Meghan Markle Attends Paris Fashion Week to Support Friend

• Oct 05, 2025

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, made a rare public appearance at Paris Fashion Week on Saturday, attending the Balenciaga show to support her longtime friend and the fashion house’s new creative director, Pierpaolo Piccioli. The event marked her first appearance at Paris Fashion Week in more than a decade.

The duchess, 44, was photographed warmly greeting Vogue’s global editorial director Anna Wintour and acclaimed filmmaker Baz Luhrmann at the star-studded event. She announced her presence in the French capital earlier in the day through an Instagram story, sharing a glimpse of her journey through the streets of Paris en route to the show.

For the runway presentation, Meghan wore a tailored white ensemble from Balenciaga’s latest collection, featuring wide-leg trousers, a matching blazer, and black pointed heels. Her slicked-back hairstyle completed the polished look. Later in the evening, she changed into a sleek black dress paired with gold jewellery, showcasing her versatile fashion sense.

A spokesman for Meghan said her attendance was a show of support for Piccioli’s “new creative chapter,” highlighting their long-standing friendship and history of collaboration. “Meghan has long admired his craftsmanship and modern elegance, and tonight was no different,” the spokesman noted.

Paris Fashion Week, running until Tuesday, features showcases from some of the world’s leading luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, and Hermès. Meghan’s appearance at Balenciaga’s show has drawn significant attention, reflecting her growing influence in the fashion world beyond her royal background.

Once best known for her acting career, particularly her role in the legal drama Suits, Meghan has in recent years expanded her focus to include fashion and lifestyle ventures. Earlier this year, she launched a digital platform highlighting her personal style choices, from clothing to accessories and jewellery.

Now residing in Montecito, California, with Prince Harry and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, Meghan balances public appearances with her growing projects in media, philanthropy, and fashion. While her last trip to the UK was in 2022 for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, Harry has made multiple solo visits since then for legal matters and charity work.

Her surprise appearance in Paris underscored not only her enduring connection to the global fashion scene but also her commitment to supporting close friends as they embark on new creative journeys.