The Duchess of Sussex returned to Europe for the first time since 2023 to take her seat at the Balenciaga show at Paris Fashion Week. Meghan, who had previously teased her arrival in the French capital with an Instagram story overlaid with the French track “Viens on essaie” by Vitaa and Julien Doré, was there “in support Pierpaolo Piccioli, who recently assumed the role of Creative Director for the House”, a spokesman for Meghan tells HELLO!.
“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,” said the spokesman. “This evening reflects the culmination of many years of artistry and friendship, reflected in her support for his new creative chapter at Balenciaga.”
Those designs include a dramatic red caped gown worn on an official visit to Morocco, while she opted for a white double-breasted, oversized suit by the designer for an outing at the Invictus Games in 2022, and in 2018, attended the British Fashion Awards, where he was awarded Designer of the Year.
For her one night in Paris, Meghan stayed at the $3,000 a night Hôtel Plaza Athénée and there were crowds of photographers outside waiting for her to emerge. She made her way to the show in a sleek car with blacked-out windows, and inside the show, there were gasps from the crowds as she arrived with security. She later changed outfits into a gorgeous black dress with an asymmetrical neckline for a Balenciaga after-party.
© Aissaoui Nacer / BACKGRIDMeghan was joined by her longtime friend Marcus Anderson, with the pair sitting alongside Tracee Ellis Ross, and they were also spotted greeting Anna Wintour and Baz Luhrmann. Anne Hathaway and Simone Ashley were also in attendance, as was musician FKA Twigs and model Rosie Huntington-Whitley.
© Aissaoui Nacer / BACKGRIDMeghan and Piccioli took pictures together after the runway show, and she was later spotted arriving back at the hotel.
© Aissaoui Nacer / BACKGRIDMeghan is last thought to have visited Europe in 2022, when she attended the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II alongside Prince Harry. She has not been back in the UK since.
© Aissaoui Nacer / BACKGRIDMeghan arrived back at the hotel, where she overheard a photographer telling her she was “shining like a diamond”.
© Aissaoui Nacer / BACKGRIDMeghan attended the show solo, with Prince Harry remaining in California with their children, and HELLO! understands she will return to America on Sunday.
© affinitypicture / BACKGRIDMeghan was later seen leaving Hôtel Plaza Athénée en route to Balenciaga after-party, where she would have mingled with guests including Anna, Anne, and Simone.
© affinitypicture / BACKGRIDThe Duchess had been a familiar face at New York and Toronto Fashion Weeks during her Suits, and has remained a style icon for many, even though this is her first fashion week appearance in years.
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