Creative director of Balenciaga, Pierpaolo Piccioli, has explained how Meghan Markle‘s Paris Fashion Week appearance came about.
The Duchess of Sussex, 44, made her Paris Fashion Week debut earlier this month (October 4), attending the highly anticipated Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2026 show.
Meghan Markle attends Balenciaga show at Paris Fashion Week
Meghan said that she had attended the show in support of Pierpaolo, the Italian fashion designer who was named creative director of Balenciaga in May 2025.
The Duchess of Sussex was snapped wearing crisp white wide leg trousers, paired with a matching blouse. Stealing the show was a dramatic white oversized cape trailing behind her. She contrasted the look with black pointed-toe heels and a black clutch bag.
Later on in the night, the duchess changed into a sleek black dress with an asymmetrical neckline for a Balenciaga after-party.
In fashion, real surprises are rare, and this one was beautiful.
A spokesperson for Meghan said of her attendance at the show: “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,” they went on. “This evening reflects the culmination of many years of artistry and friendship, reflected in her support for his new creative chapter at Balenciaga.”
‘I wanted it to stay a surprise’
When quizzed about how he made Meghan’s surprise appearance “happen”, Pierpaolo revealed that he hadn’t actually been the one to invite Meghan.
“Meghan and I met some years ago, and we’ve been texting ever since,” the designer told The Cut. “She reached out and said she’d love to come to the show. There was no strategy or big orchestration.”
“I didn’t tell anyone she was coming because I wanted it to stay a surprise,” he continued. “In fashion, real surprises are rare, and this one was beautiful.”
Meghan suffers blunder with Pierpaolo Piccioli
While Pierpaolo sounds thrilled to have had Meghan there at his show, fans did spot a minor hiccup between the designer and the duchess, which has since gone viral online.
In a video, shared on TikTok, Meghan could be seen greeting Pierpaolo with a kiss on the cheek as she made her entrance. At least, she attempted to. Unfortunately, as she did so, her nose instead awkwardly collided with his sunglasses.
Read more: Meghan Markle tipped to make London visit following Prince Harry’s reunion with King Charles
However, the Italian designer seemed to see the funny side, laughing off the accidental head bump before taking the duchess’ hand for a photograph.
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