Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, made headlines during Paris Fashion Week following her surprise appearance at the Balenciaga Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show on October 4, 2025. Her attendance at the highly anticipated runway event and her interaction with Balenciaga’s new creative director quickly became one of the most discussed moments of the fashion season.
A Surprise Appearance at Balenciaga’s Debut Show
According to an interview published by The Cut on October 11, 2025, Pierpaolo Piccioli, Balenciaga’s newly appointed Creative Director, shared that it was Meghan herself who reached out to attend his debut show. Piccioli, previously the creative director at Valentino, officially took on his new role in July 2025 after being named to the position in May.
Piccioli described Meghan’s attendance as unplanned but welcome. He explained that he did not announce her presence beforehand because he wanted it to remain a genuine surprise. In the fashion world, unexpected celebrity appearances can generate significant media attention — and this one did exactly that.
Meghan’s Paris Fashion Week Look
At the show, Meghan Markle wore a crisp all-white Balenciaga ensemble consisting of a dramatic cape layered over a silk button-down shirt and matching tailored trousers. She paired the look with black pointed high heels, creating a clean and striking contrast. Her fashion choice aligned with Balenciaga’s minimalist aesthetic while standing out amid the Parisian crowd.
This was Meghan’s first-ever appearance at Paris Fashion Week, and it coincided with Piccioli’s first collection for Balenciaga — one of the most high-profile debuts of the season.
Viral Moment Between Meghan Markle and Pierpaolo Piccioli
After the show, Meghan greeted Piccioli in a typical Parisian fashion — with a kiss on each cheek. A short video clip posted on TikTok by fashion commentator Saint Leon showed their interaction. As they turned to exchange the traditional greeting, a slight timing mismatch made the moment look unexpectedly close.
The brief interaction quickly went viral on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Many users commented on the moment, describing it as surprising or awkward. However, both Meghan and Piccioli laughed it off immediately and posed for photographs together for the press.
Additional footage shared by Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) showed Meghan and Piccioli continuing their conversation afterward, smiling and speaking closely as photographers captured the moment. This added to the buzz, with users offering varied interpretations of their interaction.
Importantly, neither party has indicated any controversy regarding the moment. Piccioli, in his interview, focused on Meghan’s support and the excitement of having her attend his show.
Social Media Reactions and Online Debate
Social media users reacted in different ways to Meghan’s Paris Fashion Week appearance. Some praised her choice to support Piccioli’s first Balenciaga collection, highlighting her enduring influence in global fashion circles. Others focused on analyzing the greeting moment from the viral video, leading to a wave of online discussions.
Comments ranged from viewers calling the interaction “unexpected” to others debating whether the greeting was simply a cultural norm in France. Parisian cheek kisses are a standard form of greeting at fashion events, especially between well-acquainted individuals in the industry.
While social media commentary can often amplify small moments into larger discussions, it’s important to note that no credible news outlet or official source reported any inappropriate behavior or controversy surrounding the greeting.
Meghan Markle’s Paris Limousine Video Draws Additional Attention
Around the same time, Meghan posted an Instagram story showing her relaxed in the back of a limousine driving through central Paris. The clip, filmed from her perspective, displayed several famous bridges, including Pont Alexandre III and Pont des Invalides.
Some online users noted that the vehicle appeared to pass near Pont de l’Alma, the site of the tragic 1997 car crash that claimed the life of Princess Diana, Prince Harry’s mother. This observation prompted some emotional reactions from viewers who felt the location carried significant historical and personal weight.
However, Meghan’s video did not reference the site directly, and no statement was made by her or her representatives about the clip. As with many moments involving public figures, social media users expressed a wide range of opinions — some found it insensitive, while others believed the reaction was overstated.
Meghan Markle’s Role in the Global Fashion Conversation
Meghan Markle has long been recognized for her influence on contemporary fashion. Since joining the British royal family, her wardrobe choices have often led to spikes in sales for the brands she wears — a phenomenon sometimes referred to as the “Meghan effect.”
Her appearance at Paris Fashion Week marks a new phase of her evolving public presence. Since stepping back from official royal duties in 2020, Meghan has participated in select public events and collaborations, often focusing on media, philanthropy, and lifestyle ventures. Her support of Piccioli’s debut collection places her once again at the intersection of celebrity culture, fashion, and media.
Pierpaolo Piccioli’s New Chapter at Balenciaga
For Balenciaga, Piccioli’s appointment represents a significant new direction. Known for his refined couture vision at Valentino, Piccioli is expected to merge Balenciaga’s modern architectural style with classic couture techniques.
His debut show drew global media coverage, with many fashion critics praising his approach to combining tradition with innovation. Meghan Markle’s attendance at the show underscored the brand’s high-profile positioning and helped generate widespread attention from both fashion insiders and mainstream media outlets.
Conclusion
Meghan Markle’s appearance at Balenciaga’s Paris Fashion Week show was a carefully noted cultural moment. Her fashion choices, her support for Pierpaolo Piccioli’s debut, and the viral video of their greeting collectively generated widespread online engagement.
While social media users debated aspects of the interaction and her limousine video, there is no credible evidence of any controversy beyond public interpretation and online discussion.
Ultimately, the Duchess of Sussex continues to play a significant role in global fashion and media narratives, with her presence at high-profile events like Paris Fashion Week underscoring her ongoing influence.