Balenciaga made a grand entrance with its 2024 fashion show in Los Angeles, utilizing the iconic Hollywood Sign as a captivating backdrop.
The star-studded front row boasted notable figures such as Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Ava Longoria, Nicole Kidman, Cardi B, and other A-list celebrities, all gathered to witness the latest creations of creative director Demna Gvasalia. Despite the glitz and glamour of the event, Meghan Markle was noticeably absent, leading to speculation that she had been intentionally excluded.
The luxury Parisian fashion brand, led by artistic director Demna Gvasalia since 2015, strategically chose the picturesque location of palm tree-lined streets in Los Angeles, with the Hollywood Sign providing a breathtaking backdrop. Helicopters and drones captured the spectacle, while local residents observed the transformation of their residential neighborhood into a high-fashion runway.
Among the attendees were newly announced brand ambassador Nicole Kidman and Salma Hayek, who made a notable entrance with her husband, François-Henri Pinault, the chairman and CEO of luxury fashion group Kering, which owns Balenciaga. Other celebrities, including Cole Sprouse and Eva Longoria, added to the star-studded affair, while David Beckham's son, Brooklyn Beckham, and his fiancée, Nicola Peltz, showcased coordinated all-black outfits.
Insiders later revealed that Meghan Markle's representatives had approached event organizers in Los Angeles in an attempt to secure a spot for her at the prestigious fashion event. Despite her reported fondness for fashion shows, Meghan was allegedly denied access. It was further suggested that Meghan harbored aspirations of becoming an ambassador for Balenciaga, a role that was ultimately bestowed upon Nicole Kidman. Kidman's longstanding connection with the brand, dating back to a 2006 wedding where she wore a Balenciaga gown, was highlighted in a recent statement, overshadowing Meghan's ambitions.
These developments compound the challenges facing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's brand, particularly as they strive to reposition themselves and restore their public image. Recent data indicates that Catherine, Princess of Wales, may have eclipsed Meghan in social media stakes, particularly on TikTok.
High-end fashion retailers, Karen Millen, reported that Princess Kate commands more hashtags for fashion on TikTok, with her #KateMiddletonStyle garnering an average of 381.986 million views. In contrast, Meghan's #MeghanMarkleStyle only managed 158.3 million views. The trend is expected to continue, especially with the upcoming portrayal of Kate Middleton in the second part of the hit Netflix drama "The Crown" this December.
Princess Kate's fashion influence is evident in the increased Google searches about her, which have surged by 45% over the last week. As the new season of "The Crown" unfolds, Kate Middleton's simple and classy looks continue to attract admiration, positioning her as a role model for those seeking wardrobe inspiration from the royal family and celebrities alike.
