It’s a rainy Tuesday evening in New York City and underneath pitched tents atop the High Line in the Meatpacking District is an exclusive event to fete a new fashion collaboration between the hit USA Network series Suits and MR PORTER, the premiere luxury men’s shopping site by Net-a-Porter.
An uber fashionable crowd sips on champagne, vodka sodas and bourbon. Those brave enough to be caught dead eating at a fashion event grab small bites from gorgeous servers dressed in black and white gingham shirts and black trousers. In this picturesque crowd stand actors Gabriel Macht, Patrick J. Adams, Gina Torres, Sarah Rafferty, Rick Hoffman and Meghan Markle. All are being bombarded with flashes from photographers, bloggers and industry execs looking to hob knob with these rising stars.
There are no divas among this stellar cast of the hottest show on television. Each actor takes the time out to pose and chat briefly with fans. Actress Meghan Markle, who plays paralegal Rachel Zane on the hit legal drama shines among them. She is bathed in black sequins that is flashy yet subtle at the same time. She complements the slinky black Blumarine Rayon Net Dress with vertiginous glitter Christian Louboutin Pigalle pumps. Her on screen persona Rachel would probably wear this out on the town but never to the office.
Though she’s no stranger to the silver or small screens, – she’s been in Horrible Bosses, Remember Me, Castle, Get Him to The Greek, CIS: NY, Fringe, Without a Trace – Suits is her first full-time series. One look at this former model and you know she’s going to become a household name. She’s smart, sweet and savvy, traits she brings to her character.
It’s my second time meeting this brunette beauty – the first was at the USA Network Upfronts – and she immediately flashes her radiant smile as soon as I approach. We chat about Twitter – she is into social media, with a big presence on Twitter – and her upcoming appearance on Fashion Police with Joan Rivers, Giuliana Rancic and Kelly Osbourne, which aired this past Monday. She and I then delve into a discussion about uncomfortable shoes, her must haves for the summer and her passion for cooking. I even get her to divulge a few secrets about how she stays looking so svelte and toned. She had to have a good fitness routine since her character has to don all those pencil skirts and body-con silhouettes Suits.
What are your must haves for the summer?
I’m a California girl so I love my cutoffs and flip-flops. But we’re filming in Toronto until October, so what I really want this summer is to wear something fantastic in tangerine. Whether it be your lip gloss or nail polish or a fantastic top. I have my eye on a pair of sandals from Isabel Marant, who is doing some great stuff for the summer. I also love a breezy Missoni tunic to throw on over a bikini or bathing suit.
You are a self-professed foodie. What is your favorite meal?
If I’m going to splurge, I’m going to go out. I had the most epic meal at Babo, Mario Batali’s incredible gem in the West Village a few weeks ago. I also love Taim Falafel in the West Village.
I generally cook seafood when I’m at home but I am a big fan of a good Sunday night supper. I’m great at making Lamb tagine with couscous or a good roast. I looooove food! And wine is a must at dinner.
Red or White?
It depends. I love a big red wine, especially one from California and the pinots from Oregon, Willamette Valley. I lived in Argentina for a while so I’m a fan of a big malbec. As hot as it is right now, who would want a glass of red though? For summertime though you need a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc or a sancerre.
How do you keep in shape? What’s your favorite exercise routine?
When I’m in Los Angeles, Platinum Pilates is my go-to to keep fit. My dear friend Heather Dorak owns the studio. It’s the instant way to get your body aligned and looking toned. I also run every day, which is good because I eat everything. I did the half marathon in Malibu two years ago so it’s time to kick it up a notch with a marathon, which I’m training for.
Meghan did a guest post on iVillage about some of her favorite recipes: http://bit.ly/MLqyef
Suits airs Thursday nights on USA Network at 10/9 EST. For more information on the MR PORTER collaboration, head to www.mrporter.com/suits.
Photo credits: Zimbio & USA Network
