that wasn't tailored well to the Oscars, Ryan looked chic at the Vanity Fair after-party in a semisheer dress.

The tan piece was sleeveless, had a beaded collar, and was embellished from top to bottom with delicate sparkles. The actor wore the look with rosy makeup and a diamond bracelet.

Kylie Jenner

Jenner sat in a custom Miu Miu dress next to her boyfriend, the Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet, at the 2025 Oscars. She then attended the Vanity Fair after-party in a new gown designed by Ashi Studio.

The corseted design was strapless, with a sheer illusion bodice and lace skirt.

It fit Jenner like a glove and made for the perfect edgy look with her dark, wavy hairstyle.

Rachel Sennott

Sennott's sparkly pink dress for the Oscars wasn't her best, as the sequins didn't match the glamour of the red carpet. It didn't help that her black tights looked out of place.

But the black high-low gown the "Saturday Night" star changed into for the after-party struck the perfect tone.

The gown's plunging halter neckline gave way to a dropped-waist bodice, and the pleated fabric on the skirt made the dress look like it spilled onto Sennott's body. It created a fun and dramatic look.

Coco Jones

Jones chose a custom Coach dress for her Oscars debut, which had sparkles on the skirt as well as a daring slit. It was a solid look, but it didn't stand out from the pack.

She changed into a strapless gown that leaned into the butter-yellow trend for the after-party. The architectural detailing on the strapless corset bodice contrasted with the ruching on the skirt, which had a slit, just like her first dress.

The colorful ensemble was the perfect continuation of the fashion story Jones started earlier in the night.

Lisa

Lisa swapped out the menswear look she wore to the awards ceremony for a custom Miss Sohee dress that had a gothic feel.

The base of the K-pop star's look was a sheer black bodysuit with a high neckline and intricate lace. The strapless dress featured a sweetheart neckline, and the skirt bubbled around her hips before flaring inward for an exaggerated hourglass shape. She accessorized the look with wet hair and diamond jewelry.

The dress was stunning, and Lisa amped the look with edgy styling.

Joe Locke

The "Heartstopper" star's Oscars outfit had too much going on, from the jacket with tails to the sparkly vest he wore with it.

His after-party look was much simpler — and much more stylish. He wore a tuxedo shirt with no tie or jacket, pairing it with a cummerbund and wide-legged pants.

A gold brooch on his chest elevated the party-ready look.

Coco Gauff

The tennis star wore two colorful Miu Miu gowns to celebrate the Oscars, but her second look was stronger than the first.

The yellow dress she wore to the awards ceremony looked a bit dated because of its thick straps and large, sparkly embellishments that covered it from head to toe.

The green gown Gauff changed into for the after-party felt fun and fresh in comparison. The sheath dress had spaghetti straps. Gems were embroidered onto the bodice in the shape of florals that cascaded down the garment. A circular cutout in the back gave the gown a sexy edge.

Cynthia Erivo

Erivo looked stunning at the Oscars, celebrating her character Elphaba from "Wicked" in a custom Louis Vuitton gown.

But her dress for the after-party felt like a celebration of Erivo herself, which was a welcome change from the rest of her awards season looks.

Erivo's Vivienne Westwood gown was made of a gauzy gray fabric that crisscrossed over her body to form a mini dress. The fabric spilled into a floor-length train on one side, and a black bow sat on one of Erivo's shoulders and her waist.

She carried a heart-shaped bag and wore gothic-style jewelry with the outfit, creating a look that was both whimsical and sexy.

Gal Gadot

Gadot wore red Prada dresses to both the Oscars and the after-party, but the sheath dress she changed into was more interesting than the satin ball gown she wore to the show.

Sparkly black beading adorned the dress from head to toe, bringing texture to the simple silhouette.

Gadot wore a red scarf around her neck, mixing old Hollywood glamour with the more modern ensemble.

• Colman Domingo attended the 2025 Oscars in a custom red-and-black look by Valentino.
• He paired the statement suit with a made-to-order Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch.
• The accessory, set with baguette-cut diamonds, reportedly cost $160,000.

Colman Domingo wore a statement-making watch for his big night at the Oscars.

Domingo, 55, is nominated for best actor for his performance in "Sing Sing," about a group of incarcerated men who stage a play in prison.

He looked every bit the leading man for the awards ceremony, arriving in a custom Valentino suit designed by the brand's creative director Alessandro Michele and styled by Wayman + Micah.

None of Domingo's accessories stood out as much as his Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch in 18-karat Canopus Gold.

The made-to-order watch was set with baguette-cut diamonds, making it even more valuable. According to the Omega website, the style of watch has been "a part of all six moon landings."

GQ reported the custom piece cost a whopping $160,000. His stylists did not immediately return a request for comment.

A staple brand of the luxury watch world, Omega is also worn by Silicon Valley tech icons, including Jeff Bezos. Its parent company, Swatch, said in January that stronger sales in the US market stand in contrast to a slower China market.

Several other attendees wore Omega pieces to the Oscars, including Robert Downey Jr., "Dune" director Denis Villeneuve, and Kieran Culkin, who won the best supporting actor Oscar for his performance in "A Real Pain."

Domingo wore a red jacket that was cinched at the waist with a sash and had wide black lapels. Black tassel detailing on the sash added a playful touch. A red button-down, black pants, and black Valentino Garavani Bowow Loafers completed the look.

Domingo was just one of the best-dressed men at the 2025 Oscars who experimented with colorful suits, though he elevated his ensemble with luxury accessories beyond the Omega watch.

Red-tinted sunglasses brought a fun edge. Domingo also wore jewelry from Maison Boucheron, including a bracelet from the brand's private collection, a brooch, a cat ring, and diamond stud earrings.

• The 2025 Academy Awards were held in Los Angeles on Sunday night.
• Though there were many well-dressed stars, a few others missed the mark.
• Elle Fanning's gown was underwhelming, and Joe Locke wore a suit with too many details.

Not every outfit at the 2025 Oscars was a hit.

While some stars walked the Academy Awards red carpet in stunning gowns and sharp suits, a few others sported outfits that could have used some tweaks — or been changed entirely.

Here are the night's looks that ultimately missed the mark.

Meg Ryan

Though Ryan looked cool and comfortable, a few simple tweaks could have improved her red velvet look.

A chic updo would have complemented the elegant style of her strapless gown, and thinner shoes would have clashed less with its heavy fabric.

Mikey Madison

The "Anora" star's Dior dress had a black bodice and a pink empire-waist skirt with a bow and a train.

The dress was pretty but overdone. Numerous stars have worn versions of the same look.

Stronger embellishments on the bodice or a different color combination could have enhanced the ensemble.

Ethan Slater

The "Wicked" star walked the red carpet in a black tuxedo, a white button-down, and a solid tie. He also wore shiny dress shoes.

Though his outfit was classic, it was also forgettable — especially compared with the standout looks worn by other members of the film's cast.

Lily-Rose Depp

Depp embraced the aesthetic of "Nosferatu" in a black lace gown that was custom-made for her by Chanel.

That said, the sheer ensemble seemed a bit too casual for the glamorous event. It would have been better for an Oscars after-party.

Rachel Zegler

Zegler's custom Christian Dior gown was pretty, with pearl details and gray tulle.

Its top, however, didn't seem to fit the "Snow White" star. It also had a visible tan corset piece that could have blended better into the garment.

Joe Locke

Locke, who is in the Netflix series "Heartstopper," wore an assortment of colors and pieces that didn't work together.

They included a white blouse with a matching bowtie, a long vest covered in gold sequins, gray trousers with sharp pleats, and a black suit jacket with tails.

Storm Reid

Reid, best known for "Euphoria," made a statement in a red Alexandre Vauthier minidress with a matching cape and gold belt.

Unfortunately, it looked more like a designer Little Red Riding Hood costume than an Oscar-worthy outfit.

Rachel Sennott

The large, pink sequins that decorated Sennott's strapless gown dated her look. Her black, knee-length boots didn't feel cohesive with the dress.

Smaller sparkles and more sophisticated accessories could have elevated the ensemble.

Sennott recently appeared in "SNL," the movie about the origins of "Saturday Night Live."

Elle Fanning

Fanning, who played Bob Dylan's girlfriend Suze Rotolo in "A Complete Unknown," is a consistent style star, but her latest Oscars look was underwhelming.

Givenchy custom-made her white, sleeveless gown, which had a full lace skirt, a black bow belt, and a deep sweetheart neckline.

Her Cartier necklace was eye-catching and glamorous, but it made a bigger statement than the rest of her ensemble.

Whoopi Goldberg

Christian Siriano designed her Cinderella-esque ballgown.

While its off-the-shoulder sleeves and classic silhouette suited Goldberg, its shiny fabric distracted from the overall look.

H.E.R.

The musician chose a statement-making gown in an off-green shade. It was decorated with silver sequins, accessorized with a brown belt, and had a raw hem.

Unfortunately, the top of the gown was too prom-like, while the bottom half looked messy and unfinished.

Monica Barbaro

Barbaro, who starred in "A Complete Unknown," sported a custom gown from Christian Dior.

The dress had potential, but it fell short. Its full pink skirt was wrinkled, its corseted waist sat just a touch too high, and its sparkling bralette top appeared to be ill-fitting.

• The 2025 Oscars took place at Los Angeles' Dolby Theatre on Sunday.
• Hollywood's leading men showed up in their red-carpet finest, wearing fun twists on suits.
• Timothée Chalamet arrived in a butter-yellow suit from Givenchy.

The men of Hollywood had fun with their looks at the 2025 Oscars.

Celebrities gathered for the 97th annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday night.

Among them, stars like Colman Domingo and Timothée Chalamet wore colorful suits from luxury fashion houses, while others like Reece Feldman had fun with fabric.

Check out some of the best-dressed men of Oscars night.

Colman Domingo in Valentino

Colman Domingo arrived in a custom Valentino ensemble, which included a statement red jacket that tied at his waist. Sunglasses and a gold brooch were the finishing touches on the chic look.

Andrew Garfield in Gucci

Garfield wore his fitted brown suit with a shiny shirt and sunglasses.

Reece Feldman in Saint Laurent

Feldman's sheer, black top and star bolo tie were the focal points of his Saint Laurent look, but his long jacket and flared pants were fun too.

Nic Kaufmann in Amiri

The TikTok creator arrived at the Oscars in an oversized, patterned suit from Amiri.

Bowen Yang in Etro

Yang's leather suit from Etro featured colorful embroidery on the jacket, which he accentuated with a pink, ruffled shirt.

Jeff Goldblum in Prada

The "Wicked" star's custom Prada ensemble consisted of a white jacket, a floral-patterned blouse, and a large, purple flower on his lapel.

Kit Connor in Giuliva Heritage

Connor's black suit stood out thanks to its details, like exposed cuffs, a white tie, and a sparkly brooch.

Timothée Chalamet in Givenchy

The "A Complete Unknown" star wore a subtly shiny yellow suit from Givenchy. He wore his coordinating top with no tie, and black shoes completed the look.

Jon M. Chu in NB44

Chu arrived at the Oscars in a dark-green tuxedo from NB44, celebrating "Wicked" with his glamorous look.

Jeremy Pope in Balmain

Pope's silky, black Balmain suit included flared pants and a form-fitting jacket, which had bow fastenings instead of buttons.

Paul Tazewell in Dolce & Gabbana

Tazewell, who became the first Black man to win the best costume design award, arrived at the 2025 Oscars in a custom Dolce & Gabbana ensemble.

The designer said on Instagram that he took inspiration from Black dandies for his ensemble.

• The 97th annual Academy Awards were held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday.
• Celebrity couples strutted the Oscars red carpet in some of the most fashionable looks of the night.
• Jeff Goldblum and Emilie Livingston went colorful while Bob Iger and Willow Bay stayed classic.

Celebrities flocked to the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles for the 97th annual Academy Awards on Sunday.

The Oscars bring out Hollywood's biggest stars, and many A-list couples stepped out together to celebrate the event. Celebrities like Jeff Goldblum and Emilie Livingston arrived together in high-fashion looks from luxury brands such as Prada and Valentino.

Take a look at some of the best-dressed celebrity couples of the night.

Brandi Carlile and Catherine Shepherd

The couple coordinated both the colors and styles of their red-carpet looks.

Carlile wore black trousers and a polka-dot-print jacket with a red bow attached at the waistline, both designed by Valentino.

Shepherd, on the other hand, chose red tights and a black dress with a bow tie-embellished bodice.

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos

While Consuelos wore a classic tuxedo with a small broach and silver watch, Ripa shined bright in an orange wrap dress from Zuhair Murad and satin pumps.

Jeff Goldblum and Emilie Livingston

Goldblum sported a floral blouse and purple scarf beneath a white suit jacket with attached orchids, all designed by Prada.

