Meghan Markle is seemingly vying for the “crown” and tactfully trying to replace Kim Kardashian in Balenciaga. Just days ago, she made her multimillion-dollar debut at Paris Fashion Week and is reportedly contending to become the new face for the fashion house. More recently, a source claimed that Markle might be making a move to take over the role because she feels her image surpasses Kardashian’s when it comes to the brand.
Meghan Markle feels she will bring prestige to Balenciaga, Kim Kardashian won’t, says source
Rob Shuter exclusively learned that Meghan Markle is eyeing Kim Kardashian’s spot in Balenciaga after her Paris Fashion Week debut. A source claimed that she has been gunning for “the crown” as well as “the contract.” Moreover, Markle reportedly believes that her image as a royal will bring more prestige to the brand than Kardashian’s “reality-TV fame ever could.”
The SKIMS founder has been the face of the luxury fashion house since early 2024 after becoming an official ambassador. Shuter’s report highlighted how she even helped them restore their credibility. A PR veteran believes Kardashian “stood by them when nobody else would,” calling the duchess’s move to try to replace her “bold – even for royalty.”
More insiders revealed that Balenciaga’s creatives are facing a tough choice between Meghan Markle and Kim Kardashian. Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli has reportedly been “torn” between the two stars. Furthermore, a fashion source opined how Kardashian “brings buzz,” while Markle “brings class” to the table. However, the luxury brand “can’t serve two queens,” leaving the scales to tip in one of the two directions.
The As Ever founder recently made her Paris Fashion Week debut, attending Balenciaga’s Spring/Summer 2026 show as one of the highest-paid guests. A report previously mentioned that she charged a seven-figure sum to make an appearance for the presentation, for which she wore two contrasting looks — an all-white and an all-black look.
Originally reported by Nikita Mahato on RealityTea.
