Meghan Markle made a splash with her stunning outfit changes at Paris Fashion Week.
The Duchess of Sussex, at 44 years old, turned heads in a winter-white pantsuit complemented by a matching cape during her appearance at Balenciaga’s runway show on Saturday, October 4th, before switching looks for another event that evening.
<pLater that same day, Meghan dazzled in Paris with a chic one-shouldered black gown paired with sleek pumps, all crafted by the renowned fashion label.
For her makeup and hair, Meghan opted for a polished look, featuring a sleek bun and understated, natural makeup.
Meghan’s appearance marked her debut at Paris Fashion Week, where she came to support designer Pierpaolo Piccioli in his inaugural collection for Balenciaga.
According to a representative for Meghan, “Over the years, the Duchess has been an avid supporter of Pierpaolo’s designs. They share a creative bond and have collaborated on many significant occasions,” the representative told Hello! in a statement. “Her appreciation for his artistry and contemporary elegance is as strong as ever.”
The representative concluded, “Her presence tonight symbolizes years of creativity and camaraderie, highlighting her support for this new chapter in Piccioli’s career at Balenciaga.”
Meghan Markle. Andrea Cremascoli/Getty Images
Piccioli, now 58, took over as Balenciaga’s creative director this past summer, succeeding the previous director, Demna.
“We’re entering a new era for fashion, and transformation can only occur internally. I aim to present a fresh perspective on fashion that emphasizes assertiveness, humanity, and intellect—qualities that are often overlooked,” Piccioli, a former designer at Valentino, shared with Vogue in May. “Balenciaga has an established community; I plan to embrace that essence while forging my narrative in this ongoing story.”
He elaborated, “I also wish to honor the legacy, recognizing the contributions of Nicolas [Ghesquière] and Demna before me. Balenciaga’s history is rich with designers whose work I greatly respect.”
As she enjoyed her time in Paris, Meghan shared glimpses of her experiences through Instagram Stories. One video featured her stunning ensemble set to the track “Viens on essaie” by Vitaa and Julian Doré, followed by a scenic view of her vehicle passing the iconic Eiffel Tower.
In a montage shared on Sunday, October 5, Meghan wrote, “About last night. Grateful to @pppiccioli and @balenciaga. I’ve truly missed you 🇬🇧 – appreciative of the love ❤️.”
As Meghan continues to explore her personal style post-royalty—after she and her husband Prince Harry stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and transitioned to life in California—she reflects on the fashion choices she makes under public scrutiny. “I tend to support designers with whom I share great friendships, especially when the spotlight is on me,” she noted in an August 2024 interview with The New York Times, emphasizing her commitment to lesser-known brands that deserve recognition.
“It empowers me to direct attention to new designers and innovative styles, whether it’s by simply wearing an accessory or a piece of clothing. I spend hours researching and discovering fresh talent, particularly from various regions,” she added.
