Etiquette Experts Debate Standing for Dignitaries After Zendaya's Paris Fashion Week Incident

A recent interaction at Paris Fashion Week involving actress Zendaya and Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, has prompted etiquette experts to weigh in on the expected courtesies when meeting notable individuals.

During the Louis Vuitton show at the Louvre, Zendaya, who is a house ambassador for the brand, remained seated when Brigitte Macron approached to greet her. Video footage captured the moment Zendaya, after some delay, offered a handshake and a brief "pleasure to meet you." Zendaya also remained seated when Bernard Arnault, the CEO of LVMH, which owns Louis Vuitton, approached her.

The incident, which occurred on October 6, was widely shared online, with many viewers deeming Zendaya's behavior "rude" and an "unnecessary power move." Commenters noted that it is customary to stand when greeting an older person or someone of significant stature.

Etiquette experts Laura Windsor and Julius Smith have offered their perspectives on the matter. Windsor stated that "one of the simplest rules of etiquette is that when you meet someone, you stand up," adding that this gesture has "nothing to do with celebrity status."

Smith echoed this sentiment, explaining that standing is a "very simple gesture, but one that shows respect." He elaborated that standing demonstrates attentiveness and acknowledges the importance of the person being greeted, which he called the "first step in establishing a positive relationship."

Given Zendaya's role as a Louis Vuitton ambassador, experts suggested that a more attentive greeting toward Arnault, the CEO of the parent company, would have been particularly appropriate. Zendaya was appointed a house ambassador in 2023, featuring in a campaign for the brand's Capucines bag.

While Zendaya has largely maintained a positive public image, this is not the first time her conduct at a Louis Vuitton show has drawn scrutiny. In 2023, a video emerged that appeared to show her directing her longtime stylist, Law Roach, to a second-row seat at a Paris Fashion Week event. This led to online debate, though Roach later defended Zendaya, denying any feud and describing her as his "little sister." Zendaya herself explained in an interview that the incident was due to a rushed seating arrangement after being delayed by traffic.

Regarding greetings with highly prominent figures like royalty or religious leaders, Windsor and Smith noted that customs can differ. For instance, when meeting a monarch, one waits for them to approach, offers a slight curtsy, and addresses them as "Your Majesty." With the Pope, "Your Holiness" is the appropriate address, and while some may kiss the papal ring, a respectful handshake is generally acceptable.

Smith emphasized that the core principle remains consistent: "I have always believed that the important thing, regardless of who you are meeting, is to show respect. These traditions may have become less formal over the years, but courtesy should never go out of fashion."