‘The Odyssey’ Star Zendaya’s Seated Handshake With Brigitte Macron Sparks Paris Fashion Week Debate

Avatar photoValentina Kraljik
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Fashion Week front rows blend runway glamour with social intricacies. Seating arrangements, air kisses, and greetings can quickly become headline news, and this week, a brief encounter between Zendaya and Brigitte Macron emerged as one of the most discussed moments in Paris.

The scene unfolded at Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2027 show on Tuesday, set in the Cour Carrée of the Louvre. As the final major show of Paris Fashion Week, the front row was filled with fellow Louis Vuitton ambassadors, including Emma Stone, Ana de Armas, and Saoirse Ronan. Zendaya, representing the brand, arrived dressed casually in jeans and a white ruffled jacket over a tank top.

Then came the viral moment. A video captured Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, approaching Zendaya’s seat to say hello. While Zendaya, 30, greeted her warmly and shook her hand, she remained seated.

Reports indicate that Zendaya was engaged in conversation with another guest when Macron approached. She looked up, smiled, and expressed her pleasure in meeting the First Lady while shaking hands without standing. The clip was initially shared by Paris Match and quickly gained traction on X, with users commenting on the need for Zendaya to stand when greeting the First Lady.

The post garnered tens of thousands of likes and numerous replies. The video does not clarify whether Zendaya recognized Macron upon her approach, but she appeared to acknowledge her warmly.

Critics pointed out that tradition typically dictates standing when meeting a First Lady, labeling the moment as rude. Some emphasized that handshakes are generally best performed while standing, arguing it reflects basic etiquette.

The backlash continued, with some commenters noting that Zendaya also remained seated when Bernard Arnault, the CEO of LVMH, which owns Louis Vuitton, greeted her moments earlier. This led to further criticism, suggesting that staying seated for the head of the company paying her to attend made the situation appear worse. Others took a generational stance, arguing that traditional manners are declining among younger celebrities.

However, many defended Zendaya, suggesting she seemed caught off guard and that the show was about to start, making it awkward to stand in a crowded front row. Others contended that a fashion show front row is not a formal state event and that Zendaya is neither a French citizen nor a dignitary bound by strict protocol.

Numerous viewers noted that the actress appeared polite and gracious throughout the interaction, maintaining a smile and handshake. Several argued that there is no universal rule requiring guests to stand whenever someone approaches their seat at a fashion event. As of now, neither Zendaya nor Macron has publicly responded to the reactions.

This incident adds to a week where Zendaya has already attracted significant attention in Paris. Her outfit, which featured a white lace jacket paired with relaxed jeans and a new cropped pixie cut, was widely discussed. Coverage also highlighted her efforts to maintain a lower profile outside of film promotions, although her ambassador duties still bring her to events like this.

Context is crucial, as the greeting likely stemmed from timing rather than disrespect. A crowded front row, an ongoing conversation, and an unexpected visitor created a fleeting moment that the internet has transformed into a full etiquette debate. Whether it was a social faux pas or a non-issue likely depends on individual perspectives.

For now, the clip continues to circulate, and opinions remain divided in the comments. This episode illustrates how even minor interactions at major fashion events can become sensationalized once captured on camera.

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