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Although fresh talent at Chanel and Dior have generated major attention during the current Paris fashion week, it was the first show from the fashion house that completely stole the press coverage. The event featured a unexpected guest: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, making her first European appearance in a trio of years.

That Saturday night in the French capital, the spectacle of Chanel, Dior – plus the notable attendee – were all outshone with the overwhelming presence of the Balenciaga presentation.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex brought an extra layer of glamour and excitement to the Parisian runway.

Prior to the event, the general mood surrounding the designer's first show had been relatively serene. The fashion house is a venerated institution, and the designer is globally acclaimed as a master of his craft. Furthermore, he is cherished for his reputation as the kindest personality in the business. It was widely believed that dramatic fashion statements had left the brand's identity with the move of Demna, known for his bold style to a competing brand. Yet, occasionally the kindest people spring a few shocks, and the appearance of royalty greatly increased the media frenzy.

He sees himself as an architect, crafting silhouettes that do not contact the human form.

Interestingly, the main idea of what he called his manifesto, as he detailed it backstage, was female emancipation. His primary reference was the revolutionary 1957 design by Balenciaga, a outline that stands away from the body, not highlighting nor restricting a female form. The designer explained that this style was a bold statement of a shifting zeitgeist that was beginning to move from the post-war traditionalism towards the progressive 1960s. The idea centered on progress for women. It liberated women from the constraints of clothing that emphasize the physical form and define them by their shape. This design gave women the chance to move freely.”

The brand's legendary shapes were included in the runway, such as this ‘cocoon’ coat.

Clothes that hold their form are central to the the brand's ethos. The designer likened this approach to design to being an master builder: creating structures that never make contact with the body, while always thinking about the individuals who will inhabit and move within them. “Cristóbal Balenciaga was fascinated by the body and with fabric, and with a key factor – the space in between.”

Leading the presentation was a fresh take of the loose-fitting garment, extended to an floor-grazing length, paired with long gloves – but also with oversized sunglasses that served as a obvious reference to the apocalypse-chic of the previous designer's tenure.

He, who at his current age sports strings of beads and charms and projects an peaceful, free-spirited demeanor, does not view seeing design as a personal rivalry. He states that it is more admirable for fashion artists to respect each other’s skills. Piccioli noted that he was hoping for a harmonious balance between the couture roots of the brand, and its more contemporary urban phase. Classic designs from the house were prominently featured in the collection: a voluminous outerwear piece, this time in a vibrant poison green, and a flared dress in a dramatic violent purple.

The archetype of Parisian style has become a highly profitable trend. This creative talent is an designer from the US, but he masters this style code. The designer previously worked with a fashion icon during her tenure at the house, and then spent six years building Polo Ralph Lauren into a beacon of wearable style. In his current role, he is infusing the democratic approach of American style to Parisian style. So there were classic outerwear, natural accessories, and silk scarves tied around bags – the signature details of French-girl chic – designed with bright hues, with an upbeat American tone. “Céline isn’t a mean brand, or a brand that wants to exclude people,” Rider stated following the event. My desire is that everyone feels desirable in these clothes. By choosing these pieces, you may not have the most outrageous item, but you have the perfect garment, and you have the confidence to wear it.”