Paris Fashion Week is always a spectacle, but this year, on October 4, 2025, the City of Lights was abuzz with an unexpected guest: Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. Her surprise appearance at the Balenciaga show marked not only a personal milestone—her first-ever time at the iconic French fashion event—but also a show of support for her longtime friend and collaborator, Pierpaolo Piccioli, who was celebrating his debut as the creative director for the storied fashion house.
Meghan’s arrival was nothing short of dramatic. In the hours before the show, she teased her Parisian adventure on Instagram, posting a video of her feet striding purposefully down a marble hallway, set to the French track “Viens on essaie” by Vitaa and Julien Doré. The internet quickly took notice, speculating about her destination. When she finally emerged from her car—sleek, blacked-out windows shielding her from the throng of photographers waiting outside the $3,000-a-night Hôtel Plaza Athénée—there was an audible gasp from the assembled crowd, as reported by HELLO!.
For the occasion, Meghan wore an all-white ensemble straight from Balenciaga’s latest collection: a dramatic cape that swept behind her in a long train, a silk button-down shirt, and wide-legged pants. She completed the look with black satin Balenciaga Knife heels, a small black purse, and her hair slicked back into a tight bun. The effect was striking—modern, elegant, and unmistakably regal. Later in the evening, she was spotted in a sleek black dress with an asymmetrical neckline at a Balenciaga after-party, proving her fashion versatility once again.
Inside the show, Meghan greeted fashion royalty and Hollywood elite alike, including Vogue’s global editorial director Anna Wintour and film director Baz Luhrmann. The Duchess’s presence was met with excitement and a flurry of camera flashes. According to BBC, she was seen posing for photos with Pierpaolo Piccioli after the show, sharing a warm hug and private conversation. Videos circulating on social media captured the crowd’s surprise and delight at her appearance.
Meghan’s attendance wasn’t merely about making a splash on the fashion scene. Her spokesperson explained to People and USA TODAY that she was there to support Pierpaolo Piccioli during his “new creative chapter” at Balenciaga. The spokesperson elaborated, “Over the years, the Duchess has worn a number of designs by Pierpaolo. They have worked closely together, collaborating on design for key moments on the world stage. She has long admired his craftsmanship and modern elegance, and tonight was no different. This evening reflects the culmination of many years of artistry and friendship, reflected in her support for his new creative chapter at Balenciaga.”
The relationship between Meghan and Piccioli is not new. She has worn his designs for major public moments, including a dramatic red caped gown during an official visit to Morocco and a white double-breasted oversized suit at the Invictus Games Friends and Family reception in 2022, when Piccioli was creative director at Valentino. Their collaborations have always blended modernity with classic elegance, something Meghan has championed both as a royal and as a public figure.
Her appearance at Paris Fashion Week was her first foray into the event in more than a decade, though she has graced other fashion weeks in the past. According to Vogue, Meghan made her New York Fashion Week front-row debut at Hervé Léger’s spring 2014 show and became a regular fixture during her time on the TV drama Suits, attending shows by Tory Burch, Peter Som, Wes Gordon, and Misha Nonoo. She’s also attended Toronto Fashion Week, but never London or Milan’s iterations.
Meghan’s return to Europe was notable for more than just fashion. It marked her first trip back to the continent since 2023. She and Prince Harry, along with their children Archie and Lilibet, now live in Montecito, California. Her last known visit to the UK was in September 2022, when she attended a charity event and remained in the country following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, staying for the late monarch’s funeral. Prince Harry, meanwhile, has made several recent trips to the UK for charity events and court cases, including a High Court hearing against the Daily Mail’s publisher on October 1, 2025. Earlier this year, he lost a legal challenge over the downgrading of his family’s security arrangements in the UK, a decision that has been the subject of ongoing public discussion.
Despite the physical distance from the royal fold, Meghan’s influence on global style remains undiminished. Earlier in 2025, she launched a new digital shop, allowing fans to purchase her favorite clothing, accessories, and jewelry recommendations. In her recent Netflix series, she described her “high-low” approach to fashion, mixing designer pieces with accessible brands—a philosophy that resonates with many of her followers.
Paris Fashion Week itself continues to be a major event on the global style calendar, running until October 7, 2025, and featuring legendary brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, and Hermès. This season, however, it was Meghan Markle’s unexpected appearance—and her visible support for Pierpaolo Piccioli—that stole the headlines and set social media alight. Her presence underscored not only the enduring power of celebrity in the fashion world but also the importance of creative partnerships that span years and continents.
For the Duchess of Sussex, the night was more than a return to the spotlight. It was a testament to friendships forged through artistry and a reminder that, even far from the royal palaces of Britain, Meghan continues to shape the conversation—one dramatic cape at a time.
