Meghan Markle's Zoolander Moment in Paris: Fashion Faux Pas or Trendsetting?
Meghan Markle's Fashion Faux Pas: The Duchess of Sussex Under Fire for Zoolander-esque Strut and Tasteless Tribute
In a shocking display of fashion flop, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has been ridiculed for her "Zoolander" walk at Paris Fashion Week. The 44-year-old royal, who spent the weekend rubbing shoulders with industry giants in the City of Light, was seen strutting out of the Plaza Athénée hotel in a £745 Balenciaga "Knife" heels.
But it wasn't just her fashion choices that raised eyebrows - Meghan's team proudly declared it "her first time back to the shows in over a decade." However, a closer look at her past reveals that she's actually been attending fashion events for years, including Toronto and New York Fashion Week when she was a relatively unknown actress.
The Duchess's Instagram story post, which featured a teaser of her high-end heels, sparked a wave of mockery on social media. One commenter quipped: "Meghan Markle trying to give Zoolander a run for his supermodel walk." Others poked fun at the royal's self-absorbed behavior, with one writing: "This marks her first time back to the shows in over a decade? What a load of rubbish! She has never been to Paris fashion week!"
But that was just the beginning. Meghan's attendance at the Balenciaga show - which is facing backlash for its controversial ad featuring children in bondage-style outfits - sparked outrage among critics. "Why on earth would she go to a Balenciaga show? How could any mother support that brand?" one commentator fumed.
And things took a darker turn when Meghan shared a clip of herself resting her feet on the leather seats of a limo as she was driven away from the event. The footage, which appeared to be taken by Meghan herself, showed a striking resemblance to the tragic journey of her husband's mother, Princess Diana, who died in a car accident in 1997.
The parallel route sparked a storm of complaints on social media, with one commentator writing: "For most people whose husband's mother died, passing the area where it happened would be a moment of quiet, respectful contemplation." Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told The Scholarly Note that Meghan's post was "utterly bewildering," "beyond stupid" and "insensitive beyond belief."
"It defies all logic to think that she wouldn't have realized the connection between her journey and Princess Diana's final moments," he added. "I don't understand what on earth she was thinking... to share a video which had any connections with the tragic death of the Princess of Wales is just shocking."
The controversy surrounding Meghan's Parisian escapade has left many wondering whether Prince Harry, who has been vocal about his family's struggles in the past, might be disappointed by his wife's insensitive behavior.
Meanwhile, it appears that Meghan's team is trying to brush off the criticism with a new video showcasing behind-the-scenes highlights from her luxurious stay. The clip shows the Duchess being driven past the Arc de Triomphe, staying within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower and snacking on French food. But curiously, there was no repeat of the car footage that sparked outrage.
As for Meghan's fashion choices, she wore a stunning white Balenciaga ensemble to the show, which included a striking white cape and black heels. She was later seen changing into a black, backless dress (also by Balenciaga) to head out for dinner at Sugaar in the upmarket Saint-Germain-des-Pres district.
Meghan's indulgent meal, which included sardines, prawns, and wine, cost a whopping £60. She also treated herself to a chocolate tart for dessert - but unfortunately, we'll never know how much that set her back.
As the Duchess of Sussex continues to navigate the treacherous waters of royal life, it remains to be seen whether she will be able to weather this latest storm of criticism.