Livingston walked the red carpet beside him in a sleeveless, crystal-covered gown from the same fashion house.

Bob Iger and Willow Bay

The power couple contrasted their looks, with Iger in a black tuxedo and Bay wearing a cream-colored set.

The latter included a knit, long-sleeved blouse that was semi-sheer and a satin floor-length skirt.

Miles Teller and Keleigh Teller

Keleigh brought some color to the carpet with her flowing baby-blue Zuhair Murad gown that was embellished with sparkling flower appliqués.

Miles kept things simpler in a black tuxedo, bow tie, and sunglasses.

Jon M. Chu and Kristin Hodge

The "Wicked" director nodded to the Emerald City with his sparkling green suit jacket from NB44, while Hodge stood out beside him in a butter-yellow gown with a lace bodice.

Adrien Brody and Georgina Chapman

Brody and Chapman coordinated in all-black looks.

Embroidered ruffles brought volume and shape to Chapman's form-fitting Marchesa gown.

"The Brutalist" star wore a traditional tuxedo, but an oversized, silver bow brooch shaped like a bird elevated his ensemble.

Kieran Culkin and Jazz Charton

Culkin wore all black to win his first Oscar, adding a green brooch to his lapel for a pop of color.

Charton's dress was covered in gold and black sequins, hugging her figure and sparkling as she walked the red carpet.

Colman and Raúl Domingo

Valentino designed Colman's red and black ensemble. The jacket, which had a sash on the waist, featured black lapels that coordinated with his pants.

Raúl wore a black suit with no shirt. Together, the couple looked chic.

Sterling K. Brown and Ryan Michelle Bathe

Brown and Bathe's looks were both glamorous.

He wore a white tuxedo jacket with black pants and a black bow tie, while Bathe's textured, gold dress was strapless and form-fitting with a large train.

Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell

Hawn's yellow Dolce & Gabbana dress had structured pleats on the bodice. Delicate beading sat atop the fabric, and she wore a shawl around her shoulders that complemented the gown.

Russell kept his look classic, wearing a black tuxedo and glasses.

• The 97th Academy Awards are underway at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
• Celebrities including Ariana Grande and Lupita Nyong'o wore elegant looks on the Oscars red carpet.
• Raffey Cassidy and Yasmin Finney wore gravity-defying gowns.

Hollywood's biggest stars are out for the 97th annual Academy Awards.

Celebrities, including Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Felicity Jones, walked the Oscars red carpet at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday in elegant ensembles.

The looks can take hours of work for designers and their teams to bring to life, and dressing an A-list star for the Oscars can cost up to $10 million, though the average is around $1.5 million, WalletHub estimated.

Here are the best looks from the night.

Mindy Kaling

Textured, floral detailing covered Kaling's form-fitting silver dress from Oscar de la Renta.

Ariana Grande

Grande's soft-pink Schiaparelli dress had a strapless bodice with a three-dimensional, waved peplum.

Cynthia Erivo

Erivo wore a custom, bow-shaped ball gown from Louis Vuitton with a tall collar crafted from emerald-green velvet.

Julianne Hough

Dior designed Hough's sheer dress, which had a high neckline and a low back.

Amelia Dimoldenberg

The "Chicken Shop Date" host arrived in a pale-blue gown from Versace that had statement cutouts on the bodice.

Reece Feldman

Feldman had fun with his suit for the Oscars, pairing an oversized jacket and wide-legged pants with a mesh button-down and bolo tie.

Raffey Cassidy

Cassidy's one-shoulder dress, cinched with a gravity-defying bow, was custom-made for her by Loewe.

Yasmin Finney

Finney wore a black Harris Reed gown with a pointed, strapless neckline embellished with long feathers. She also wore sheer black gloves.

Felicity Jones

Jones' silver gown from Armani Privé featured a halter neckline and cutouts on the bodice.

Anok Yai

Yai showcased her modeling skills on the red carpet in her peach-colored, mermaid-shaped gown and black feather boa, which were custom Marni.

Jeremy Pope

The standout element of Pope's all-black look was his jacket, which was adorned with bows instead of buttons.

Lupita Nyong'o

Nyong'o wore a white Chanel gown that was fit for a princess with pearl straps, a sequined corset bodice, a pleated skirt, and a pink satin belt.

Zoe Saldaña

The "Emilia Pérez" star wore one of the night's most unique looks: a custom strapless dress from Saint Laurent that featured ruffled tiers extending from her waist to the floor.

Kristy Sarah Scott

The influencer looked like a princess in her tan, strapless gown embellished with lilac flowers across its wide mermaid skirt.

Lisa

The musician and "White Lotus" star proved that menswear is for everyone in her floor-length suit jacket and wide-legged trousers from Mark Gong.

Demi Moore

The neckline of Moore's textured, silver dress dipped low, and an additional layer of fabric gathered around her waist, adding volume to the look.

Selena Gomez

Gomez took inspiration from Sophia Loren for her blush-pink gown, which was covered in crystals and designed by Ralph Lauren.

Timothée Chalamet

The star of "A Complete Unknown" arrived in a custom Givenchy suit. The look's shiny, butter-yellow fabric brought a pop of color to the red carpet.

Margaret Qualley

Qualley kept things classic in diamond jewels and a black velvet gown with short puffed sleeves and an off-the-shoulder neckline.

Jon M. Chu

The "Wicked" director wore a dark-green suit that had shiny lapels.

Raye

Raye's glamorous Vivienne Westwood gown had a corset bodice and was covered in drapery, from the off-the-shoulder sleeves to the floor-length skirt.

Miley Cyrus

Cryus chose a custom Alexander McQueen dress for the Oscars. The black dress had a halter neckline and textured, sparkly detailing, which she accented with black gloves.

Emma Stone

Emma Stone's cream dress — custom from Louis Vuitton — was covered in large, reflective sequins that shimmered as she walked the red carpet.

Doja Cat

The "Paint The Town Red" singer walked the red carpet in an animal-print Balmain dress.

Bruna Marquezine

The Brazillian actor's white dress played with contrasting fabrics. The halter bodice was made of ruched tulle while the skirt was made of a simpler fabric.

Laura Dern

Dern put a twist on menswear at the Oscars, pairing a sheer, lace top with high-waisted pants and a cummerbund. She carried a jacket over her shoulder, completing the all-black look.

Andrew Garfield

Garfield looked effortlessly cool in an all-brown Gucci suit, which included a shiny button-down and sunglasses.

Halle Berry

Berry's Christian Siriano dress, which had a corset bodice and a form-fitting neckline, was covered in metallic fabric arranged in a mosaic pattern.

Da'Vine Joy Randolph

Her strapless black gown was decorated with sequins across its corseted bodice, ruching at the hips, and a rose detail at the top of her satin skirt.

Colman Domingo

Domingo's custom Valentino outfit featured a red jacket that cinched his waist with a sash. The black lapels coordinated with his pants, and fun accessories like sunglasses and a brooch made the look pop.

• Meghan Markle is launching her new lifestyle brand, As Ever, in the spring of 2025.
• The Duchess of Sussex initially teased the brand as American Riviera Orchard in 2024.
• In partnership with Netflix, As Ever will sell spreads, teas, flower petal sprinkles, and more.

Meghan Markle is swapping out her throne for a seat in the boardroom.

Of course, Meghan never actually sat on a throne despite marrying a prince, and she hasn't been a working royal in over five years.

However, she is starting a new business, a step further away from the royal life Meghan and Prince Harry left behind in 2020. As she announced in February 2025, Meghan is launching her new lifestyle venture, As Ever, in the spring.

The brand has been the source of speculation and curiosity since Meghan first teased it in early 2024, and much about the company still remains a mystery.

Here's everything we know about As Ever so far.

Meghan Markle's next business move

Since stepping back as senior royals in January 2020, Harry and Meghan have tried their hand at several different commercial ventures.

They each released New York Times bestselling books; Meghan's picture book "The Bench" came out in June 2021, while Harry's memoir "Spare" broke sales records when it was released in January 2023.

Harry and Meghan also signed a $20 million deal with Spotify to produce podcasts in 2020. Meghan's show "Archetypes" was a hit when it launched in August 2022, even briefly dethroning Joe Rogan from the No. 1 spot on Spotify's podcast chart. However, the show's success ultimately fizzled out, and the couple ended their relationship with Spotify in 2023.

Harry and Meghan's biggest joint success to date was their relationship with Netflix. In 2020, they signed a deal with the streamer to produce everything from docuseries to scripted content.

In December 2022, Netflix released "Harry & Meghan," a docuseries that detailed Harry and Meghan's love story, step back as senior royals, and new life in California. It was Netflix's most-watched documentary debut at the time of its release and was particularly popular with women over 50.

Meghan seems to be hoping to recreate that success with her new show, "With Love, Meghan," a lifestyle series in which the duchess shares gardening hacks, entertaining tips, recipes, and interactions with some famous friends.

It's Meghan's spin on a Martha Stewart-style series, and it'll shares some DNA with her former blog The Tig, which she ran from 2014 to 2017. (She shut it down shortly before she and Harry got engaged and she left "Suits.")

Due to the California wildfires, Meghan pushed the premiere of "With Love, Meghan" from January 15 to March 4.

First, there was American Riviera Orchard

Meghan first teased As Ever in March 2024, but the brand was called American Riviera Orchard at the time. The name was inspired by Harry and Meghan's neighborhood of Montecito, California, in Santa Barbara, which is often called the American Riviera.

Meghan launched a website and Instagram for the venture, though neither revealed much about the company. In 2024, Meghan also submitted a trademark application for American Riviera Orchard that indicated she planned to sell a wide array of items, such as jams, cookbooks, tableware, and linens.

In April 2024, a handful of Meghan's famous friends, including Chrissy Teigen, shared on their social media that they had received what appeared to be American Riviera Orchard's first product: strawberry jam.

However, Meghan didn't sell the jams to the public in 2024. American Riviera Orchard remained silent for the remainder of the year, and the trademark application for the name was temporarily denied in August 2024 because it was deemed "primarily geographically descriptive."

The new As Ever

Meghan returned to Instagram at the start of 2025, and she used her new platform to release the trailer for "With Love, Meghan" on January 2.

Then, on February 18, she posted a video to share that her brand would now be called As Ever. She said in the video that she wanted to pivot on the name because she didn't want to limit her products to items only made in Santa Barbara, vaguely acknowledging the issues with the original name's trademark.

"In two weeks, my show is coming out, which I'm so excited for, and also my business, which I think there's been a lot of curiosity about," Meghan said in the video. "Last year, I had thought, 'You know what, American Riviera. That sounds like such a great name. It's my neighborhood. It's a nickname for Santa Barbara.' But it limited me to things that were just manufactured and grown in this area."

Meghan also said that her partnership with Netflix on the business led her to widen its scope and thus change the name.

"Then, Netflix came on not just as my partner in the show but as my partner in my business, which was huge," she said. "So I thought about it, and I've been waiting for a moment to share a name that I had secured in 2022, and this is the moment. And it's called As Ever."

She said the phrase means "as it's always been," and she liked that it spoke to her longtime love of things like crafting, cooking, gardening, and entertaining.

Meghan added in the video that "of course" As Ever would sell fruit preserves, but she also plans to release products that she "loves" and uses in her own life.

The same day she released the video, As Ever unveiled a new Instagram account and website. The website featured a shot of Meghan and her daughter Lilibet running through what appeared to be Harry and Meghan's lawn of their Montecito home at the time.

As Ever's logo nods to Prince Harry

The As Ever website and Instagram page featured As Ever's logo, a gold palm tree framed by a hummingbird on each side.

Meghan shared in a 2022 interview with The Cut that Harry was drawn to two connected palm trees on their home's property when they first toured it, telling her, "My love, it's us." They bought the house soon after.

The palm in As Ever's logo seems like a sweet nod to their home, and in the photo of Meghan and Lili that was on As Ever's website, they seem to be running past those exact trees.

Harry has also previously shared that hummingbirds are significant to him. Episode two of "Harry & Meghan" features a home video of Harry and their son, Archie, with hummingbirds. As the birds flit around them, Harry tells his son, "We won't get a chance to be this close to hummingbirds ever again," whispering and appearing to be in awe of the creatures as Meghan tells their son, "Papa is a birdwatcher."

Likewise, in the closing scene of "Spare," Harry recounts an experience of a hummingbird getting stuck in his family's home shortly after he returned from Queen Elizabeth II's funeral. The bird flitted over an area he and Meghan referred to as "Lili Land," where Lilibet's playpen was arranged at the time. Harry wrote that he learned from a friend that Spanish explorers called hummingbirds "resurrection birds," or spirits. Because of the timing and the fact that Lili is named in honor of the late queen, the hummingbird's visit meant a lot to Harry.

