Meghan Markle suffers awkward moment with Pierpaolo Piccioli at Paris Fashion Week
The Duchess of Sussex stunned in all-white for her Paris Fashion Week debut
Meghan Markle made her grand debut at Paris Fashion Week on Saturday, but her entrance wasn’t without a minor hiccup.
The Duchess of Sussex, 44, attended the highly anticipated Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2026 show, supporting newly appointed creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli.
However, a moment between the two quickly went viral after they accidentally bumped faces while leaning in for a kiss on each cheek.
Meghan Markle’s ‘blunder’ with Pierpaolo Piccioli during Paris Fashion Week
The moment was captured on camera and posted to TikTok. It showed Meghan reaching in to greet Piccioli with a kiss on the cheek, but her nose awkwardly collided with his shades.
The Italian designer laughed off the accidental head bump before taking Meghan’s hand for a posed photograph.
After the encounter, the pair shared a hug. A spokesperson later confirmed the duchess had “long admired” Piccioli’s “craftsmanship and modern elegance”.
For the occasion, Meghan wore a white ensemble: a flowing cape layered over matching tailored trousers and a button-down shirt, paired with sleek black pointed-toe heels. Her hair was swept back in a polished bun.
The choice of Valentino was a nod to Piccioli’s former fashion house, where he spent 25 years before stepping into his new role at Balenciaga in 2024. The duchess has often worn his designs, including during the 2022 Invictus Games opening ceremony.
A representative told PEOPLE: “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. 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 attends Paris Fashion Week
Meghan flew solo to Paris, without Prince Harry, to attend the exclusive show.
She was also seen embracing Vogue’s global editorial director Anna Wintour, as well as receiving a kiss on the cheek from film director Baz Luhrmann.
She later shared behind-the-scenes clips with her Instagram followers, including a video of herself walking toward the venue and another showing her feet propped up in a luxury car, capturing the glow of Paris by night.
This was Meghan’s Paris Fashion Week debut. However, she was a regular fixture at New York and Toronto Fashion Weeks during her time on Suits.
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Meghan has continued to turn heads with her chic, often minimalist fashion.
Meanwhile, the duchess’ whirlwind week isn’t over just yet. She and Prince Harry, 41, are expected in New York City later this week, on Thursday, October 9.
The couple will be awarded the Humanitarians of the Year Award at the World Mental Health Day Gala.
Before returning home to Montecito, they will also appear at the World Mental Health Day Festival on Friday, October 10.
Read more: Prince Harry and Meghan pay tribute to Jane Goodall: ‘She held our son Archie’
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