I think it’s safe to say that Chanel is in very good hands. Presenting his Fall/Winter 2026 collection, Matthieu Blazy strikes again with a paradox that unfolds into a fully realised, 360º vision, using the suit as the central canvas. Building on Gabrielle Chanel’s philosophy of duality – function and fantasy, day and night – the Creative Director explores transformation through silhouette, craft, and attitude, revisiting the Maison’s most emblematic and recognisable codes.
Last night at the Grand Palais, Blazy once again gathered the fashion world to present his latest chapter for Chanel. A full A-list front row, including Margot Robbie, Olivia Dean, Jennie, Teyana Taylor, Lily-Rose Depp, and Kylie Minogue, made it clear that the new era of Chanel is resonating far beyond the runway. The energy surrounding the show reflected a growing enthusiasm for Blazy’s direction: a vision that feels fresh and not forced, yet deeply respectful of the Maison’s heritage, proving that Chanel’s legacy can evolve while remaining itself.
Transformation and change are the starting point for this collection. Blazy’s understanding of silhouette and craftsmanship, proven consistently over the years, comes into focus here as he revisits the Chanel suit in its many forms and transformations across decades. Moving fluidly between the 1920s and the present, Blazy sets the bar high: drop waists return with confidence, tweed sets appear alongside ribbed knit ensembles, and fluid gowns glide through the collection with effortless movement. The suit becomes the central canvas of experimentation, enriched with embellishments that elevate its traditional codes: beaded details, shimmering surfaces, and textured fabrics that blur the line between daywear and evening.
Materials oscillate between classy and fresh, from bouclé tweeds to silk jersey, gauze, and technical weaves threaded with metallic fibres. In contrast to the Maison’s historically restrained palette, the show embraces colourful, bright tonalities and luminous textures, signalling a shift away from minimalism toward a more expressive and modern vision, one that continues the more embellished direction introduced in Blazy’s debut.
Accessories reinforce the collection’s exuberant atmosphere, extending the dialogue between the natural and the artificial. Jewellery gleams in saturated enamel, resin and iridescent mother-of-pearl, while bags echo the same decorative spirit, some adorned with embellishments that mirror the glittering surfaces seen throughout the garments. Familiar Chanel codes remain untouched, such as the suede flap bag inspired by the quilted upholstery of Gabrielle Chanel’s apartment, but are presented alongside more playful, sculptural designs. Footwear features second-skin cap-toed boots in supple pastel leathers that maintain the elongated elegance of the silhouette, while thin, miniature eyewear adds a sharp, modern edge.
Styling also plays a crucial role in shaping the show’s atmosphere. Models appear glitter-drenched, with shimmering hair catching the light as they move down the runway, reinforcing the collection’s luminous, almost iridescent mood.
As the finale unfolded to Lady Gaga’s hit Just Dance, the energy in the room confirmed once again that this new era of Chanel feels like the right appointment at the right moment.
