The Duchess’s Balenciaga appearance sparks criticism and comparisons to a comedy character
Meghan Markle’s return to the fashion world didn’t go quite as planned. The Duchess of Sussex attended the Balenciaga show during Paris Fashion Week—her first time at such an event in over a decade—but instead of admiration, she found herself at the centre of online mockery.
Observers compared her confident walk to Zoolander, the fictional male model from Ben Stiller’s 2001 comedy film. “Meghan Markle trying to give Zoolander a run for his supermodel walk,” one user joked on social media.
The Duchess appeared thrilled to be back in the spotlight, sharing an embrace with Vogue’s legendary editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and posting an Instagram Story featuring her £745 Balenciaga “Knife” heels. She was photographed leaving the luxurious Plaza Athénée hotel, where rooms cost more than £2,000 a night.
However, critics accused her of turning the moment into a personal showcase rather than celebrating the designers. Others questioned her choice to attend the Balenciaga show given the brand’s lingering controversy over a past advertising scandal involving disturbing imagery.
Her team reportedly called the outing a major milestone, marking her first return to fashion shows in over ten years. But social media users quickly pointed out that her earlier fashion week appearances in 2015 were in Toronto and New York—when she was still best known for her role on Suits and mingled with DJs and influencers instead of global fashion icons.
While Meghan’s re-entry into the fashion scene may have been meant to signal a comeback, the online reaction suggests not everyone was ready to welcome her with open arms.