Given their special place in the prince's heart, the hummingbirds in As Ever's logo are a sweet nod to Harry.

As Ever's products

On Tuesday, As Ever updated its website to reveal its first product line, which it says will be available in the spring of 2025.

The collection includes a raspberry spread, a limited-edition wildflower honey, three types of tea, a crepe mix, a shortbread cookie mix, and flower petal sprinkles. Meghan uses the sprinkles repeatedly in "With Love, Meghan."

The site also includes a note about the company.

"As ever is more than a brand — it's a love language," it says. "Created by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, As ever welcomes you to a collection of products, each inspired by her long-lasting love of cooking, entertaining, and hostessing with ease. This curated collection has been crafted to elevate your every day and inspire moments of joy."

The company's trademark applications, filed in October 2022 and September 2024, hinted at the other products Meghan may offer.

The applications listed dozens of products, including tableware, cookbooks, gardening tools like hoses and shears, alcoholic beverages, lamps, candles, stationery materials, paper party decorations, household linens, tote bags, and more.

The raspberry spread wasn't surprising in the first drop, since the duchess already gave the product to friends in 2024. Plus, the first photo on As Ever's Instagram account included jam.

There is one hiccup for the duchess regarding As Ever: She may be unable to sell clothing under the brand's umbrella, as designer Mark Kolski owns a New York-based brand called As Ever. Vanity Fair reported that Kolski does not own a trademark for the name, but it might prove difficult for Meghan to sell clothing under the name down the line nonetheless.

• Meghan Markle became the Duchess of Sussex when she married Prince Harry.
• She was born in Los Angeles and was an actor before becoming a working royal.
• In 2025, Meghan is returning to the lifestyle space with a new show and business.

From starring on a TV show to marrying a literal prince charming, Meghan Markle's life sounds like the stuff of fairy tales.

However, royal life wasn't all it was cracked up to be for Meghan, 43. In January 2020, Meghan and Prince Harry, 40, stepped back as senior royals.

Five years later, the couple are raising their two children — who are sixth and seventh in line for the British throne — in California, building a non-royal life that still allows them to leverage their fame and global influence.

Here's everything to know about Meghan's life so far.

Meghan Markle's early life

Meghan was born Rachel Meghan Markle in Los Angeles on August 4, 1981, to Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland.

Thomas Markle and Ragland split when Meghan was just 2. In the Netflix series "Harry & Meghan," she said that she spent weekdays with her mother and weekends with her dad throughout her childhood.

Ragland worked as a social worker and yoga instructor, while Meghan's father was a lighting designer for shows like "Married… with Children." Meghan got her first experience with Hollywood by visiting sets with him.

Meghan has two half-siblings from Thomas' previous marriages, but she told Oprah Winfrey in 2021 that she was raised as an "only child" and didn't have contact with her siblings from her Markle family.

She attended the Hollywood Little Red Schoolhouse for elementary school and later Immaculate Heart High School before studying at Northwestern University, where she double majored in acting and international relations.

Meghan was an activist from a young age. When she was 11, she petitioned Procter & Gamble to change the tagline of a soap commercial with sexist undertones.

Meghan Markle's acting career

After graduating from Northwestern in 2003, Meghan was cast in a series of smaller roles, including an appearance on "General Hospital" and a stint as a briefcase girl on "Deal or No Deal."

Then, in 2011, she landed her breakout role as Rachel Zane on "Suits." She starred on the show from 2011 to 2018, moving to Toronto to film the series.

Meghan also launched her lifestyle blog, The Tig, in 2014. The blog featured everything from recipes and travel recommendations to interviews with fellow celebrities.

While her acting career flourished, Meghan dedicated much of her offscreen time to service work. She became a United Nations women's advocate and gave a speech at the UN Women's 2015 Conference, recounting her plea to Procter & Gamble to change its ad in her youth.

Meghan also became a World Vision ambassador in 2016, taking philanthropic trips to Rwanda and India through her partnership with the organization. The same year, she became a counselor for One Young World.

Falling for Prince Harry

Harry and Meghan met in 2016 after the prince saw Meghan in a video on a mutual friend's Instagram page, in which she was wearing the dog filter, as they shared in the Netflix docuseries "Harry & Meghan."

After their pal told Meghan that Harry was interested in her, they connected via Instagram DMs. Harry and Meghan's first date took place in London in July 2016.

When they met, Harry was 32, and Meghan was 35. She was previously married to Trevor Engelson, a film producer, from 2011 to 2013, while Harry had never been married.

The couple also shared in their Netflix docuseries that their relationship escalated quickly, saying they went on a five-day safari in Botswana for their third date.

After reports of their relationship surfaced in October 2016, Harry publicly confirmed they were a couple in November, using the statement to condemn the "wave of abuse and harassment" Meghan experienced from the press and "social media trolls."

Harry proposed to Meghan in November 2017 in the north garden at Kensington Palace, and they announced their engagement on November 27. USA Today announced Meghan was leaving Suits the next day. A few months earlier, Meghan closed The Tig, preparing for her new royal life.

Harry and Meghan got married on May 19, 2018, at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, and she officially became the Duchess of Sussex. Millions of people watched the couple say "I do," and celebrities and royals flocked to the UK for the event.

However, Meghan's father caused tension in the lead-up to the nuptials. On May 14, 2018, less than a week before the wedding, tabloids, including TMZ and the Daily Mail, reported that Thomas posed for staged paparazzi photos in exchange for money. Meghan's half-sister, Samantha Markle, said on the British program "Loose Women" that the paparazzi photos were her idea.

When news of the staged photos was reported, Thomas told TMZ he wouldn't attend the wedding. He told the outlet he changed his mind on May 15 at 8 a.m., but he then said he wouldn't go to the event at 2 p.m. the same day because of an emergency heart surgery.

Meghan confirmed in a statement just two days before the wedding that her father would not attend. King Charles III walked her down the aisle.

Royal life — and a step back

Once Meghan and Harry were engaged, she became a working royal. As she took on duties, her fresh approach to royal fashion was often the topic of conversation, and she used her new platform as a duchess to promote feminism.

Harry and Meghan went on their first royal tour as a couple to Australia in October 2018, announcing they were expecting their first baby just before it started. They welcomed their son, Prince Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, on May 6, 2019, just shy of a year after their wedding.

Meghan later shared in an interview with Oprah Winfrey and in "Harry & Meghan" that she was struggling with her mental health throughout her pregnancy with Archie because of the intense media scrutiny she faced — particularly from the Royal Rota outlets, which have direct access to the royal family and that the couple said often featured reporting with racist undertones. Studies later found they were also the subject of coordinated hate campaigns on social media.

Meghan said the Firm didn't allow her to seek support for her mental health, even as she struggled with suicidal ideation.

"I just didn't want to be alive anymore," she told Winfrey in 2021. "That was a clear and real and frightening and constant thought."

The couple also told Winfrey that members of the royal family questioned how dark Archie's skin may be during Meghan's pregnancy, adding to their stress.

Meghan added that reports that she had made Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, cry ahead of her wedding were false. In fact, Meghan said Kate made her cry, though the princess later apologized.

In his 2023 memoir "Spare," Harry said there had been ongoing tension between the Sussexes and the Windsors when Meghan joined the royal family, largely stemming from different thoughts on how they should approach the press and King Charles and Queen Camilla's close relationship with certain outlets. Harry even said William physically attacked him during an argument in 2019.

Because of the tension, the couple said in "Harry & Meghan" that they proposed moving to other Commonwealth countries between 2018 and 2019, which they thought would allow them to continue serving as working royals, have some distance from the Royal Rota system, and put other members of the monarchy in the spotlight in the UK.

They proposed moving to New Zealand in 2018, South Africa in April 2019, and Canada in December 2019, but none of the moves panned out. Harry said he believed the Firm leaked the plans for the moves to South Africa and Canada to the press, which made it difficult to move forward with them.

Then, on January 8, 2020, Harry and Meghan announced they were stepping back as senior royals and planned to "work to become financially independent while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen."

They made their final appearance as senior royals on March 9, 2020, and they returned to Canada after the event, where they had been staying since December 2019. Soon after, they relocated to California amid the coronavirus pandemic, staying in Tyler Perry's home before buying their own house in Montecito, California, in July 2020.

Post-royal life

Meghan and Harry were initially quiet in the months after they left the royal family, but they made a series of moves in the second half of 2020 that charted their path for the coming years.

They signed a production deal with Netflix, reportedly worth $100 million, in August 2020 and a separate $20 million podcast deal with Spotify in December 2020. In October 2020, they founded Archewell Inc., an umbrella organization for both a charitable organization and a production company.

They announced they were expecting their second child in February 2021, and in their now-famous interview with Winfrey in March 2021, they shared they were having a daughter. Princess Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor was born on June 4, 2021. Her name honors both Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana.

Meghan also released her first children's book, "The Bench," in June 2021, which became an instant New York Times bestseller. Her podcast "Archetypes" was initially a hit when Meghan released it in August 2022, beating out Joe Rogan's podcast for the No. 1 spot on Spotify, though Harry and Meghan's relationship with Spotify ended in 2023.

"Harry & Meghan" was also a massive success when it premiered in December 2022, on the heels of Queen Elizabeth II's death in September. Harry and Meghan returned to the UK after her death, taking a walkabout with William and Kate at Windsor Castle to greet mourners and sitting with the royal family at her funeral.

Meghan also won a handful of lawsuits in the early years after her step back as a senior royal. In 2019, she sued the Mail on Sunday for misuse of her private information, copyright infringement, and breach of the Data Protection Act 2018 after it published a handwritten letter she wrote her father, and she won on all three counts in December 2021.

In December 2020, she and Harry separately settled a suit they filed against Splash UK that said the paparazzi agency would no longer take photos of the Sussex family. In March 2023, a judge dismissed a defamation case Samantha Markle filed against her half-sister.

After keeping a pretty low profile in 2023, Meghan and Harry went on a handful of quasi-royal tours in 2024, visiting Nigeria because the country is interested in hosting Harry's Invictus Games and promoting online safety in Colombia.

In early 2025, the couple seemed to be dividing and conquering professionally, with Harry focusing on service-oriented work while Meghan turned her attention to lifestyle-focused ventures.

Her new Netflix series, "With Love, Meghan," was set to premiere in January 2025, though she postponed its release several months following the wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles. She and Harry were photographed supporting victims of the fire in its aftermath.

The show will feature Meghan sharing recipes, gardening and entertaining advice, and appearances from her famous friends. She returned to Instagram to announce the series on January 1 and used the account to reveal her new lifestyle brand, As Ever.

As Ever was originally branded American Riviera Orchard, but Meghan said she decided to change it to As Ever after Netflix signed on as her partner, as the new name would allow her to broaden the scope of the business.

Both the show and As Ever feel like a continuation of Meghan's lifestyle expertise, which she flexed with The Tig.

• Ant Anstead and Christina Haack were married from December 2018 to June 2021.
• After a messy custody battle in 2022, they eventually agreed on joint custody of their son, Hudson.
• The exes seemed to be on better terms after Haack filed for divorce from Josh Hall.

Christina Haack and Ant Anstead have reunited — on TV, that is.

Haack, 41, and Anstead, 45, were married from December 2018 to 2021, during which they welcomed their son Hudson, 5.

Since their split, Anstead and Haack's co-parenting relationship has had its ups and downs, including a messy custody battle in 2022.

However, Anstead's appearance on Haack's latest HGTV series, "The Flip Off," on Wednesday indicated that the exes are on better terms than they have been in years.

Here's a timeline of Anstead and Haack's relationship.

October 2017: Christina Haack and Ant Anstead started dating.

In December 2016, Haack and Tarek El Moussa, 43, her first husband and "Flip or Flop" costar, announced they were separating. During their marriage, Haack and El Moussa had two children: Taylor, 14, and Brayden, 9.

Eight months later, a mutual friend introduced Haack to "Celebrity IOU: Joyride" star Ant Anstead, House Beautiful reported. Anstead, like Haack, had two children from a previous marriage.

They initially kept their relationship private.

January 1, 2018: Haack and Anstead announced they were a couple.

After dating privately for three months, Haack and Anstead shared that they were in a relationship through an Instagram post.

Haack posted a now-deleted photo of the pair biking together, congratulating him on the new season of "Wheelers and Dealers" in the caption, People reported.

Haack and El Moussa's divorce was finalized later the same month.

December 22, 2018: Haack and Anstead tied the knot.

Haack and Anstead got married at their home in Newport Beach, California. 

They didn't make their engagement public before saying "I do," but Anstead said he and Haack were "celebrating something special" in the caption of a photo he posted of Haack on December 17.

"We pulled off the perfect surprise wedding," Haack told People of the nuptials at the time.

