Paris Fashion Week, a global stage for artistic expression and boundary-pushing design, recently found itself at the center of multiple controversies. From a polarizing runway show that challenged industry norms to high-profile royal appearances riddled with gaffes and an environmental protest, the event sparked widespread debate and highlighted the complex interplay between fashion, public perception, and social activism.
Paris Fashion Week is renowned for showcasing avant-garde creations and unforgettable experiences, with designers often pushing the boundaries of what is considered conventional fashion. However, the recent Spring/Summer 2026 shows were particularly eventful, drawing significant online commentary and sparking several heated discussions.
Matières Fécales: A Goth Revolution or a Runway Rubble?
The sophomore show of designer duo Hannah Rose Dalton and Steven Raj Bhaskaran, under their label Matières Fécales, ignited a firestorm of online criticism. Held at the historic 17th-century Hôtel d’Évreux on October 1, their “romantic-goth” collection aimed to blend dark aesthetics with softer, pretty touches, notably incorporating the rose as a central motif. Designs featured elements inspired by Alexander McQueen’s signature silhouettes, complete with ruching, tailored bodices, semi-sheer mermaid gowns, and voluminous skirts.
Dalton herself opened the show, serving as the collection’s muse in a blush-pink satin blazer and matching midi skirt. Despite the presence of fashion luminaries like Christian Louboutin, public reception was far from enthusiastic. Many netizens derided the collection, with one social media user stating, “It’s not fashion at this point, it’s some strange deconstruction of style…” Others went further, dubbing it “Paris Freak Week” and comparing the outfits to costumes from Hollywood franchises such as The Hunger Games and Star Wars.
Challenging Norms: The Casting Controversy
A significant point of contention was Matières Fécales’ decision to cast friends and acquaintances rather than professional models. This included British social media star and arteriovenous malformation advocate Nikki Lilly. Co-designer Steven Raj Bhaskaran explained this as a deliberate move to challenge the industry’s rigid norms, stating, “In some landscapes… people like us aren’t really welcome, so it’s actually about taking that obstacle and turning it into something that’s beautiful.”
However, this choice appeared to backfire. Many amateur models struggled to walk gracefully in the sky-high heels designed by Christian Louboutin, leading to awkward runway moments captured on camera. Critics online seized upon these struggles, mocking the walks and questioning the overall professionalism of the show. Comments ranged from calling the models “demons” to sarcastically remarking on a perceived decline in modeling glamour. Despite the heavy criticism, a small contingent of supporters praised the label for “making fashion interesting again.”
Paris Fashion Week 😳 pic.twitter.com/8SVNPkmseR
— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) October 3, 2025
Meghan Markle’s Tumultuous Front Row Debut
Meghan Markle’s highly anticipated appearance at Paris Fashion Week, specifically at the Balenciaga show, was beset by a series of awkward moments that quickly went viral. Positioned in the front row alongside her friend Marcus Anderson, the Duchess of Sussex faced public scrutiny for several actions.
A Cascade of Gaffes
One widely circulated video appeared to show Meghan giggling as a model stumbled on the catwalk. While her representative later insisted she was not laughing at the model, royal fans and commentators, like Charlotte Griffiths of The Mail on Sunday, noted her reaction seemed out of sync with the otherwise stony-faced audience. Griffiths commented that Meghan “obviously realised that was quite a cruel thing to do, so she sort of covered it up,” as reported by DailyMail.co.uk.
Adding to the list of blunders, Meghan was mocked for her “Zoolander” walk as she exited the Balenciaga show, with critics likening her sashaying to Ben Stiller’s dim-witted supermodel character. Social media users also chastised her for making the event appear “all about her.”
Perhaps the most controversial incident was a clip posted to her own Instagram story, showing her feet resting on the leather seats of a limo while being driven near the Pont de l’Alma tunnel. This route paralleled the tragic final journey of Princess Diana in 1997, leading to widespread condemnation for being “insensitive beyond belief” and “utterly bewildering,” as detailed in The Daily Mail’s reporting on the incident. Prince Harry himself recounts the poignancy of driving through that very tunnel in his 2023 memoir, Spare, making the perceived oversight all the more striking.
The Kristin Scott Thomas Snub and Balenciaga Controversy
Meghan’s interactions with other high-profile attendees also garnered attention. Footage emerged of what appeared to be an awkward exchange with British actress Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, who seemingly turned away from Meghan during a conversation, leaving her “awkwardly hanging.” Given Dame Kristin’s close ties to the British Royal Family, having played the late Queen Elizabeth II in the play The Audience and attended state banquets, this interaction sparked speculation about underlying tensions.
Furthermore, Meghan faced criticism for her attendance at the Balenciaga show itself. The luxury brand had previously been “canceled” by many in 2022 following a controversial ad campaign that featured children holding teddy bears in bondage-style outfits. Critics questioned how the Duchess, a mother advocating for children, could support a brand embroiled in such a scandal.
Activist Disruption at Louis Vuitton
Beyond the fashion and celebrity dramas, Paris Fashion Week also saw a moment of social activism. An Extinction Rebellion protester gatecrashed the Louis Vuitton show, carrying a fabric sign that read “Overconsumption = Extinction.” The interloper was swiftly removed by security amidst a mix of awkward gasps and giggles from the crowd.
This incident reflects a broader trend of environmental groups using high-visibility events to raise awareness about climate change and overconsumption. While such acts generate discussion, their effectiveness in changing public opinion or influencing policymakers remains a complex “art,” as described in the provided analysis. Antoine Arnault, head of communications for LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), notably dismissed a similar previous protest at Dior as a “frivolous stunt,” suggesting that such disruptions are increasingly seen as an inconvenient byproduct of fashion week rather than a serious act of subversion.
The Evolving Landscape of Fashion and Public Opinion
The recent Paris Fashion Week proved to be a microcosm of broader societal shifts. From designers challenging traditional beauty standards and casting norms, as highlighted in a WWD interview with Matières Fécales, to celebrities navigating intense public scrutiny, and activists making their voices heard on the runway, the week underscored fashion’s role as a mirror to contemporary culture. The line between groundbreaking artistry and perceived disaster is often thin, and the court of public opinion, especially on social media, wields immense power in shaping narratives.
These incidents serve as a reminder that major cultural events like Fashion Week are no longer confined to the elite echelons of design; they are now public spectacles where every detail, intentional or not, can ignite global conversations and redefine what it means to be fashion-forward in a rapidly changing world.
