It was her first time on fashion’s most elite stage — and she made sure the world noticed, stepping into the Balenciaga spotlight in a look that sparked reactions.
It was a moment fit for a Duchess as Meghan Markle, 44, made her long-anticipated debut at Paris Fashion Week on Saturday, October 4. As the Duchess of Sussex stepped into the ultra-exclusive world of high fashion, the internet erupted in a firestorm of praise, criticism, and jaw-dropping comparisons.
Wearing an oversized white cape draped dramatically over a crisp, matching button-down, Meghan floated into the Balenciaga show with the poise of a seasoned runway veteran. Black pointed-toe heels and a sleek, pulled-back bun punctuated her look — minimalist, stark, and undeniably bold.
It was a statement, and the internet had plenty to say about it. Within moments, the Duchess’s entrance had social media swooning.
“Wow she looks so radiant!” one admirer gushed, while another declared, “She looks absolutely stunning. As ever. So chic.” The compliments didn’t stop, “❤️❤️❤️ please continue to walk like a woman who knows her worth🤍” read one glowing comment. Someone else wrote, “She looks stunning. She has such a peaceful aura about her.”
And perhaps most dramatically, “CAN MEGHAN BE MORE PERFECT?”
The love was loud. But the hate? Even louder. Not all reactions were wrapped in admiration. In fact, many online critics took brutal aim at her voluminous ensemble. “Gag me. A bad use for old hospital blankets,” one wrote coldly. Another dismissed her outfit as “swallowed up in fabric…”
But the most cutting insult? Multiple netizens cruelly likened her look to a “toilet paper roll.” One jeered, “Once again wearing a big, shapeless, poorly-fitted outfit in a neutral shade 😂.”
It was a fashion battlefield with Meghan at the center. Yet behind the spectacle, there was a deeper meaning to her appearance. According to a spokesperson, the Duchess had not just dropped in. She had arrived to support Pierpaolo Piccioli, Balenciaga’s newly appointed creative director.
“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,” the spokesperson revealed.
The statement explained that Meghan had held a deep appreciation for Piccioli’s refined style and creative vision for many years, and that her appearance at the show was the result of a longstanding professional relationship and shared artistic journey.
As the buzz continues to swirl, Meghan’s second look of the day — and the reaction it’s already sparking. Here’s a closer look at Meghan’s two striking ensembles from her Paris Fashion Week debut:
A Regal Beauty in Black
Meghan Markle is seen attending the Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 showcase during Paris Fashion Week. The Duchess of Sussex steps into the venue with poise, dressed in a refined black ensemble that reflects her signature minimalist elegance. Her look captures attention amid the city’s fashion elite, marking a standout moment in her debut season at the world’s most celebrated style event.
Meghan Markle arrives at the Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show in Paris, exuding quiet sophistication as she joins the fashion crowd. The Duchess of Sussex turns heads in a sleek, modern black outfit that blends effortless grace with contemporary style, marking her much-anticipated entrance onto the Paris Fashion Week stage.
Meghan Markle is seen at the Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show during Paris Fashion Week, wearing a sleek black dress that highlights her understated elegance. The Duchess of Sussex keeps her look refined and polished, letting the timeless silhouette speak for itself amid the glamour of the event.
Meghan Markle attends the Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show at Paris Fashion Week, dressed in a sophisticated black gown. The minimalist design and flawless tailoring emphasize her refined style as she takes her place among the fashion elite.
Meghan Markle is seen greeting attendees at the Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show during Paris Fashion Week. Dressed in a chic black dress, the Duchess of Sussex smiles warmly as she exchanges greetings, exuding poise and ease in the lively fashion crowd.
Meghan Markle is captured arriving at the Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show during Paris Fashion Week. Wearing a refined black dress, she offers a poised smile as cameras flash, marking a graceful entrance to one of the season’s most anticipated events.
Stealing the Spotlight in White
Meghan Markle arrives at the Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show in Paris wearing an elegant all-white ensemble. The Duchess of Sussex pairs a flowing cape with a crisp button-down shirt, creating a clean, structured silhouette that stands out amid the city’s fashion scene. Her minimalist look, completed with sleek black heels and a polished bun, captures the attention of photographers and onlookers alike.
Meghan Markle attends the Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show in Paris, dressed in an elegant white cape layered over a matching shirt, her hair styled in a sleek bun as she smiles for the cameras.
Meghan Markle is captured arriving at the Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show during Paris Fashion Week, wearing a striking all-white ensemble. The Duchess of Sussex pairs a flowing cape with a crisp shirt, her hair pulled into a sleek bun as she greets the crowd with a composed smile.
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, walks with confidence and elegance at Paris Fashion Week, dressed in a sophisticated all-white ensemble that highlights her refined, minimalist style.
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is seen walking at Paris Fashion Week in an elegant white ensemble. With a calm, confident stride and a sleek bun completing the look, she commands attention amid the buzz of the event.
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is seen in a close-up at Paris Fashion Week, wearing a refined white ensemble. Her sleek bun and composed expression capture a moment of quiet confidence amid the excitement of the event.
Meghan Markle is seen sharing a warm embrace with Pierpaolo Piccioli following his debut collection for Balenciaga at Paris Fashion Week. The Duchess of Sussex congratulates the newly appointed Creative Director, marking a heartfelt moment between longtime collaborators on the fashion stage.
Meghan Markle shares a heartfelt hug with Pierpaolo Piccioli after his first collection for Balenciaga at Paris Fashion Week. The Duchess of Sussex warmly congratulates the designer, celebrating his debut and their enduring creative partnership.