March 22, 2019: The couple announced they were expecting a baby.

Haack and Anstead shared that they were pregnant in a now-deleted Instagram post.

"The kids are all so excited to meet their new sibling," Haack captioned the post.

April 8, 2019: Tarek El Moussa accidentally announced the gender of Haack's baby.

Haack's ex accidentally shared that Haack and Anstead were having a son on TMZ Live.

A representative for Haack and Anstead then confirmed the news to People in a statement.

"While Christina and Ant wished they could have shared the news themselves, they are very excited to welcome a baby boy in the fall," the representative said.

September 6, 2019: Haack gave birth to their son Hudson.

Haack took to Instagram in another now-deleted post to share that she had given birth to her third child.

"Ant and I are so excited to welcome Hudson London Anstead into the world. Our hearts are SO full of love and joy," she captioned the post. 

Haack also documented Taylor and Brayden meeting their brother for the first time in her docuseries, "Christina on the Coast."

September 2020: Haack and Anstead announced they were separating.

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The couple announced they were separating just a year after Hudson was born. Haack shared the news in a now-deleted Instagram post, according to People.

"Ant and I have made the difficult decision to separate. We are grateful for each other and as always, our children will remain our priority," she said. "We appreciate your support and ask for privacy for us and our family as we navigate the future."

Anstead also announced the separation on his Instagram. His caption seemed to indicate Haack had initiated the separation.

"Anyone who really knows me knows that I don't like to share private matters publicly. I have remained silent while holding on to hope," he captioned a selfie of the pair. "I never gave up on us. I pray Christina's decision brings her happiness."

January 2021: Anstead told People he and Haack were co-parenting amicably.

Anstead told People that he and Haack weren't struggling to share custody of Hudson at the time.

"There's never been a scenario where I've asked for him and not had him and vice versa," he told People.

June 2021: Haack and Anstead's divorce was finalized.

A representative for Haack confirmed the marriage was officially over to USA Today.

By the time the divorce was finalized, Haack had already started dating Josh Hall, and Anstead began seeing Renée Zellweger in June 2021.

Haack went on to marry Hall in April 2022.

April 28, 2022: Anstead filed an emergency motion for full custody of Hudson.

Anstead said in court documents reviewed by Business Insider that he was Hudson's "primary parent" and that Haack only spent an average of "9 full days each month" with their son.

Anstead also said in the court documents that Haack had put Hudson in "dangerous" situations, including a sunburn so severe it made him cry.

On another occasion, Anstead said Haack returned Hudson to him without telling him her family had COVID.

"At the time, my partner was filming her new project and her covid diagnosis placed the whole production on pause," he said in the filing, referring to Zellweger.

The filing also said that Haack used her time with Hudson to post him on social media, sometimes for sponsored content. Anstead requested that a judge block Haack from posting Hudson in any "commercial endeavor" until they reached a new custody agreement.

Anstead requested a "regular" custody schedule that would give Haack visitation rights on "alternating weekends, Friday at 4 p.m. until Sunday at 6 p.m. commencing May 6, 2022, in California only, and except for vacations," according to the court documents.

"This will allow Christina's time to be stepped-up over the next several months to match the schedule she has with her other children," the filing said.

Anstead declined to comment on the matter when contacted by BI.

April 28, 2022: Haack spoke out against Anstead's motion in a statement to BI.

"What Ant is doing deeply saddens me," Haack said. "If this was really about Hudson, as he says, this should have been handled privately with a private judge or mediation, as myself and my attorney have suggested."

"I have had my share of ups and downs, but I am a good mom, and I love my children with all my heart, and I will always protect them," the statement said.

April 28, 2022: A judge denied Anstead's custody request.

A judge denied Anstead's ex parte custody application on April 28, 2022, both because he did not give Haack enough notice and he did not provide sufficient evidence that Hudson was in danger, according to People.

The judge's ruling scheduled a hearing for June 28 to determine whether Anstead's custody request should be granted.

Representatives for Anstead did not respond to a request for comment from BI on the ruling. Haack declined to comment on the judge's decision.

April 29, 2022: Haack filed a response to Anstead's emergency motion.

In a response reviewed by BI, Haack said she was "shocked to see the false allegations against me" and Anstead's "belief that he has been failing to protect our son by sharing custodial time with me."

She denied multiple allegations Anstead made against her in the response, saying he was "misleading" the court about their custody arrangement.

"Mr. Anstead has now taken the position that he is the defacto primary parent of our son, which is not accurate," she said. "Anstead does not count any day wherein we exchange our son as a custodial day for me. He also counts days where I made an accommodation or gave a right of first refusal to him as his day."

"That is why there is a huge discrepancy in his mind from our accurate schedule. His attempt to mislead the court is transparent when presented with the true facts," Haack went on to say. "I do not count my accommodations as decreasing my custodial time, but as me being a supportive coparent."

Representatives for Anstead and Haack did not respond to requests for comment from BI at the time.

April 29, 2022: Josh Hall said he would protect Haack's kids from "unnecessary trauma" in a since-deleted Instagram post.

In a now-deleted post, Hall shared a photo of himself, Haack, and her three children, saying he would "always protect her."

"Never did I think taking on 3 kids from 2 other males would be easy. What I was sure of, the woman connected to them was worth it all," Hall captioned the post. "I am not these kids biological father, they have those. What I will be is the best example of a quality human being, always show them how to treat their mother with respect and support them in any way I can during their development."

"Christina and I will always remain unfazed by any outside noise and save the kids from any unnecessary trauma," his caption said.

"I will always protect her, keep her safe and no one will hurt her with me in the picture," he said. "She doesn't bother anyone, she deserves the same in return. I will ensure that's the case."

May 15, 2022: A judge ordered the exes to attend mediation.

According to court documents reviewed by BI, the mediation was scheduled for June 15, 2022, and their custody hearing was later postponed to March 2023.

September 26, 2022: Anstead accused Haack of "exploiting" Hudson.

Amid the custody battle, Anstead filed a supplemental declaration on September 26, which BI reviewed. He said he and Haack had "resolved" their custody issues "without the need for court intervention" and maintained their son's 50/50 custody schedule.

However, in the declaration, Anstead also reiterated his assertions about Haack's social media posts about Hudson and requested that a judge grant him full legal custody. 

In the declaration, Anstead said Haack had "already exploited Hudson in numerous paid promotions on social media" and that he had a "fear she also has footage of him, to be used in one of her 'reality' TV shows, without my knowledge or consent, and continues to film him despite my objections." 

"l do not believe it is in Hudson's best interests to be exploited by his mother for professional and financial gain," he said. "As she insists that he should be, I ask the court to give me legal custody so I can make the decisions to protect Hudson and prevent this from happening."

Representatives for Anstead did not respond to a request for comment from BI on the matter at the time.

September 27, 2022: Haack called Anstead "hypocritical."

In her supplemental declaration, which BI reviewed, Haack said, "From the start, Ant's intention was not to resolve this matter privately and amicably."

"I have never exploited our son Hudson," Haack's declaration said. "He appeared in a few of my own Instagram ads that each took less than minutes to film. I have all the footage and they were all fun activities that he enjoyed doing, such as playing with toys or making cookies."

Haack also said Anstead wanted to be able to post Hudson on social media and tag his brand Radford, while she had "repeatedly taken the position that I will agree that Hudson shall not appear on television or on social media."

"Ant insists that he be allowed to post Hudson on his social media, while tagging products and businesses," Haack said. "Ant admits in his supplemental declaration that he will usually 'tag' his business 'Radford.' It is Ant who insists that he be able to use Hudson in social media posts to promote the post and expand its 'organic' reach."

"If it is in the best interest of Hudson to be clear of public scrutiny, I feel Hudson should be off all public social media until he is old enough to make his own decisions," Haack said in the declaration.

In the same document, Haack also said Anstead "never had a problem" with Hudson appearing on Instagram or their HGTV shows until 2021, calling his declaration "hypocritical."

Haack noted that Anstead also refused to resolve their issues in mediation in her declaration, making their custody disagreement public record.

"We agreed to resolve this custody matter privately, and yet he continues to file publicly, proving his desire and need for the public's attention," Haack said. "It is all quite disturbing, and now that it is out in the public, it will be far more damaging to Hudson in the long run when he is old enough to see how this matter played out publicly."

Representatives for Haack declined to comment on the matter when contacted by BI at the time.

October 2, 2022: Haack announced she would no longer post Hudson's face on her social media platforms.

Haack posted a since-deleted selfie on October 2, sharing in the caption that she would no longer be sharing any photos of Hudson on her social media.

"I am mentally exhausted over the recent false accusations against me," she said. "Hudson's father has made attempts to turn my family, friends and fans against me through manipulation tactics and false information. This has had great impact on me and my household."

"Because of this, I have made the decision to no longer feature Hudson on Instagram, my tv shows or any social platforms until he is old enough to make this decision for himself," she wrote.

Haack also said she'd always been fine with Hudson not appearing on public platforms, though she wanted him to "participate in the fun activities/outings with our family/siblings."

"Hudson's father has made it clear via his public court filings he is using Instagram to rate the kind of parent I am, since that is the only access he has to my personal life," Haack added. "This has been the case since July 2020. This is unnecessary pressure for a platform that is supposed to be used to share moments chosen, rather than a judgment tool…especially since this is a very small fraction of my personal life as the rest is kept between me and my family," she said.

"My personal collection of photos on my phone and in our home are filled with memories of my children, so Hudson will be just fine without having his presence displayed on a public forum," Haack wrote. "Thank you to all the people who can see beyond the nonsense being thrown at me. I am and will ALWAYS remain a protective mother."

Haack has since returned to posting shots of Hudson on her Instagram.

November 18, 2022: Anstead and Haack reached a new agreement maintaining joint custody.

A stipulation to modify a judgment signed by a California judge on November 18 and reviewed by BI states that Haack and Anstead will continue to have joint legal and physical custody of Hudson. Their March 2023 hearing was canceled as a result of the stipulation.

Haack's lawyer filed the papers, but both Haack and Anstead signed them. 

The stipulation altered the former spouses' holiday schedule for Hudson, with the pair switching off for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, July 4th, and Halloween annually, depending on whether the year is even or odd.

The stipulation did not mention how Hudson may appear on Anstead and Haack's social media platforms or television shows.

Representatives for Haack and Anstead declined to comment when contacted by BI at the time.

August - September 2024: Haack made some friendly gestures to Anstead on Instagram.

Haack and Hall filed for divorce in June 2024, less than three years after they tied the knot.

In the months following her separation from Hall, Haack's relationship with Anstead seemed to be on better terms based on her Instagram.

She refollowed Anstead on Instagram in August, which he reciprocated in October. The pair then occasionally interacted on the platform, tagging each other in photos of Hudson on their stories and commenting on each other's posts of their son.

December 2024: HGTV announced Ant Anstead would appear on Haack's show "The Flip Off."

In May 2024, HGTV announced that Haack and Hall were filming "The Flip Off" with Tarek and Heather Rae El Moussa. The series would be a competition to see who could profit most from a home flip.

Haack and Hall were competing against the El Moussas on the series, but Haack competed on the show solo after she and Hall split.

In November, Anstead was spotted on the set of the series with Haack, and a month later, HGTV announced Anstead was one of the guest judges who would evaluate spaces in Haack's and the El Moussas' homes for the series.

February 19, 2025: Anstead debuted on "The Flip Off."

Anstead judged the guest bedroom and bathroom transformations on the show.

When Haack told the El Moussas on the phone that she selected Anstead as a judge, they both expressed shock, saying, "What?" and "Oh my gosh."

The El Moussas told People they were surprised when Haack picked Anstead, as Heather Rae El Moussa thought they "weren't talking."

• Tarek El Moussa is an HGTV star and the owner and CEO of Tarek Buys Houses and TEM Capital.
• He learned six lessons throughout his career that have made him a real-estate mogul.
• El Moussa believes in cold calling and working with the right people to find success in real estate.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Tarek El Moussa, 43, an HGTV star and the CEO and owner of Tarek Buys Houses and TEM Capital. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

I'm a TV personality, a CEO, an entrepreneur, and a father. The foundation of all of that was real-estate investing.

There was really no barrier to entry to getting into the business and starting to sell houses other than getting a license. I grew up in a lower-end community in Southern California, and I never knew what was out there until I started looking at real estate.

I've been running Tarek Buys House since 2010 to flip houses and doing commercial real estate for about 10 years. I started TEM Capital about six years ago. I realized I could do much bigger and better deals if I had more money and more partners, and that's how TEM Capital was born. The goal is to help accredited investors increase their wealth by partnering with me to buy real estate.

In 2025, Tarek Buys Houses will probably flip between 300 and 400 houses.

