Please invite one person!
Balenciaga designer Pierpaolo Piccioli revealed that Duchess Meghan contacted him and said she would love to come to his Paris Fashion Week show.
After the Duchess of Sussex made her fashion show debut on October 4, the brand’s new creative director gave insight into how her surprise appearance came about.
“Meghan and I met a few years ago and have been emailing ever since,” he told The Cut on Saturday.
“She contacted me and said she would love to come to the show. There was no strategy or major coordination. I didn’t tell anyone she was coming because I wanted to keep it a surprise.”
The 58-year-old Italian designer continued: “True surprises are rare in fashion, but this one was beautiful.”
Two weeks ago, the “With Love, Meghan” star sent Paris Fashion Week attendees into a frenzy when she appeared at the brand’s controversial show in a white long-sleeved button-down tunic with a flowing cape and matching slacks.
She paired her minimal outfit with black pointy heels, a black clutch bag and diamond stud earrings.
At the time, a spokesperson for the former actress told People that she was there to support Piccioli, who was scheduled to present her first collection for the brand after taking over as its creative director in July.
“Over the years, the Duchess has worn many Pierpaolo designs,” a spokesperson told the magazine.
“They have worked closely together to help design key moments on the world stage.”
A spokesperson said Markle has “long admired his craftsmanship and modern elegance, and tonight was no exception. This night reflects the culmination of many years of artistry and friendship, and is reflected in her support of his new creative chapter at Balenciaga.”
Even though this is such a notable moment for Markle and Pierparo, fans wondered why Markle would support a brand that is embroiled in so much controversy.
“The ‘Duchess’ of hypocrisy. A woman who claimed to protect the interests of children and went to a fashion show with children in a disgusting campaign,” one user wrote on Instagram.
“Why on earth would she go to a Balenciaga show? How could a mother support that brand?” added another.
“It’s ironic that a canceled woman would show up for a canceled brand. What is a mother thinking attending a home fashion show that used to feature child models posing with fetish-themed teddy bears?” a third party claimed.
Markle, 44, is survived by her husband Prince Harry, 41, and children Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4.
Critics noted that Balenciaga will come under fire for its 2022 campaign featuring children wearing bondage-style costumes and holding teddy bears.
Shortly after, the fashion house addressed the controversy and apologized for the nature of the shoot.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t the only time Markle faced criticism during the show. At one point, as she watched models strut down the runway, she burst into laughter among the stoic crowd.
The exact cause of Markle’s laughter is unknown, but some believe she may have been reacting to a model tripping on the runway. However, a representative for the former “Suits” star told the Daily Mail that Markle was not laughing at the model.
