Meghan Markle surprised fans when she showed up to Paris Fashion Week for her first-ever appearance at the event, looking stunning in two elegant monochromatic looks, the first an all-white outfit and the second a sleek black dress.
Markle attended the Balenciaga Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show on Oct. 4 in support of Pierpaolo Piccioli, who recently became the new creative director for the high-fashion brand. Her appearance was a total surprise to people in attendance and fans at home, but a welcome one.
She looked chic and sophisticated in her first look of the day, wearing an all-white ensemble with a button-up shirt, long pants, and a white cape on top. She accessorized with a black clutch purse and pointed-toe black heels, while her hair was slicked back into an updo.
But her second look of the day was equally stylish, as the Duchess of Sussex changed into a simple yet gorgeous black dress with a similar cape draped over her left shoulder. She wore her hair slicked back again and added what was likely the same pair of black heels.
This was Markle’s first time ever attending Paris Fashion Week, and it was her first fashion week in about a decade.
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Markle Attended the Show in Support of Balenciaga’s New Creative Director
A spokesperson for Markle confirmed to People that her reason for attending was to support Piccioli and his big Balenciaga debut.
In a statement to the publication, the spokesperson said, “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.”
Elaborating on Markle’s admiration for Piccioli, they went on, saying, “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.”
Before moving to Balenciaga, Piccioli was at Valentino for over 20 years, and Markle has worn many looks designed by him over the years. For example, she wore a stunning red Valentino dress designed by Piccioli during a trip to Morocco with Prince Harry when she was pregnant with their first child, Prince Archie.
It’s unclear if Markle plans to attend any other events before Paris Fashion Week ends. The 2025 edition of Paris Fashion Week has already included many memorable moments, such as when Paris Jackson and her aunt, Janet Jackson, hugged while attending a show, and big stars like Helen Mirren and Jane Fonda walked the runway in glam looks.
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