For TEM Capital, we're about to launch our triple equity fund. We'll take houses and turn them into triplexes and fourplexes. We're also about to launch our distressed multifamily fund. Just like I buy, fix, and sell houses, we buy 400-unit apartment buildings, fix them, and sell them.

Here are the six biggest lessons that have contributed to my real estate and business success.

Put in the effort

In my first six months in the business, I totally struck out. I wasn't making money, and then, one day, I got hyper-focused and decided to talk to 50 people who owned a house every day.

My real-estate coach told me I had to talk to 20 people a day. I told him I would talk to 50. He said, "That's what everybody says. Nobody does it." And I did it.

Ninety days later, I brought in almost $300,000 in revenue for the company, which completely changed my life.

A lot of people believe it takes years to make money. That's not true.

You just have to decide to go for it, put in the work, take the time to learn, study, and practice, and get ready to fail a few times. Eventually, you're going to win.

People make all the difference

Make sure you work with the right people. It is a lot of work to find the right people.

I used to be terrified to let people go, change staff, or fire people because I always try to get them to change or improve. Then, I learned it's really about finding that right team member.

You have to hold your team accountable, and you have to hold yourself accountable.

It's important that every one of my team members know that I am as committed to what they are doing as they are.

Commit to cold calling

If you're not talking to people every single day that you do not know, you will never be in the real-estate business.

The money is in the people you do not know. In this business, you look for a needle in a haystack, and the only way to find that needle is to move a lot of hay.

I tell all my staff members every day that our minimum goal is 50 conversations a day with someone we've never talked to.

That's how you learn who needs to sell or who has a distressed property. I know there are people all over the country today thinking, "Man, we need to sell this house." They don't know we want to buy it, so we need to find them.

People watch YouTube and read books, but you know what they never do? They never actually go look at a house, call a homeowner about a foreclosure, or call a real-estate agent to ask if they have any off-market distress deals.

The only thing that matters is calling real-estate agents and asking them if they have any distressed properties that you can buy. If someone were to do that all day, every day for a year, they would change their life.

Use setbacks to get stronger

The more pain we go through, the stronger we get.

If I had not gone through all these painful experiences, all these highs and lows of winning and losing and losing money, it wouldn't have made me as strong as I am today.

The only way to continue growing is to accept that you will have to go through painful processes that will help you go further.

You have to acknowledge the fact that life is not fair. You gotta pick up the pieces, keep your head up, and keep going.

Find your magic hour

I'm a big believer in creating a sleep schedule that works for the life you live. I used to be one of those people who said, "I'm a night person, blah, blah, blah." It's an excuse. It's easier to go to bed late than it is to wake up early.

I was feeling overwhelmed by life because I woke up at 6:45 or 7 a.m. Then you have the kids, and you're trying to squeeze in the gym and then go to work. With all of life's responsibilities, I was just out of time.

One day, I decided to start waking up at 4:30, and picking up that extra two hours a day completely changed my life. For the first time, I had two hours of "me time."

No one's awake. It's dark downstairs, and I have the fire going. It's my magic hour where I can think and create in peace.

Most people are so overwhelmed by business, family, cellphones, and social media that they never have time for themselves. I'm a big believer that we need some time for ourselves.

Build career growth into your routine

I'm evolving every day. I'm learning every day. I'm growing every day.

During my magic hour, I'm studying. I'm reading. I'm learning about AI. I'm learning about technology. I'm learning about marketing. I'm learning about systems. I'm watching YouTube videos.

When I drive to the gym every morning, I leave my house at 6:40 and listen to books on Audible for 20 minutes. I then get there, do cardio, and listen to more books. I'm always educating myself.

I'm all about killing two birds with one stone. If I have a conference call or something, I'll go for a walk. That way, I can get my cardio in while being on a call and I'm not even noticing that I'm walking.

• "Onyx Storm" by Rebecca Yarros ended on a cliffhanger.
• Violet doesn't remember the last 12 hours, and Xaden and three other riders are missing.
• Violet's connection to the goddess Dunne may also become important.

Rebecca Yarros' "Onyx Storm" left readers with more questions than answers about dragon rider Violet Sorrengail's fate.

"Onyx Storm" is the third book in Yarros' "Empyrean" series, a romantasy full of dragons, magical battles, and steamy romance scenes. The book follows Yarros' first two installments in the series, "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame," becoming the fastest-selling adult novel in 20 years, according to The New York Times.

Yarros isn't working on the fourth book in the series yet, which will be tough for readers since the ending of "Onyx Storm" was filled with vague information meant to keep readers on their toes.

Read on for an explanation of the ending of "Onyx Storm" and popular theories about what it might mean for Violet.

There are heavy spoilers for the "Empyrean" series ahead.

'Onyx Storm' features a cliffhanger ending

"Onyx Storm" culminates in a battle between venin and riders.

Xaden Riorson, Violet's love interest, ends the battle by submitting to his venin power, channeling from the earth to wipe out the dark wielders and the wyvern they control. Meanwhile, Violet manages to kill the venin Theophanie before fainting.

The battle is described from multiple points of view, including Xaden's. When the scene is described from his perspective, he discovers he has a new venin "brother," a rider that turned. After he ends the battle, Xaden tells his dragon Sgaeyl he wants to ask Violet for a favor, urging her to help him.

In the last chapter, Violet awakens confused at Riorson House, Xaden's home, with fellow rider Imogen Cardulo. Her brother Brennan informs her that she has been missing for 12 hours and that four riders, including Xaden and his best friend Garrick Tavis, are missing.

Violet also discovers she is wearing a wedding ring and holds a blessing from the head priestess of Dunne's temple over her marriage to Xaden. On the blessing, a note from Xaden reads, "Don't look for me. It's yours now."

In the book's final lines, Violet realizes Imogen used her signet power to wipe her memory of the night's events. When Violet asks her what she did, Imogen responds, "What you asked me to."

The end is shocking and intentionally vague, leaving readers to stew over multiple mysteries until the fourth "Empyrean" novel is released.

Xaden's new 'brother' could be multiple people

Among the ending's mysteries is the identity of the person who turned venin. He is not named before the book ends, but it includes clues about who he might be.

When Xaden first sees his new "brother," he describes feeling shocked, particularly because the person is someone close to him. He says he "could no more raise a blade to his throat than I could Violet."

At an event in Denver on February 2, Yarros told readers to "pay attention to who's missing at the end" of "Onyx Storm" and "to someone who feels like whatever they have given is not enough, which is always the case when you turn venin."

In addition to Xaden and Garrick, there are three riders with murky whereabouts at the end of the novel: Bodhi Durran, Xaden's cousin; Aaric Graycastle, a prince of Navarre; and Dain Aetos, Violet's childhood best friend.

Bodhi last appears in the book in a chapter told from Imogen's perspective, where she spots him "on his hands and knees across the town square, retching." Xaden catches a glimpse of Dain as he gives into his venin powers, saying he tears "the heart from a wyvern who has Dain and Cath backed into a corner." And before Violet faced off against Theophanie, Tairn spotted Aaric and his dragon bringing soldiers from Zehyllna to fight in the battle, and he wasn't mentioned again.

Of the four possibilities, Bodhi and Garrick seem most likely to fit Xaden's description of his new brother, as Xaden distrusts Dain and isn't particularly close to Aaric. Likewise, both Garrick and Bodhi's powers seem to fail them in the book's final chapters.

When Bodhi tries to help Violet fight Theophanie, they discover his ability to counter other riders' signet powers doesn't work on venin, and his dragon whisks him away from the battle, not giving him the chance to help Violet.

Meanwhile, Garrick is exhausted from using his distance-wielding powers just before Xaden ends the battle. He tells Imogen that he plans to find a way to aid the riders even if his powers are depleted.

Desperation could have fueled either of them to turn, though it would be more in line with Bodhi's character arc. Bodhi complained throughout "Onyx Storm" that Xaden wouldn't allow him to fight for Tyrrendor, seeming frustrated by his role as first in line for the throne. Plus, Imogen may have seen Bodhi channeling power from the ground when she thought she saw him vomiting.

Violet has multiple connections to Dunne

Yarros revealed that Violet has multiple connections to the goddess Dunne, a goddess of war, throughout "Onyx Storm."

When they visit the Isle of Dunne, Violet sees a child with silver-tipped hair, just like hers. A priestess there tells her that she must have started the process of being "dedicated" to Dunne, but Violet disregards the remark.

However, Violet later finds out from her sister Mira that her father attempted to dedicate her to Dunne, but a priestess wouldn't complete the process because of Violet's possible paths.

"She said the heart that beat for you — or within you — would do the wrong thing for the right reason, reach for unspeakable power, and turn dark," Mira said. Xaden then confesses to Mira that he turned venin, saying the priestess must have spoken about him.

Aaric also tells Violet she has to protect Dunne's temple at a battle in Aretia to succeed, and he provides her with a weapon from a high priestess of Dunne that she uses to kill Theophanie, a former priestess of Dunne herself.

A note provided with the weapon says, "A gift from one servant of Dunne to another. I must warn you — only those touched by the gods should wield their wrath. I will pray to Her that she need not use it to avoid reacquainting herself with the other who curries her favor. Her path is still not set."

And, of course, a Dunne priestess marries Xaden and Violet. Some readers think Violet may have committed herself to Dunne in the missing hours and returned to Riorson House with silver hair, which is why Brennan's "eyes bulge" when he first sees her.

Dunne will likely play a big role in the fourth "Empyrean" book, and many readers suspect the other god "who curries [Violet's] favor" is Malek, the god of death. Throughout the series, Xaden repeatedly comments that he would rather "meet Malek" than lose Violet, making some think Violet may have to actually meet the god to get Xaden back.

Xaden's goodbye note could be rife with meaning

The "it's yours now" aspect of Xaden's note gave many readers pause.

The note may not refer to Tyrrendor, Xaden's dukedom, which Violet will run in his absence as his duchess. Throughout the book, Xaden refers to Tyrrendor with "she" pronouns, saying comments like, "Tyrrendor will open her borders" and "Our family just got Tyrrendor back, and we will not lose her because of your ego."

If he doesn't mean Tyrrendor in his note, it's possible Xaden wanted Violet to know his soul belongs to her. Venin sacrifice pieces of their souls when channeling power from the earth, and Xaden seemed to give up all but a small part of his own in the final battle, clutching onto a piece of it through his love for Violet.

When he tells Sgaeyl he wants to ask Violet for help at the end of the book, he says, "She promised." Earlier in the book, Violet promised Xaden she would "sound the alarm" if he used too much power.

"He'll never go too far, never lose his soul, so I nod," Violet responded to Xaden's request.

Xaden may have wanted Violet to keep her promise to protect his soul, keeping it separate from his body as he descended further into his life as a venin.

Some fans think Xaden put what remained of his soul in Violet's wedding ring, made with an emerald that matched those found on his sword, the Blade of Aretia. Others think his soul may be kept in an empty glass box he was given on the isle of Zihnal. Xaden kept the box in his and Violet's room at Riorson House and even stored the Blade of Aretia inside it.

Violet also received a broken compass on the isle, and some readers think it may ultimately help her find Xaden.

Some fans have theories about Imogen's signet

It's a bombshell at the end of "Onyx Storm" when Imogen reveals she erased Violet's memory at her request.

Violet has seen Imogen use her powers throughout the "Empyrean" series, even asking her to erase Jack Barlowe's memories at the beginning of "Onyx Storm" to protect Xaden. However, some fans think Imogen used her powers on Violet at other points in the series without her knowledge.

For instance, in a bonus chapter from "Fourth Wing" told from Xaden's point of view, Imogen uses her signet to deliver weapons to gryphon riders without detection. Xaden doesn't say Imogen uses her power on Violet directly, but it opens the door to the possibility that Imogen's signet has helped keep Violet in the dark.

Violet may not know the full extent of her relationship with Xaden if Imogen has been controlling what she knows. It's also possible Violet has previously asked Imogen to erase her memories, but it wasn't mentioned in the text.

Others think Imogen may have erased Violet from Xaden's mind to protect Violet from him, which is why he said not to look for him in his goodbye note. Imogen's power will certainly be illuminating in the next "Empyrean" novel.

• Rebecca Yarros' "Fourth Wing" is being adapted into a TV series.
• Amazon MGM Studios and Michael B. Jordan's Outlier Society will produce the series for Prime Video.
• Although a release date and cast hasn't been announced, Yarros offered some clues about the show.

Rebecca Yarros' "Empyrean" series about dragon rider Violet Sorrengail has never been more popular.

When "Onyx Storm," the third book in the romantasy series, was released on January 21, it became the fastest-selling adult novel in 20 years, The New York Times reported.

The first and second books in the series, "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame," sat right behind "Onyx Storm" on the bestseller list following its release.

