Dive deep into the intriguing backstory of Meghan Markle’s first Paris Fashion Week appearance, where Balenciaga’s creative director, Pierpaolo Piccioli, unexpectedly confirmed the Duchess of Sussex personally sought her invitation, challenging prior narratives and igniting a series of public debates.
The fashion world, and indeed the global public, was abuzz on October 4, 2025, when Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, made a surprise debut at Balenciaga’s Paris Fashion Week show. This unexpected appearance marked her first time at the prestigious event in the French capital and her first major fashion week outing since stepping down as a working royal in 2020. While initial reports framed her attendance as a show of support for a long-time friend and collaborator, the true nature of her invitation soon came to light, painting a more complex picture.
The Revelation: An Invitation Self-Extended?
Following the highly publicized event, the narrative surrounding Meghan’s attendance took an interesting turn. While her representative initially told People magazine that the former actress was in Paris to “support” Pierpaolo Piccioli—who was debuting his first collection as Balenciaga’s creative director—the designer himself later offered a different account. In an interview with The Cut on October 11, 2025, Piccioli revealed, “Meghan and I met some years ago, and we’ve been texting ever since. She reached out and said she’d love to come to the show.”
The designer clarified that “there was no strategy or big orchestration” behind her appearance, adding, “I didn’t tell anyone she was coming because I wanted it to stay a surprise. In fashion, real surprises are rare, and this one was beautiful.” This candid admission prompted many to question the extent of their “friendship,” which Meghan’s spokesperson had described as the “culmination of many years of artistry and friendship,” suggesting a more casual relationship than initially portrayed.
A Stylish Arrival: Meghan’s Balenciaga Looks
For her high-profile debut, Meghan Markle chose a striking all-white ensemble, featuring an oversized button-through tunic with an incorporated cape and matching slacks. She completed the look with sleek black heels and a clutch, sporting a slicked-back hairdo and simple stud earrings. Later in Paris, she was also seen in an elegant all-black Balenciaga outfit, showcasing her versatility and affinity for modern sophistication.
Her appearance was also significant for Pierpaolo Piccioli, as it marked his inaugural collection for Balenciaga since his appointment as creative director in July. Piccioli, known for his distinguished 25-year tenure at Valentino, unveiled a collection that seamlessly blended iconic elements, such as a modernized 1957 sack dress, with fresh inspirations.
More Than Just a Show: Meghan’s Fashion Philosophy
This Paris Fashion Week outing was not Meghan Markle’s first foray into the world of high fashion events. During her time as an actress on the hit show Suits, she was a regular at both Toronto Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week. Her approach to fashion, particularly when making public appearances, has always been carefully considered.
In a 2024 interview with The New York Times, Meghan articulated her philosophy on supporting designers. She stated that she prioritizes wearing pieces from designers with whom she shares “really great friendships” or from “smaller, up-and-coming brands that haven’t gotten the attention that they should be getting.” She highlighted the power of her platform, noting, “That’s one of the most powerful things that I’m able to do, and that’s simply wearing, like, an earring.” This perspective adds a layer of depth to her choice of Balenciaga, despite the controversy surrounding the brand.
The Storm of Controversy: A Trip Fraught with Incident
While Meghan’s Balenciaga debut garnered significant attention for her style, the trip was also marred by a series of controversial moments that quickly became talking points across social media and news outlets.
Laughter on the Front Row
One widely circulated video clip from the show appeared to capture Meghan reacting with amusement to a model taking a tumble on the catwalk. Observers noted that she initially gasped with horror before giggling behind her hands and turning to chat with her friend, Marcus Anderson, who remained stony-faced. Royal watchers and fans were left baffled by her reaction, especially as the rest of the audience maintained neutral expressions. However, a representative for Meghan later told the Daily Mail that she was not laughing at the model, clarifying the perceived insensitivity.
The “Zoolander” Walk
As Meghan exited the Balenciaga show, a video of her strutting in her £745 Balenciaga ‘knife’ heels and cape-like ensemble from the £2,210-per-night Plaza Athénée hotel prompted comparisons to “Zoolander,” the dim-witted supermodel character from the 2001 comedy. Critics mocked her “sashaying” walk, with some commenting, “Meghan, you’re not a model, they’re simply just walking you to your seat!” Others, however, complimented her confidence, saying she channeled her “inner princess” and possessed “elegance and style.”
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The “Insensitive” Journey: Diana’s Shadow
Perhaps the most poignant criticism came from a video Meghan posted showing her feet resting on the leather seats of a minivan as she was driven through Paris. Critics noted that her route appeared to parallel that of her mother-in-law, Princess Diana, on her final evening in August 1997, specifically passing near the Pont de l’Alma tunnel where Diana tragically died. Commentators swiftly condemned the clip as “disrespectful” and “insensitive beyond belief.” Insiders close to Prince Harry reportedly conveyed his hurt and upset over the incident, feeling that his late mother’s memory was being used to “beat his wife with,” though friends clarified that Meghan was likely unaware of the route’s historical significance.
Balenciaga’s Past: A Controversial Brand Choice
Adding another layer to the controversy, Meghan Markle faced significant backlash for supporting Balenciaga due to the brand’s past. Three years prior, Balenciaga had come under fire for a campaign featuring children holding teddy bears dressed in bondage-style outfits, leading to widespread condemnation and an apology from the brand. Critics, particularly mothers, questioned Meghan’s decision to align herself with a brand associated with such a scandal, especially given her public advocacy for children and families. Social media users speculated that her entire Paris Fashion Week appearance might have been a calculated PR move.
Beyond Paris: A Focus on Mental Health
Shortly after her eventful trip to Paris, Meghan Markle, accompanied by Prince Harry, traveled to New York. There, they attended the Project Healthy Minds’ annual World Mental Health Day Gala on October 9, 2025, where they were honored with the Humanitarians of the Year award. This award recognized their significant contributions to improving global mental health, particularly through their Archewell initiative, The Parents Network, which supports families affected by social media harm.
During their acceptance speech, Meghan spoke about the digital age’s challenges for parents, while Harry emphasized the importance of their work: “This is a pivotal moment in our collective mission to protect children and support families in the digital age, and we cannot do it without you.” This philanthropic focus provided a counterpoint to the fashion-related controversies, reminding the public of the couple’s ongoing commitment to social causes.
Meghan Markle’s Paris Fashion Week debut was undeniably a multifaceted event, generating headlines for her stylish choices, but also sparking a flurry of debates and criticisms. From the surprising revelation of her self-extended invitation to the various controversies that unfolded, her presence underscored the intense scrutiny that continues to follow the Duchess of Sussex on the world stage. As ever, her actions provoke strong reactions, cementing her role as a figure of enduring global interest.
