Meghan Markle appears to align herself with influential fashion chief​ as Duchess of Sussex enters new era

Pierpaolo Piccioli, who designed the dress, had just joined Balenciaga as its creative director in May after working for 25 years at Valentino.

Meghan shared an Instagram birthday post in August at Funke, an Italian restaurant in Beverly Hills, where she could be seen wearing the dress for the first time in four years.

This was two months before the Duchess of Sussex attended Paris Fashion Week in celebration of Mr Piccioli as the new creative director of Balenciaga.

Meghan and Mr Piccioli have worked together several times; examples include the crisp white trouser suit that made headlines at the 2022 Invictus Games, and another white mini dress worn to a reception during the same event.

Valentino, minimal makeup, and polished hair have become a fashion staple for the Duchess of Sussex.

By attending Paris Fashion Week, Meghan seemed to be continuing her allegiance to Mr Piccioli as he switches labels.

A spokesman 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.

"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."

As Mr Piccioli prepared to unveil his first collection for Balenciaga, Meghan’s decision to rewear her 2021 Valentino dress on her birthday was widely seen as a quiet gesture of support.

It was viewed as a nod to the designer she had championed before heading to Paris.

Meghan’s wardrobe choices are rarely spontaneous, and every element is deliberate.

Earlier this year, during a podcast appearance with her friend, Jamie Kern Lima, Meghan shared that she felt "really great when specifically [my clothes] can help uplift brands that have a great ethos and female founders."

She added: "You know, there was a long time where... I wasn't out talking.

"So if you couldn't hear me, how could I be heard? Through what I was wearing, if that was what people were focusing on."

The mother of two added that she didn't "have to say a word," but her wardrobe "would move product for small companies."

Choosing the Valentino dress for her 44th birthday seemed to convey a farewell to one creative era and the beginning of another.

When she arrived at the Balenciaga show in Paris, she stepped out in a crisp, all-white look, tailored trousers, a flowing silk shirt, and the minimalist touches that have become her signature.

Supporting Mr Piccioli in his new role was not only a show of loyalty, but it appeared to be a smart fashion move, aligning herself with one of the industry’s most influential figures as he begins a new chapter.

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