Yarros is taking a break before writing the fourth book in the series, but in the meantime, progress is being made on the series adaptation of "Fourth Wing."

Here's everything we know about the show so far.

'Fourth Wing' is becoming a TV show

In October 2023, Deadline announced that Amazon MGM Studios and Michael B. Jordan's Outlier Society were developing "Fourth Wing" into a Prime Video series. Yarros is also an executive producer for the show.

Outlier Society produced Jordan's "Creed III" and is developing a slate of other series and films in addition to "Fourth Wing."

In July 2024, Outlier Society announced it had hired Moira Walley-Beckett as the showrunner for the series. Walley-Beckett won three Emmy awards for her work as a writer and producer on "Breaking Bad," and she later created "Anne with an E."

As of February, Outlier Society had not announced casting or a release date for the series.

Deadline also reported in October 2023 that Amazon MGM Studios had bought the rights for the whole "Empyrean" book series. In a January interview with Variety, Yarros said she had shared the "five-book arc" for the "Empyrean" series with Amazon and Walley-Beckett.

"They have the five-book arc and the general big points of what happens in between each book, but they don't have the specifics between Book 4 and Book 5, because I'm getting ready to go to my crazy plotting board and plot out every single event that happens in each book so that I make sure that I'm within my two books there," she told Variety.

Yarros talked about the series' pilot while on a book tour for 'Onyx Storm'

Although details about the series are limited, Yarros made a few comments about the show while promoting "Onyx Storm."

Speaking at an engagement on January 24 in New York, Yarros told fans she had read the pilot for the "Fourth Wing" show — and loved it.

"I read the latest version of the pilot last week," she said. "It's really nerve-racking when you read something like that because you're really — you're trusting someone else with your baby, right? And you're trusting someone else to say, like, 'Hey, this is important in your work, and this isn't,' and you kinda get your guard up."

"But guys, I, like, kicked my feet the whole time," she said. "You're gonna love it."

Yarros also praised Walley-Beckett, calling her a "brilliant writer" and saying she maintained the integrity of the book in the pilot.

"All the lines that you love are there. And she really kept the spirit and energy," Yarros said of the pilot. "I can't say enough good things. It's phenomenal."

Yarros has shared some thoughts on casting

Speaking at an event in London on August 30, 2024, Yarros said casting will ultimately fall on the show's staff, not her. She also said she intentionally hasn't shared any specific actors she hopes will be cast in the series.

"I will never say who my perfect fan cast is because the cast is so diverse, and I want to open that up to more diversity," she said. "And I feel like the second I say who I think this character is, that's who everyone will accept. That's only who they will accept."

"I kinda hope they find, like, an up-and-coming generation," she added. "But I would never put my fan cast in your heads."

Although she won't be involved in casting the series, Yarros said at the same event that she has one hard-line casting request she has communicated to Amazon MGM Studios, Outlier Society, and Walley-Beckett.

"They know how staunch I am against white-washing Xaden," she said. "I think that's the biggest thing."

Xaden Riorson, Violet's love interest in the series, is described as having "warm tawny skin" in "Fourth Wing" and "tawny-brown" skin in both "Iron Flame" and "Onyx Storm."

• Taylor Swift attended 10 NFL games in the 2024-2025 season, including the Super Bowl.
• Some of her gameday outfits were better than others.
• Her best looks balanced team spirit and fashion.

As the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Kansas City Chiefs at the 2025 Super Bowl on Sunday, all eyes were on Taylor Swift, naturally.

Well, the eyes of Swifties and fashion fans were anyway, as Swift attended the game to support her boyfriend, Travis Kelce.

The singer attended 10 games during the 2024-2025 NFL season, including the Super Bowl. Sometimes, she attended in vintage Chiefs gear, while at others, she wore stylish coordinating sets.

Take a look at the best and worst outfits Swift wore to NFL games this season.

Swift's all-denim look for her first NFL game of the 2024-2025 season was chic and sexy.

Swift arrived at the 2024-2025 NFL season opener to support the Chiefs in a denim set.

She paired the $1,325 Medusa '95 denim corset top with coordinating denim shorts from Grlfrnd, which were available on Revolve for $102. Her maroon boots from Giuseppe Zanotti, which cost $1,650, were a high-fashion way to incorporate team spirit for the Chiefs.

Her accessories, including a $3,950 Louis Vuitton Side Trunk bag and over $60,000 worth of jewelry, made the look even more glamorous.

That same month, Swift wore a sporty shirt dress for another of her best looks of the season.

The 1995 Salem T-shirt, featuring the Chiefs logo, became a dress on Swift, as it was so long it covered her thighs.

The tee showed off her thigh-high Giuseppe Zanotti Frannie boots, which cost $1,650, and Swift carried the $4,800 Louis Vuitton Coussin bag.

High-end jewelry, like Louis Vuitton's $625 My LV Chain earrings, added to the sporty ensemble.

Swift kept up her streak of best looks with a coordinating, plaid set at an October game.

Swift turned to Vivienne Westwood for an October game. She paired the brand's $1,875 Sunday corset with the matching $1,010 Meghan kilt, both of which featured plaid fabric with pops of maroon in honor of the Chiefs.

Vivienne Westwood also designed her $1,270 boots and $590 Belle heart-frame Jacquard bag. She added over $46,000 worth of jewelry and glitter faux freckles from Fazit.

The freckles gave the high-fashion look a whimsical twist that was perfect for the game.

Although she wore a cool jacket, Swift's shorts and simple top were a bit lackluster at a November game.

Swift made her vintage Chiefs jacket the star of her outfit for this game, wearing the red, yellow, and black piece with a black top and black shorts from Agolde, which she cinched with a $630 belt from The Row.

Swift's other accessories were also black, like her $2,195 Louboutin boots and $3,900 Dior saddle bag. Gold jewelry, including a $4,475 Chanel necklace, a $4,150 ring from Retrouvai, $595 earrings, and a $3,150 ring from Louis Vuitton, elevated the look.

The outfit was cute, but it was underwhelming compared to Swift's other looks for the 2024-2025 season.

The checked, red set she wore in November didn't strike the right tone for a football game.

Swift's $3,350 red-and-black checked blazer and $1,695 skirt from Versace were the stars of her outfit. She paired the professional pieces with a $34.99 Victoria's Secret corset and Versace's $1,650 Medusa 95 leather knee-high boots.

Swift carried the $2,190 Medusa 95 small tote bag from Versace. She also wore several pieces of high-end jewelry, including the $54,000 gold Tambour Watch from Louis Vuitton and a $32,970 ring from Retrouvai.

The outfit was stylish, but it made Swift look more like a team owner than a WAG. She also wore a better check-patterned look later in the season.

Swift's skinny jeans and chunky boots created an outdated look.

She attended a November game wearing a red Louis Vuitton quarter zip that looked cozy and festive for the occasion. Swift paired the top with $249 pants from Paige, which she tucked into her $1,650 Maison Alaïa boots.

The combination called back to popular fashion of the early 2010s, though it didn't translate as well in 2025. A simpler pair of shoes or wide-legged pants could have improved the outfit.

The singer made her most fashionable gameday appearance to date in December.

She strutted into Arrowhead Stadium that day wearing a statement coat from Charlotte Simone. The piece was crafted with faux fur in a vibrant shade of red and had extra fuzzy pieces lining its sleeves, hem, and neckline.

Swift also accessorized to perfection, adding a vintage Chanel bucket hair, sheer black tights, $1,695 Manolo Blahnik boots, and a Tod's messenger bag.

Swift perfectly blended old-money fashion and gameday comfort with a Chanel ensemble in January.

The designer look included a $4,650 wool jumpsuit beneath a $9,600 tweed coat. Swift also added a monogrammed belt with oversize pearls, sheer black tights, Canada Goose gloves, earrings, a purse, and Chanel boots.

She wore the all-black outfit in the middle of January. It was chic and sophisticated but also loose and comfortable enough to sit through a football game.

Her AFC Championship look was divisive, and for good reason.

Swift made a bold move when she attempted to bring back the logomania trend with a $5,000 monogrammed zip-up jacket from Louis Vuitton and a $550 beanie with the same logo.

However, her red tights really didn't work with the black and gold outfit, which cost over $68,000. The tights were too bold in color and too fun in style to complement the cool, streetwear-style garments that comprised the rest of her look.

Swift's outfit for the 2025 Super Bowl had some sweet hidden meanings, but overall, it was lackluster for the big game.

Rather than rocking red for the Chiefs, Swift arrived at the 2025 Super Bowl in a simple outfit worth over $60,000.

She paired the $3,253 YSL double-breasted blazer with the $1,300 sleeveless ribbed bodysuit from Alaïa, both in shades of white. Sparkly denim shorts offered a pop of color in the look, though she circled back to white with her $1,120 over-the-knee boots from the brand Paris Texas.

Swift also brought color into her look through her accessories, like her $999 Givenchy bag and ruby-encrusted jewelry.

She re-wore the "T" leg chain she debuted at the 2025 Grammys as a necklace, nodding to Kelce and her lyric, "I want to wear his initial on a chain round my neck," from her song "Call It What You Want."

Likewise, her tank top and jean shorts offered a cute reference to Swift's outfit for her first Chiefs game in September 2023.

Despite the nods to her relationship with Kelce, Swift's outfit didn't stand out compared to some of the other looks she wore throughout the 2024-2025 season, as it just looked like a white blazer and boots from a distance.

It would have been nice to see Swift have a little more fun with her outfit for such a big game.

• Ivanka Trump has returned to the public eye since Donald Trump was reelected.
• Ivanka's best style moments often come through her streetwear looks.
• Her outfits for political events can be hit or miss.

Although she is now most associated with her father's administration, Ivanka Trump was previously known for her eponymous fashion brand.

Ivanka shuttered the brand in 2018 after joining her father's administration when he took office in 2017, but she has continued to play with fashion on her own — wearing everything from pantsuits to mini-dresses over the last eight years.

Take a look at some of Ivanka's best and worst looks since Trump first became president.

Ivanka's white pantsuit was a surprising choice for her father's January 2017 inauguration.

Ivanka arrived at Trump's 2017 inauguration in a white pantsuit from Oscar de la Renta. The suit consisted of slim-fitting pants and a fitted, asymmetrical jacket, which she accessorized with an American flag pin.

The look was stylish, though Ivanka's choice to wear a suit was a bit surprising.

Hilary Clinton, Trump's opponent in the 2016 presidential race, is well-known for wearing pantsuits. Clinton's suit for the inauguration was also white, making it difficult not to compare Ivanka and Clinton's looks.

Ivanka and her sister, Tiffany Trump, also had a matching moment at the 2017 inauguration.

She changed into a sparkly dress for the inaugural balls later that night.

Ivanka changed into a ball gown by Carolina Herrera for the 2017 inaugural balls.

The champagne-toned gown featured a v-neckline, and the bodice, top of the skirt, and semi-sheer sleeves were all covered in sparkly embellishments.

Celebratory and elegant, the dress was a good fit for the occasion.

Ivanka's dress for a February 2017 joint session of Congress looked out of place.

Ivanka attended the joint session of Congress in a form-fitting berry pink Roland Mouret dress. The dress hit her at the knee and featured a diagonal peplum across the waist.

The dress also had an asymmetrical neckline with a black spaghetti strap on one shoulder. The strap looked more like a bra peeking out from the garment than a part of the dress, making the whole look feel too casual for the event.

Ivanka's close-toed heels also looked clunky with the slim-fitted dress.

The sleeves on Ivanka's dress for the July 2017 G20 Summit were distracting.

Ivanka's pink dress for the 2017 G20 summit cinched at her waist, and the skirt flared to her knees.

The long sleeves were form-fitting until they hit her elbow, where they flared out. A bow also sat on each sleeve.

The combination of the flared fabric and bows made the sleeves look too heavy, detracting from the chic aspects of the rest of the dress.

The look would have been stronger with more streamlined sleeves.

The stripes on Ivanka's dress for the 2018 Winter Olympics were overwhelming to the eye.

Ivanka attended the 2018 Curling Men's Gold Medal Game in South Korea in a red and navy Aquazzura dress.

The sweater dress had long sleeves and a high neckline, and the stripes appeared to wrap around her figure diagonally. She paired the dress with knee-high, laced boots.

Although the dress was on theme for the event, the stripes were a bit overwhelming to the eye. The look would have been stronger if the stripes didn't crisscross.

She wore a more casual look to watch a bobsleigh competition.

When she watched the bobsleigh competition, Ivanka fit right in with Team USA. She paired red pants with a white, red, and blue sweater and accessorized the look with a coordinating coat and a Team USA hat.

A green jumpsuit Ivanka wore in March 2018 would have looked better without a top under it.

