Meghan Markle makes surprise appearance at Paris Fashion Week

The Duchess of Sussex has made a solo trip to Europe to support her friend the fashion designer Pierpaolo Piccioli at Paris Fashion Week.

A spokesman for the duchess said: “Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attended the Balenciaga show in Paris on Saturday night in support of Pierpaolo Piccioli, who recently assumed the role of creative director for the house.

“This marks her first time back to the shows in over a decade.

“Over the years, the duchess has worn a number of designs by Pierpaolo.

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“They have worked closely together collaborating on design for key moments on the world stage.

“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.”

Meghan, who announced her arrival in Paris with an Instagram story, wore a white outfit of wide-leg trousers and a blazer from the collection for the show on Saturday.

In April 2022, Meghan opened the Invictus Games wearing a white Valentino suit, with matching Aquazzura shoes and matching Valentino bag, which had a gold chain designed to match her signature jewellery.

And in February 2019 she wore a red Valentino dress when she arrived with Harry for a three-day tour of Morocco.

The Italian designer left Valentino last year after 25 years, having been sole creative director since 2016, previously sharing the role for some years with Maria Grazia Chiuri, who left to work for Dior.

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At Valentino, Piccioli established himself as a giant of the fashion industry.

His collections spanned womenswear, menswear and couture, all with an emphasis on classic designs and unique use of colour.

He worked with several brand ambassadors including The Devil Wears Prada actress Anne Hathaway, Zendaya and Florence Pugh.