Meghan Markle’s Luxe White Balenciaga Debut at Paris Fashion Week & Upcoming NYC Humanitarian Honor

The fashion world turned its attention to the City of Light this past weekend as the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, made a highly anticipated and stylish Paris Fashion Week debut. Stepping out for the very first time at the prestigious annual event, the Duchess attended the Balenciaga show on Saturday, Oct. 4, turning heads in a supremely elegant, monochromatic look that reaffirmed her status as a global style icon.

For her inaugural PFW appearance, Meghan Markle, 44, chose a very luxe and refined ensemble, wearing a pristine white oversized cape gracefully layered over a matching button-down shirt. She expertly paired the light-hued attire with classic black pointed-toe heels and kept her hair sleek and polished in her signature slicked-back bun, showcasing a masterclass in modern elegance.

A spokesperson confirmed that the Duchess of Sussex attended the Balenciaga show specifically to support her friend, Pierpaolo Piccioli, who recently assumed the role of Creative Director for the esteemed fashion house. "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 shared. "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."

While this marks a first for Paris, the Duchess is no stranger to the front row, having been a familiar face at New York and Toronto Fashion Weeks during her successful tenure on the popular legal drama, Suits, between 2013 and 2015.

Since stepping back from royal life with Prince Harry, 40, in 2020 and settling into life as a Montecito mother to Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, Meghan's style has continued its fascinating evolution. Although fashion week appearances had remained elusive, her red carpet looks and daily wear continue to champion a balance of "high-low" fashion—mixing luxury brands with accessible pieces, as she discussed in her Netflix series With Love, Meghan.

Even as she embraces a relaxed California lifestyle, the Duchess remains a highly influential figure in fashion, known for championing both established and socially-conscious labels like Outland Denim. Her carefully selected outfits and accessories from brands like La Ligne and Cesta Collective consistently sell out, proving the enduring power of her style choices.

Following her fashion-forward moment in Paris, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have an important trip scheduled to N.Y.C. next week. Meghan and Harry will travel to New York to accept Project Healthy Minds’ Humanitarians of the Year Award at the nonprofit's World Mental Health Day Gala on Thursday, Oct. 9.

The couple is being honored for their significant work to advance mental well-being globally and for their initiatives, through the Archewell Foundation, to make the online world a safer place for young people and families. Their dedication, often citing their own children as an inspiration, highlights the ongoing commitment of the former working royals to a powerful humanitarian platform on the world stage.

In a statement, Harry and Meghan noted, "Working with families and young people to prioritize safety online has been some of the most meaningful work of our lives... 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 home to California, the couple will also participate in the Project Healthy Minds' fourth annual World Mental Health Day Festival on Friday, Oct. 10.