Duchess Meghan Makes Paris Fashion Week Debut, Supports Balenciaga’s Pierpaolo Piccioli

On Saturday, Oct. 4, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, 44, attended a Balenciaga show at Paris Fashion Week, marking her debut at the prestigious event. She wore a white oversized cape over a matching button-down shirt, paired with black pointed-toe heels, and styled her hair in a sleek bun.

A spokesperson for Meghan told PEOPLE that she attended in support of Pierpaolo Piccioli, who recently became the House’s 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 said. “She has long admired his craftsmanship and modern elegance, and tonight was no different. This evening reflects the culmination of many years of artistry and friendship, reflected in her support for his new creative chapter at Balenciaga.”

Meghan’s Fashion Week History

While this was Meghan’s first Paris Fashion Week, she was a familiar face at New York and Toronto Fashion Weeks during her Suits years, attending multiple shows between 2013 and 2015.

Since stepping back from royal life in 2020 alongside Prince Harry, 40, Meghan has continued to appear on red carpets but had not yet made a fashion week appearance—until now. As a mother of two—Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4—her style has evolved, maintaining her status as a style icon. She continues to champion designers, including the sustainable Australian brand Outland Denim, and her fashion choices remain influential, with items from brands like La Ligne and Cesta Collective often selling out.

In her Netflix series With Love, Meghan explained her approach to fashion, blending “high-low” ensembles, such as pairing Zara pants, a Loro Piana shirt, and a Jenni Kayne sweater.

Upcoming Humanitarian Engagements

Next week, Meghan and Harry will travel to New York City to receive Project Healthy Minds’ Humanitarians of the Year Award at the nonprofit’s World Mental Health Day Gala on Thursday, Oct. 9. The award recognizes their efforts to create safer online spaces for families and youth, as well as their global mental well-being initiatives.

In a statement, the couple said: “Working with families and young people to prioritize safety online has been some of the most meaningful work of our lives. As parents ourselves, we have been moved to action by the power of their stories and are honored to support them. We’re proud to be long-time partners of Project Healthy Minds as we work together to shine a light on what remains one of the most pressing issues of our time.”

Before returning to California, Meghan and Harry will also attend the fourth annual World Mental Health Day Festival on Friday, Oct. 10.