Ivanka wore a flared jumpsuit to the Generation Next Summit in March 2018.

It had a v-neckline and belted at the waist, creating a summery look. However, Ivanka wore a black turtleneck under it, which had a different tone and looked out of place with the jumpsuit.

She could have paired the jumpsuit with a blazer or cropped jacket instead.

An asymmetrical neckline on a dark blue dress Ivanka wore in April 2018 elevated the look.

Ivanka wore an elegant Oscar de la Renta dress to the White House in April 2018 to welcome French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron.

The midi-length dress had quarter-length sleeves and hugged Ivanka's figure. Its asymmetrical neckline was adorned with white fabric that formed a knot on one side.

The dress was simple and chic.

Ruffles and lace were an intense combination on a black-and-white dress Ivanka wore to the Team USA Awards in April 2018.

Alexis Nalani designed the midi-length dress, which was white and covered in a layer of black lace.

The bodice had a high neckline, and the sleeves and skirt were made of tiers of ruffles. The lace and ruffles were too much together, and Ivanka's embellished shoes didn't help tone the look down.

The silhouette and fabric could have been pretty on different dresses, but together, they were distracting.

She wore a chic red suit to board Marine One in July 2018.

Walking across the White House lawn, Ivanka wore a red, fitted blazer with coordinating, cropped pants. She wore red pumps with the bright look.

Bold and well-tailored, the suit was a win for Ivanka.

An oversized belt she wore with a white skirt set in October 2018 dated her ensemble.

Ivanka wore a white top and matching skirt made of textured fabric for a White House briefing in October 2018. The top featured a subtle peplum and coordinating flared sleeves.

Ivanka added a wide, taupe belt to her waist, which matched her pointed-toe shoes.

The belt was a misstep for the look, as it looked outdated with the more traditional silhouette. She could have skipped the belt or opted for a thinner version.

In October 2019, Ivanka rocked a green suit.

Visiting Google's offices in October 2019, Ivanka wore ankle-length green trousers with a coordinating blazer.

She wore a black top underneath the jacket, which matched her pointed-toe black shoes. The look was stylish and professional.

The fabric on this dress that Ivanka wore in January 2020 made the garment look clunky.

Joining her father for the January 2020 "White House Summit on Human Trafficking," Ivanka wore a white wrap dress made of a thick fabric.

The bottom of her sleeves flared, as did the skirt, and the dress cinched at the waist with a thick bow. The choice of fabric and wrap style made the dress look more like a bathrobe than a dress.

A sleeker silhouette or fabric would have made the dress more stylish.

She went to an event in North Carolina in August 2020 in a floral sundress.

When her father was on the campaign trail, Lela Rose designed the sundress Ivanka wore in North Carolina in August 2020.

The midi dress had a high neckline and a form-fitting bodice covered in blue floral embroidery that spilled onto the flared skirt.

She accessorized the look with white open-toed heels and an off-white purse, completing the summery and feminine ensemble.

A trench coat and boots made for a fitting autumnal look in November 2020.

Ivanka was photographed at the White House with her husband in a turtleneck, brown boots, and a tan, double-breasted coat. She completed the look with sunglasses.

The relaxed outfit was a nice change of pace for Ivanka, and it complemented the fall weather perfectly.

She was spotted in a chic, sparkly set in October 2023.

After laying low since her father left office in 2021, Ivanka appeared in an off-white, sparkly set from Lapointe at Kim Kardashian's birthday party in October 2023.

The long-sleeve, cropped top was slightly loose, while the high-waisted skirt was form-fitting until a thigh-high slit cup up her leg.

Nude open-toed Christian Louboutin heels with curved detailing completed the festive look.

The top of her dress for an event in December 2023 was too plain compared to her skirt.

Ivanka attended the grand opening of Fontainebleau Las Vegas in a Monique Lhuillier gown.

The strapless dress's bodice was black, while the form-fitting skirt was covered in reflective silver fabric.

It was pretty, but the dress would have been stronger if it was completely sparkly, especially for an event in Las Vegas.

Pockets were a distraction on her dress for the March 2024 Miami Open.

Self-Portrait designed the tennis-inspired yellow dress Ivanka wore to the Miami Open in March 2024.

The dress featured ribbed fabric, ruffled long sleeves, a flared collar, and buttons down the front. If that wasn't enough, the two sets of pockets on her waist and chest were distracting from the figure-hugging silhouette, particularly when combined with everything else the dress had going on.

Without the pockets, the dress would have been a great choice for the event.

Ivanka wore a stylish mini dress for a May 2024 date night.

The garment's square neckline gave way to an exposed corset adorned with subtle, sparkly embroidery.

A swath of fabric cut across the short skirt, adding dimension to the look. She paired the dress with open-toed heels and a clutch, completing the sexy look.

Ahead of Trump's 2025 inauguration, Ivanka wore a sand-toned coat and coordinating dress.

Ivanka stepped away from her more daring looks when it came time for her father to return to the White House.

Ahead of the 2025 inauguration, Ivanka wore an Oscar de la Renta coat with a matching dress. The bottom half of the camel-colored coat was embellished with three-dimensional floral appliques, which added a stylish touch to the monochromatic look.

She wore another monochromatic look to the inauguration.

Ivanka arrived at the 2025 inauguration in a complete hunter-green outfit, a refreshing color for the ceremony that usually sees people wearing shades of red, white, or blue.

Dior designed her asymmetrical blazer, pencil skirt, and coordinating beret. She wore a thin belt around her waist, which matched her black tights and pointed-toe heels.

The ensemble put a high-fashion twist on familiar skirt sets that are common for the DC set.

Her dress for the 2025 inaugural balls was an odd style choice.

Ivanka attended the 2025 inaugural balls in a custom Givenchy gown, a recreation of the dress Hubert de Givenchy designed for Audrey Hepburn to wear in "Sabrina," a rom-com released in 1954.

The strapless dress, cinched at the waist, had a slim-fitted skirt that hit Ivanka above her ankles. A detached train flowed out behind her, forming a train. Black floral embellishments sat on the bodice, skirt, and train, and Ivanka nodded to them with matching black gloves and shoes.

She also wore over $1.1 million in diamond jewelry throughout the inauguration.

Nodding to a Hollywood icon at the inaugural balls didn't make sense from a historical fashion perspective. Plus, Ivanka's choice to wear black gloves instead of white, as Hepburn did, lessened the effect of the recreation as well. She should have saved the look for another occasion.

• On Wednesday, Christina Haack posted an Instagram photo with her new boyfriend.
• She was first reported to be dating Christopher Larocca in January.
• Haack is divorcing Josh Hall and was previously married to Tarek El Moussa and Ant Anstead.

Seven months after her split from Josh Hall, Christina Haack went Instagram official with her new love interest.

In July 2024, Haack and Hall filed for divorce in Orange County, citing irreconcilable differences. They had been married for less than three years when they split.

Hall was Haack's third husband. She was previously married to Tarek El Moussa, her longtime "Flip or Flop" costar, and Ant Anstead, another HGTV personality. And on Wednesday, Haack posted a photo with her new boyfriend, Christopher Larocca.

Business Insider broke down Haack's romantic history, from marrying El Moussa pre-fame to her split with Hall.

2009: Christina Haack and Tarek El Moussa got married.

Haack and El Moussa met in the early 2000s when they were working together at a real-estate office in California.

They started dating and became a real-estate team in 2008, and they got married a year later. 

2010: Haack gave birth to their first child.

El Moussa and Haack welcomed their daughter, Taylor Reese, after a quick birth.

2013: "Flip or Flop" started airing on HGTV.

El Moussa and Haack initially pitched "Flip or Flop" in 2011, when El Moussa had a friend film their audition tape for HGTV.

The network signed the couple for a show in 2012, and episodes started airing in 2013. 

2015: Haack gave birth to their son.

Haack and El Moussa struggled to conceive their second child, so she underwent IVF treatment, as People reported.

After suffering a miscarriage, Haack got pregnant again and gave birth to a son in 2015, Brayden James El Moussa.

December 2016: El Moussa and Haack announced they were separating.

In May 2016, police went to the couple's home because of "a call of a possibly suicidal male with a gun," TMZ reported at the time. El Moussa was seen running from his home with a firearm, which he dropped after police told him from a helicopter to release it, the outlet reported.

Seven months later, El Moussa and Haack announced their separation, acknowledging the incident in a statement to Us Weekly.

"Like many couples, we have had challenges in our marriage," the statement said. "We had an unfortunate misunderstanding about six months ago, and the police were called to our house in an abundance of caution."

"There was no violence, and no charges were filed. We chose to get counseling to sort out our relationship. Together, we have decided to separate while we reevaluate the future of our marriage," the statement went on to say.

El Moussa reflected on the incident in his 2024 book, "Flip Your Life," writing that he took his gun with him on a hike because of wildlife in the area after an argument with Haack, though that was not clear to Haack when she saw him hop their fence with the weapon in tow. 

"That was the very last time we were together as a family: with Christina walking down the driveway, crying, and me sitting there in handcuffs, asking myself, 'What in the world is going on?'" he wrote of the incident, adding that he was taking testosterone at the time. He quit the next day and ended up living in a halfway house shortly after.

Speaking to BI about his life in January 2024, El Moussa said that hitting rock bottom helped him see his true priorities.

"I didn't even realize how obsessed I was with my kids until I hit rock bottom, until I was on my own, until I started rebuilding my life," he told BI.

"I wasn't present. I wasn't putting in the work," he added. "I wasn't putting in the time that I put into flipping houses. I needed to put that time into being a dad."

October 2017: Haack started dating Ant Anstead.

Before her divorce from El Moussa was finalized, a mutual friend introduced Haack and "Wheelers and Dealers" star Ant Anstead, as House Beautiful reported. Like Haack, Anstead had two children from a previous marriage.

They initially kept their relationship private and only revealed they started dating in October on their first anniversary.

January 1, 2018: Haack and Anstead went public with their relationship.

Haack announced she and Anstead were dating with a casual photo of the duo biking on her Instagram that has since been deleted, as People reported.

She congratulated him on his new season of "Wheelers and Dealers" in the post.

January 22, 2018: El Moussa and Haack's divorce was finalized.

A representative for the former couple confirmed to Page Six that the divorce was finalized.

The exes decided to keep filming "Flip or Flop" together.

December 22, 2018: Haack and Anstead got married.

Anstead and Haack didn't announce their engagement before their wedding, though Anstead did say they were "celebrating something special" in the caption of a photo of Haack that he posted on December 17, according to People.

They got married at their house in Newport Beach, California. 

"We pulled off the perfect surprise wedding," Haack told People at the time.

March 22, 2019: Haack and Anstead announced they were expecting a baby.

Haack and Anstead announced they were expecting in an Instagram post that has since been deleted.

Her ex, El Moussa, later accidentally announced the baby's gender during an appearance on TMZ Live.

A representative for Haack and Anstead then confirmed the news to People in a statement. "While Christina and Ant wished they could have shared the news themselves, they are very excited to welcome a baby boy in the fall," they said.

September 2019: Haack gave birth to her third child.

In another now-deleted Instagram, Haack announced that she and Anstead had welcomed their son, Hudson London, according to People.

"Ant and I are so excited to welcome Hudson London Anstead into the world. Our hearts are SO full of love and joy," she captioned the post at the time. 

Haack also documented Taylor and Brayden meeting their brother for the first time in her docuseries, "Christina on the Coast."

September 2020: Haack and Anstead announced they were separating.

A post shared by ant anstead (@ant_anstead)

A year after they had Hudson, Haack announced she and Anstead were separating in an Instagram post that has since been deleted.

"Ant and I have made the difficult decision to separate. We are grateful for each other and as always, our children will remain our priority," she said in the statement, according to People. "We appreciate your support and ask for privacy for us and our family as we navigate the future."

Anstead also posted about the separation on his Instagram, seeming to indicate that Haack decided to end the marriage. 

"Anyone who really knows me knows that I don't like to share private matters publicly. I have remained silent while holding on to hope," he captioned a selfie of the pair. "I never gave up on us. I pray Christina's decision brings her happiness."

Early 2021: She started dating Josh Hall.

Sometime in early 2021, Haack started dating Austin-based real-estate agent Josh Hall. According to US Weekly, the pair initially met at a real-estate conference a few years before they became involved.

The couple kept the relationship quiet, and it's unclear exactly when they started dating. But in March 2022, Haack confirmed they had been dating since at least March 2021 with a throwback photo of the pair on Instagram that has since been deleted.

June 2021: Haack and Anstead's divorce was finalized.

A representative for Haack confirmed the marriage was officially over to USA Today.

July 6, 2021: Haack and Hall were spotted in public together for the first time.

Page Six published photos of the couple at LAX on their way to Mexico.

