Simone Ashley has opened up about her reunion with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan during Paris Fashion Week 2026, describing the backstage moments shared with fellow L’Oréal Paris ambassadors as one of the most enjoyable parts of the annual fashion event. The two actors were among the familiar faces at the high-profile show and attracted considerable attention after they were seen warmly greeting each other backstage, holding hands and posing together.
The appearance brought together two performers from different generations and entertainment industries who have both established international profiles. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has remained a prominent figure in Indian cinema and global fashion for decades, while Simone Ashley has built recognition through major international television and film projects. Their meeting at Paris Fashion Week offered a glimpse into the personal interactions that often take place away from the runway and cameras.
For Simone, the opportunity to reconnect with Aishwarya and other members of the L’Oréal Paris family was particularly meaningful because their professional schedules do not always allow them to spend much time together. Speaking to Variety India, Simone explained that the informal moments behind the scenes are an important part of these events.
“I think it’s the moments we have backstage when we see each other. We don’t get to spend much time together throughout the year, so it’s always really nice when we’re reunited and can catch up with each other. It’s so exciting. This is my third year walking for them, so I know a little bit more of what to expect. I’m just super excited. It’s always one of the most fun days of the year.”
Simone’s comments highlight a side of fashion week that is often less visible than the runway itself. While the public usually sees carefully choreographed walks, elaborate styling and photographs, major fashion events also provide opportunities for ambassadors, actors, models and creative professionals to reconnect. For celebrities who work across different countries and projects, these brief encounters can become some of the most memorable parts of the experience.
The 2026 Paris Fashion Week appearance also marked Simone’s third time walking for L’Oréal Paris. Having participated in the event previously, she said she now has a better understanding of what to expect. That familiarity appears to have allowed her to approach the occasion with greater confidence while still enjoying the excitement that comes with being part of one of the fashion calendar’s most closely watched events.
Simone Ashley rose to international prominence through her role as Kate Sharma in the popular Netflix period drama Bridgerton. Her performance introduced her to a global audience and established her as one of the show’s notable cast members. Before that breakthrough, she was also known for playing Olivia Hanan in the British series Sex Education, another production that developed a strong international following.
Her career has since expanded into feature films, with credits including The Little Mermaid and Picture This. She also appeared in The Devil Wears Prada 2, taking on the role of Amari, an assistant to Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly. The sequel brings together several major performers, including Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci, further adding to Simone’s growing presence in international entertainment.
Beyond acting, Simone has increasingly become part of the fashion and beauty conversation. Her association with L’Oréal Paris places her alongside other internationally recognised ambassadors and gives her opportunities to participate in campaigns and major fashion events. For an actor whose career continues to develop across television, cinema and fashion, such collaborations also offer a platform to explore a different aspect of creative expression.
Reflecting on the significance of these opportunities, Simone spoke about the value she places on working with people from different creative backgrounds. She described the experience as both a privilege and an opportunity to express herself artistically.
“It means a lot. It’s so wonderful. I feel very privileged that I get to express my creativity and work with a variety of creatives I look up to. And if there’s a positive message conveyed in all of that, then I’m very proud.”
Her comments also reflect the broader role that fashion collaborations can play in an actor’s public career. For performers, appearances at international fashion events are no longer limited to wearing designer outfits or attending shows. They can involve brand campaigns, creative partnerships, photography, beauty work and interactions with artists from different parts of the entertainment industry.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s presence at the event added another layer of interest for audiences, particularly in India and among her international fan base. As one of India’s most recognisable actors on the global fashion circuit, her appearances at major international events have frequently attracted attention. Her long association with L’Oréal Paris has also made her a familiar face at the brand’s international events.
The interaction between Aishwarya and Simone quickly became one of the moments audiences focused on from the 2026 event. In footage shared online, Aishwarya could be seen greeting Simone warmly before the two sat together and spoke backstage. They were dressed in black and were seen holding hands while chatting before posing for photographs.
The pair were also seen together during the final runway walk, where they once again held hands. The relaxed interaction stood out against the highly produced atmosphere of fashion week and offered audiences a more personal glimpse of the relationship between the brand’s ambassadors.
