The Duchess of Sussex and Balenciaga’s new creative director shared a surprisingly intimate moment at the close of one of Paris Fashion Week’s most talked-about shows — and the internet had plenty to say about it.
Making her first-ever appearance at Paris Fashion Week, Meghan Markle attended the October 4, 2025 debut of Pierpaolo Piccioli for Balenciaga. Though she was there to support a friend, their warm exchange quickly became the main headline of the night.
A Dazzling Debut
Meghan turned heads in an all-white Balenciaga ensemble — a sleek silk shirt and matching pants beneath a dramatic cape, paired with black pointed heels. It was a crisp, minimal look that embodied her signature polish and poise.
Piccioli, who took over as Balenciaga’s Creative Director in July after being appointed in May, had been described by the brand as a “master of Haute Couture,” someone poised to honor Cristóbal Balenciaga’s legacy while pushing the label forward.
After the show, Meghan approached Piccioli for a congratulatory photo. What began as a simple greeting soon drew viral attention.
A Kiss That Nearly Was
In a 15-second TikTok clip shared by user Saint Leon, Meghan and Piccioli greet each other with a kiss on one cheek, then turn for the customary second. But a split-second misstep brings their faces unexpectedly close — so close it appears they almost kiss on the lips.
Both quickly laugh it off, smiling as cameras flash. They hug again before posing for photos, their ease suggesting no discomfort. But online, the brief exchange became a spark for speculation.
A follow-up video posted by Women’s Wear Daily fueled the conversation further. It showed Meghan leaning in to whisper something into Piccioli’s ear while the two touched each other’s wrists in a friendly gesture. Many viewers found the moment too intimate for comfort.
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