Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · October 7, 2025 · Entertainment

Meghan Markle's Paris Fashion Week Debut: Grace or Gaffe?

On Saturday night, Meghan Markle made her debut at Paris Fashion Week to attend the glamorous Balenciaga show alongside guests like Vogue editor Anna Wintour and actress Anne Hathaway - but according to publicity experts, her execution was 'tone deaf'

MEGHAN MARKLE'S FASHION DISASTER: ROYAL'S PARIS DEBUT TURNS INTO TONE-DEAF TRAVESTY

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has been making headlines for her latest fashion foray in Paris, but experts are calling out her execution as "tone deaf." The royal's attempt to re-enter the cultural elite at Paris Fashion Week was met with criticism from those who claim she chose the wrong brand to associate herself with.

Meghan made a stylish appearance at the Balenciaga show on Saturday night, wearing a stunning white oversized cape over a matching button-down shirt and trousers. She paired the outfit with black pointed-toe heels and simple accessories, exuding effortless elegance. However, her fashion choice has been deemed "far from perfect" by PR experts.

Meghan was seen at the Spring 2026 ready-to-wear draped in a stylish white oversized cape over a white button-down shirt and matching trousers, all designed by Balenciaga, of course

A TASTELESS CHOICE?

Sarah Schmidt, President of Interdependence Public Relations, told The Scholarly Note exclusively that Meghan's decision to attend the Balenciaga show was a deliberate move to re-enter the cultural elite. "Meghan is showing that she's creating a brand and legacy on her own without the royal rule book," Schmidt said. However, she added that choosing a brand embroiled in controversy may not have been the best decision.

"Balenciaga's shadow still lingers after their 2022 campaign featuring children with teddy bears in bondage-style leather outfits. Aligning herself with this controversy undercuts her credibility," Schmidt explained. "For a public figure who's tied her brand to compassion and advocacy, association matters."

She paired it with black pointed-toe heels and simple accessories, giving off a vibe of effortless elegance, topped off with a sleek, slicked-back bun

AN AWFUL INSTAGRAM MOVE

Natalie Trice, a UK-based publicity expert and coach, also weighed in on Meghan's Paris Fashion Week appearance. While she acknowledged that attending the event was a good move "in theory," Trice pointed out that there were still some missteps.

"Fashion Week isn't just about looking good; it's where deals are done, heads are turned, alliances are formed, and relevance is measured in who you're seen with and what you're wearing," Trice explained. However, Meghan's Instagram story from the back of a taxi that passed bridges along the Seine was deemed "tone-deaf" by critics.

The luxury brand came under fire in 2022 for its campaign , which featured children holding teddy bears that were outfitted in bondage-style leather outfits

The footage, which appears to be filmed from Meghan's point of view, shows her putting her feet up inside the car as it passes iconic landmarks, including the Pont Alexandre III and the Pont des Invalides. What sparked outrage is that the next bridge along the Seine is the Pont d'Alma, next to the Pont d'Alma tunnel where Princess Diana tragically died in 1997.

Critics took to social media to express their horror at Meghan's lack of sensitivity, accusing her of being "thoughtless" and "bewilderingly tasteless." Trice added that this move was particularly egregious given the royal family's past connections to the tragic event. "Right now, neither Harry nor Meghan can get the luxury of throwaway content," she warned.

MEGHAN'S REEL: A GLIMPSE INTO HER PARISIAN ADVENTURE

'Paris Fashion Week was Megan¿s deliberate re-entry into the cultural elite,' Sarah Schmidt, President of Interdependence Public Relations, told Daily Mail exclusively

Meghan also shared an Instagram reel showcasing her experiences in Paris, including getting ready for the fashion show and sightseeing around the city. In the caption, she thanked Balenciaga's creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli, who she considers to be a friend.

The Duchess's reel offered a glimpse into her time in Paris, including learning French with Duolingo (she was on an impressive 100-day streak) and indulging in egg-white omelets from her hotel. However, some critics have pointed out that the timing of Meghan's social media posts may not be ideal.

"It's never the entrance, it's the echoes afterwards you have to manage," Trice cautioned, highlighting the importance of timing in PR. "Meghan's move was meant to show that she's still relevant and in the right circles, but the edges frayed a little."

Meanwhile, U.K.-based publicity expert and coach Natalie Trice told Daily Mail that while it may have been a 'good' move 'in theory' for Meghan to attend Paris Fashion Week, there were still some missteps

As the royal family continues to navigate their public image, Meghan's Paris Fashion Week appearance serves as a reminder that even with good intentions, execution can be everything.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR MEGHAN?

With this latest controversy surrounding her fashion choices, will Meghan's brand suffer from the echoes of her Parisian adventure? Only time will tell. One thing is certain: the royal's attempt to re-enter the cultural elite has been met with a mix of admiration and criticism.

Of course, this isn't the first time that Meghan has attended fashion week - but it's the first time she's gone since marrying Prince Harry

As Trice aptly put it, "Meghan may have almost nailed it, but almost isn't always enough in PR."

The Duchess was branded 'insensitive' after sharing the clip on her Instagram page - with critics accusing her of being 'thoughtless' and 'bewilderingly tasteless'

'Right now, neither Harry not Meghan can get the luxury of throwaway content,' Trice revealed

Other clips included Meghan getting her hair and makeup done, eating some French fries, and making her glamorous exit from the hotel.