Paris – During Monday’s Louis Vuitton runway presentation at Paris Fashion Week, actress Zendaya drew criticism after a video showed her remaining seated while greeting LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault and French First Lady Brigitte Macron. The exchange, captured before the show, has ignited online debate about generational norms and professional conduct at high-profile events.
Zendaya, known for her role in “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” was seated in the exclusive front row of the VIP section, a placement signaling her status within the fashion industry. As the show neared its start, both 74-year-old business magnate Arnault and 71-year-old Brigitte Macron approached the actress independently to exchange pleasantries. She remained in her seat, smiling and shaking their hands before turning back to a companion beside her.
Video Sparks Mixed Reactions
Footage of the interaction quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing thousands of comments. Many users labeled the encounter disrespectful, arguing that standing to greet others remains a basic social courtesy, particularly when meeting individuals of such prominence. One critic wrote, “It is common sense to stand to shake hands; I just witnessed Gen Z’s rudeness firsthand.” Others defended Zendaya, suggesting that the tradition of standing may be outdated or that she was prompted by event staff to remain seated.
This incident falls against a backdrop of evolving etiquette expectations. In recent years, many public figures and Gen Z personalities have adopted more casual body language during formal encounters, prioritizing familiarity over formality. However, industry observers note that the fashion world, particularly at top luxury houses like Louis Vuitton, often operates with traditional European protocols where standing for greetings remains customary.
No Official Response Yet
As of this writing, representatives for Zendaya have not commented on the viral moment. The actress has long been a fixture at fashion week events, often praised for her poised public persona. Previous interactions with industry icons have passed without incident, making this isolated moment stand out.
The debate also highlights a growing cultural divide: how digital-native generations perceive respect in public spaces. Social media users were quick to weigh in, with some pointing out that Zendaya’s body language in the clip did not appear dismissive, but rather casual. Others argued that the speed of the interactions might have prevented her from standing in time.
Implications for the Industry
This episode may prompt larger conversations about how luxury brands manage guest conduct during high-exposure events. While the Arnault family is known for meticulous attention to business relationships, the incident does not appear to have affected Zendaya’s standing with the brand. No statement from the LVMH group has been issued, and the show proceeded without further disruption.
Paris Fashion Week remains a stage where celebrity behavior is scrutinized in real time. As the line between polished formality and authentic interaction blurs, public figures and their teams may need to recalibrate protocols for a generation raised on Instagram-era spontaneity. For now, the moment serves as a reminder that, in the global spotlight, even a brief handshake carries weight.
