Meghan Markle made a surprising appearance at Paris Fashion Week, attracting attention during her first visit to mainland Europe in three years, without Prince Harry by her side. The Duchess of Sussex graced the Balenciaga show in a stunning all-white outfit in the front row before changing into a striking black dress for the after-party. Despite the quick trip, Meghan’s presence generated a mix of admiration and criticism, with fans expressing divided opinions on her fashion choices and a viral moment of an awkward encounter with a top designer.
Her trip to Paris was for the Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2026 womenswear design showcase. Meghan’s attendance at the show raised questions, but it was revealed that she shares a friendship with fashion designer Pierpaolo Piccioli, the new creative director at Balenciaga, whom she has previously worn designs by when he was at Valentino.
A spokesperson for Meghan stated that her support for Piccioli marked her return to fashion shows after years of collaboration and admiration for his work. The Paris Fashion Week event is a prominent occasion in the fashion world, coming to a close on Tuesday, where Meghan had the chance to catch up with her fashion connections.
An awkward moment between Meghan and Piccioli was captured on camera, showing a playful mishap where Meghan accidentally hit her nose on his sunglasses while attempting an air-kiss. Despite the momentary awkwardness, they laughed it off and posed for photos together, with a body language expert later explaining the interaction.
During the show, Meghan reunited with Anna Wintour, the former Vogue editor-in-chief, dispelling rumors of a previous rift between them. The two shared a warm exchange, with Wintour complimenting Meghan’s ensemble, signaling a positive interaction amid past speculations of tension.
Meghan’s appearance at the Balenciaga show showcased her style in a white cape, later changing into a black dress for the after-party, drawing mixed reactions from fans on social media. Her hairstylist shared details of her look, emphasizing the inspiration behind her sleek bun hairstyle.
While previous reports hinted at tensions surrounding Meghan’s involvement with Vogue, insiders revealed that despite disagreements, Meghan, Edward Enninful, and Anna Wintour maintain a cordial relationship. The incident highlighted that even in the world of high fashion, misunderstandings can lead to humorous moments and lasting friendships.