Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, captured significant attention during her recent, unannounced visit to Paris Fashion Week, marking her first trip to mainland Europe in three years. Prince Harry was notably absent from the high-profile event. Meghan made her debut at the Balenciaga show, where she commanded a front-row seat, initially appearing in a chic all-white ensemble. She later transitioned into an elegant black dress with an asymmetrical neckline for the subsequent Balenciaga afterparty.

The Duchess's brief presence in the French capital generated considerable buzz, attracting both admiration and critique. Fans shared diverse opinions on her fashion choices, and a particularly awkward interaction with a top designer quickly became a viral moment, adding to the trip's dramatic flair.

Meghan's primary reason for attending the prestigious fashion event on Saturday was to show support for her long-time friend and collaborator, Pierpaolo Piccioli, who recently took on the role of creative director at Balenciaga. A spokesperson for the Duchess clarified that this marked her return to the fashion shows scene after more than a decade. Meghan and Piccioli have a history of working closely on designs for significant global events, with the Duchess consistently admiring his craftsmanship and modern elegance. Her appearance at the show was described as the "culmination of many years of artistry and friendship," underscoring her support for his new chapter with Balenciaga.

For the Balenciaga show, Meghan opted for a dramatic white oversized cape layered over a matching button-down shirt, complemented by black pointed-toe heels. Her hair was styled in a sleek, slicked-back bun. This initial outfit garnered mixed reactions online, with some social media users humorously comparing it to "bed sheets after a restless night." Following the show, she changed into a stunning black gown for the afterparty, an outfit her hairstylist Ben Skervin noted was "channelling Sade with a slick bun look."

A moment of inadvertent comedy unfolded when Meghan reunited with Piccioli before taking her front-row seat. A video circulated on TikTok showed an uncomfortable attempt at a congratulatory air-kiss, resulting in Meghan's nose clashing with Piccioli's sunglasses. Body language expert Judi James later analyzed the incident, attributing the "cringe" moment to Piccioli. According to James, Piccioli’s close approach, combined with his decision to keep his shades on, hindered their ability to properly read non-verbal cues, leading to the misdirected air-kiss. Despite the initial awkwardness, Piccioli quickly recovered, clasping Meghan's hand for photographs before a final, close-quarters hug, which James noted might have been less ideal given Meghan's "immaculate white outfit."

The event also saw Meghan reunite with former Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, years after rumors of a strained relationship. Speculation of a falling-out had previously emerged, particularly concerning Meghan's guest editorship of British Vogue's 2019 "Forces for Change" edition. That issue, which celebrated pioneering women, became the fastest-selling in the magazine's history. However, reports of Meghan's "demands" during its creation allegedly caused friction with then-editor Edward Enninful and even Wintour. Despite these past whispers, the duo were seen conversing warmly in Paris, with Wintour remarking, "Nice to see you," and praising Meghan's outfit with an uncharacteristic "Beautiful, Cherie. You look amazing." Insiders have suggested that despite earlier disagreements over coverage, Meghan and Enninful maintain a "warm and respectful" friendship, exchanging birthday wishes and flowers.