Meghan Markle’s much-anticipated appearance at Balenciaga during Paris Fashion Week in October 2025 has sparked a firestorm—not just for fashion but for the shocking way she was reportedly ignored behind the scenes. Despite the Duchess of Sussex showcasing stunning looks from the new Spring/Summer 2026 collection by creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli, royal insiders reveal Meghan faced unexpected cold shoulders and snubs from key fashion insiders and influencers after the show.
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It was Meghan’s surprise public debut at Paris Fashion Week after several years away from the high-profile fashion circuit. Dressed elegantly in custom Balenciaga pieces, including a dramatic white cape and a sleek black asymmetrical dress, Meghan looked every bit the fashion icon she strives to be. She was seen mingling briefly with notable VIPs like Vogue editor Anna Wintour and filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, symbolizing an attempt to reconnect with elite fashion circles.
However, sources close to the event tell a very different story. Behind the glitz and flashes, Meghan was reportedly chilly reception from influential attendees at after-parties and networking events. Insiders say she was largely excluded from conversations, with fashion heavyweights deliberately avoiding her presence, signaling a subtle but definite snub. These silent treatments were felt most acutely during a key post-show gathering where Meghan attempted to engage with prominent designers but was met with brush-offs and disinterest.
Balenciaga’s creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli, who has a longstanding friendship with Meghan and invited her to the show, expressed genuine appreciation for her support but was said to be taken aback by the frostiness from others in the fashion crowd.
Social media exploded with reaction, as fashion critics debated whether Meghan’s controversial public image—overshadowed by ongoing royal disputes and public scrutiny—was responsible for the cold shoulder. Fans and critics alike questioned whether Meghan’s return to Paris Fashion Week would be the reinvention she hoped for or a reminder of her polarizing status.
This episode highlights the complex challenges Meghan faces blending royalty, celebrity, and fashion worlds—a realm where acceptance is as stylish as the clothes worn on the runway.
Would you like a detailed timeline of Meghan Markle’s fashion appearances or expert insights on celebrity reinvention in fashion?