Haack posted a now-deleted photo of herself and Hall on Instagram later that day, confirming the relationship and critiquing the media's focus on her love life. 

"I met Josh when I wasn't in a state of fear or fight-or-flight," she wrote. "When we met this past spring, the synchronicities hit us so hard and fast they were impossible to ignore. I felt immediately crazy protective over him and wanted to keep him for myself and get to know each other before the tornado (media attention) hit."

"We decided whats in the past, is in the past. We aren't looking at all the nonsense online," she added. "So yes 'another relationship' and guess what. I'm 38 – I'll do what I want."

September 2021: Haack announced she and Hall were engaged.

Haack announced the engagement with a series of Instagram photos from a trip the couple took to Mexico, which have since been deleted.

April 2022: Haack and Hall revealed they tied the knot.

E! News initially reported that the couple got married in a "private ceremony" on April 5, 2022. Business Insider was able to confirm their marriage separately.

Haack also changed her Instagram name from "Christina Haack" to "Christina Hall." 

E! News reported that Haack's real-estate license had also been changed to "Christina Hall."

April 28, 2022: Anstead filed for full custody of Hudson.

On April 28, 2022, Anstead filed an emergency request for full custody of Hudson. 

In his court filing, which BI reviewed, Anstead said he was Hudson's "primary parent" and that Haack only spent an average of "9 full days each month" with their son.

He also said that Haack had put Hudson in "dangerous" situations, including a sunburn so severe it made him cry.

On another occasion, Anstead said Haack returned Hudson to him without telling him her family had COVID.

"At the time, my partner was filming her new project and her covid diagnosis placed the whole production on pause," he said in the filing, referring to his current girlfriend, Renée Zellweger.

Anstead also said in the filing that Haack used her time with Hudson to post him on social media, sometimes for sponsored content. Anstead requested that a judge block Haack from posting Hudson in any "commercial endeavor" until they reached a new custody agreement.

Anstead requested a "regular" custody schedule that would give Haack visitation rights on "alternating weekends, Friday at 4 p.m. until Sunday at 6 p.m. commencing May 6, 2022, in California only, and except for vacations," according to the court documents.

"This will allow Christina's time to be stepped-up over the next several months to match the schedule she has with her other children," the filing said.

Anstead declined to comment on the matter when contacted by BI.

April 28, 2022: Haack rebuked Anstead's claims in a statement to BI.

"What Ant is doing deeply saddens me," Haack said. "If this was really about Hudson, as he says, this should have been handled privately with a private judge or mediation, as myself and my attorney have suggested."

"I have had my share of ups and downs, but I am a good mom and I love my children with all my heart and I will always protect them," she added.

A judge denied Anstead's ex parte custody application on April 28, both because he did not give Haack enough notice and he did not provide sufficient evidence that Hudson was in danger, according to People.

Haack also filed a response to Anstead's motion on April 29, which BI reviewed. She said she was "shocked" by the filing and that Anstead was "misleading" the court regarding their custody arrangement.

"Mr. Anstead has now taken the position that he is the defacto primary parent of our son, which is not accurate," she said in the filing. "Anstead does not count any day wherein we exchange our son as a custodial day for me. He also counts days where I made an accommodation or gave a right of first refusal to him as his day."

"That is why there is a huge discrepancy in his mind from our accurate schedule. His attempt to mislead the court is transparent when presented with the true facts," Haack also said. "I do not count my accommodations as decreasing my custodial time, but as me being a supportive coparent."

Representatives for Haack and Anstead did not respond to a request for comment from BI on the filing.

May 9, 2022: Haack and Tarek El Moussa's wife, Heather Rae El Moussa, were photographed arguing at Brayden's soccer game.

Tarek El Moussa married Heather Rae El Moussa in October 2021, and she quickly became a huge part of his life and his children's lives. 

But she did not seem to immediately get along with Haack. The Daily Mail published photos of Tarek El Moussa appearing to pull the former "Selling Sunset" star away from Haack during an argument at Brayden's soccer game on May 9, 2022. The same article also featured photos of Hall and Tarek El Moussa arguing and being separated by a coach.

The two women shared a joint statement with BI at the time.

"A personal matter was discussed and has since been resolved," the statement said. "We are focused on co-parenting as a team moving forward."

The altercation took place after Heather Rae El Moussa appeared to confirm that her husband had called her a "hotter, richer version" of Haack during a fight, in addition to calling his ex a "washed-up loser," as People reported in July 2021.

May 10, 2022: Haack and Heather Rae El Moussa seemed to make amends after Brayden went to the ER.

Shortly after the Daily Mail published the argument photos, Brayden underwent an emergency appendectomy. 

Haack shared on her Instagram story that Brayden's surgery went well, adding that the experience was a "wake-up call" for her. She tagged Hall and the El Moussas in the post. 

"Stressful 24 hours but a good reminder how important team work / co-parenting is," she wrote on her story. "We are all under pressure but when it really matters we were all there for Brayden doing our part."

"Sometimes a scary situation can be a good wake up call," she said. "In the end all the other stuff is just 'noise,' what matters is the kids."

Heather Rae El Moussa echoed the sentiment in a selfie with Brayden and her husband that she shared on Instagram, in which she tagged Hall and Haack. 

"We all pulled together as a family during this stressful time," she wrote. "The kids will always be the main priority to all of us."

September 4, 2022: Haack revealed that she and Hall had a second wedding in Maui, Hawaii.

In an Instagram post that has since been deleted, Haack revealed she and Hall got married in September 2022 in front of their loved ones, including her children. 

"Shared vows in front of family and our close friends," she captioned the post. "Everything in life has led me to where I am right now, which is exactly where I want to be."

"My dream man on the dreamiest island," she added. "Maui holds a special place in my heart. What an amazing night filled with love."

November 18, 2022: Haack and Anstead resolved their custody issues.

After a monthslong custody battle, during which both accused the other of "exploiting" Hudson throughout their legal fight, Haack and Anstead were finally able to resolve their issues and retain joint custody in November 2022. 

Representatives for Haack and Anstead declined to comment on the matter when contacted by BI. 

May 15, 2024: HGTV announced that the El Moussas, Haack, and Hall would star in a new show together.

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On May 15, 2024, HGTV shared a promo video for a new show called "The Flip Off," starring the El Moussas, Haack, and Hall. 

The caption said the show would pit the two couples against each other in "a battle to see who can find, buy, renovate, and flip a house for the biggest financial gain."

"Be on the lookout for the spicy new series that'll have you saying, 'What the flip?!'" the caption said. 

July 16, 2024: Hall filed for divorce from Haack.

According to paperwork reviewed by BI, Hall filed for divorce in Orange County, California, on July 12, 2024. He listed his date of separation from Haack as July 8. The documents said that he was seeking spousal support from Haack.  

Hall's filing also listed the date of their marriage as October 6, 2021, five months earlier than the April 5, 2022, date originally believed to be the day they got married. 

Haack submitted her own request to dissolve their marriage on July 23, 2024, and her request listed their separation date as July 7, one day earlier than Hall's paperwork.

Hall and Haack's divorce proceedings are ongoing. The exes have disagreed about ownership of properties in Tennessee and spousal support. You can read more about Haack and Hall's divorce here.

December 12, 2024: HGTV confirmed Haack competed on "The Flip Off" without Hall.

In a press release shared with BI, HGTV shared that Haack started the competition for "The Flip Off" with Hall but ultimately competed against the El Moussas solo after their split.

Speaking to BI in January 2025, Haack said she thinks it was a "major advantage" that she didn't have to collaborate with Hall on the show because he was inexperienced with house flipping and real estate compared to her.

"I think that without him, it's just easier," she said.

January 13, 2025: Hall hard-launched his new relationship.

Hall posted a photo of himself with Stephanie Gabrys sitting on his lap on his Instagram story in January. He captioned the post, "Happy 35th to this real life 😇."

On her Instagram, Gabrys says she is a model who lives in Florida, Chicago, and Nashville.

She has not posted a photo of Hall on her Instagram grid, but Gabrys commented on a post Hall made on January 1, writing, "Proud of you and the strong, patient, hard working, generous, and kind hearted man you are! 2025 is going to be the best year yet!"

January 21, 2025: "The Flip Off" premiered, spotlighting tension between Haack and Hall.

Hall appeared in the premiere of "The Flip Off," finding a house to flip with Haack for the competition.

The episode also included a tense conversation between the then-couple in a car, during which Hall called Haack "rude" after she didn't understand a reference he made to a billboard, adding that he wished she would "shut up" and that she was "pissing" him off.

Haack told producers Hall had been "a bit moody lately" when speaking of the conversation.

"Josh knows that Tarek and I have a history," she said. "I'm sure some of it is the stress of the competition."

Hall abruptly stopped appearing in the episode after their split happened off-screen.

Hall shared a sneak peek clip of the interaction to his Instagram story ahead of the premiere, writing that it was "manufactured drama." In response, Haack shared a photo of herself crying after a day of filming with Hall.

January 21, 2025: Haack also told her first ex-husband about her divorce on "The Flip Off."

The first episode of "The Flip Off" also included an emotional conversation between Haack and El Moussa. She shared with him that she and Hall had split after a "blowup over nothing."

"Things with Josh have been bad for a long time. Not just kinda bad, like bad," Haack said on the show. "The kids literally asked me to leave. They told me he's not nice to me."

"You make him very insecure," she said to her ex. "Every time we would barely joke at soccer or if I laughed at you, he, like, would not speak to me for two to three days. I would get the silent treatment."

"He doesn't like me," Haack said of Hall. "He calls me cocky. He thinks I'm arrogant when we both know I'm not cocky or arrogant. I just do work."

Haack and El Moussa also reflected on their own relationship in the conversation, and Haack told BI she still gets emotional thinking about their talk.

February 5, 2025: Haack posted a photo of her new boyfriend on her Instagram.

On January 11, People reported that Haack was dating Christopher Larocca. According to the company's website, Larocca is the president and CEO of Network Connex and has worked in the business world for over two decades. He also has an MBA from the University of Southern California.

On Wednesday, she posted photos of herself and some friends on a private jet with the caption, "Some plane flights must be hard posted."

Haack included two photos of herself with Larocca in the post and tagged him. In one shot, they sit together in a plane seat, and in another, they have their arms wrapped around each other in front of the jet.

• Tarek El Moussa and Christina Haack's son Brayden is interested in real estate.
• They told Business Insider he likes to look at real-estate listings instead of reading before bed.
• Their daughter Taylor has an eye for design as well.

Christina Haack and Tarek El Moussa are again proving to be ratings gold for HGTV.

The former couple reunited on "The Flip Off," which premiered on January 29. On the show, Tarek El Moussa and his wife, Heather Rae El Moussa, compete against Haack to see who can profit most from a home flip. It became HGTV's highest-rated freshman series since 2022, attracting 4 million viewers during its first episode.

The premiere included plenty of home-renovation scenes, but it also featured details on Haack's split from her ex, Josh Hall, and an emotional conversation between Haack and her first ex-husband.

Haack and El Moussa's two children, Taylor, 14, and Brayden, 9, also appeared in the first episode of "The Flip Off" and offered opinions on their parents' flipping skills.

Speaking to Business Insider ahead of the premiere, Haack and El Moussa said Brayden, in particular, has a passion for real estate.

Brayden El Moussa loves real estate

Discussing their children's appearance on "The Flip Off," both Haack and El Moussa said their kids love real estate.

"They've been with us working and filming and flipping houses since they were born, so they don't know any different, and they love real estate," El Moussa, who also shares a 2-year-old son, Tristan, with Heather Rae El Moussa, said.

Both Taylor and Brayden appeared on HGTV's "Flip or Flop" when they were babies, growing up on camera as their parents' fame grew. They have also appeared in the former couple's separate series, like "The Flipping El Moussas" and "Christina on the Coast."

El Moussa told BI that Brayden is developing his own interest in real estate.

"Our son Brayden, he's at our house looking at houses online all the time," he said. "He's with Christina looking at houses all the time."

"He likes to do it before bed," Haack said, adding that Brayden asks to log into the multiple-listing service with her. "Like, some kids like bedtime stories. He's like, 'I want to go and search the MLS and see what's for sale in the neighborhood.' Truly, he loves it."

Brayden also recently appeared on "The Flipping El Moussas," investing his own money in a flip they were working on. Brayden contributed $25 to the flip, doubling his money when the house sold.

Haack said the episode was "so cute."

"He has really cute ideas, and he's really smart," Heather Rae El Moussa agreed. "So is Taylor. Her design eye is so amazing."

"She has an amazing eye," Haack said. "She always decorates her own room. She loves to help just designing houses, so I feel like it's definitely in both of their futures."

Episode two of "The Flip Off" airs on HGTV at 8 p.m. ET.