The Chanel Spring/Summer 2026 show at Paris Fashion Week was a historic turning point for the house, marking the highly anticipated debut of Matthieu Blazy (formerly of Bottega Veneta) as Creative Director.
Staged under the majestic glass dome of the Grand Palais, the show was titled *”Une Conversation”*—an imaginary dialogue between Blazy and the house’s founder, Gabrielle Chanel.
The Theme: “Cosmic Renewal”
The Grand Palais was transformed into a celestial dreamscape by Bureau Betak. Massive, luminescent planets hung above a mirrored runway, reflecting a “galaxy” of models. This cosmic metaphor signaled Blazy’s intent to take Chanel’s fixed codes and launch them into a new, borderless orbit.
Collection Highlights & Key Chapters
Blazy divided the collection into three distinct narrative chapters:
1. The Paradox (Masculine-Feminine)
The show opened with a nod to Boy Capel, Gabrielle’s great love.
- The Look: Crisp, masculine shirting and raw-edged jackets inspired by menswear.
- The Detail: Traditional Charvet-style shirts were reimagined with Chanel’s signature weighted chains sewn into the inner hems to create a perfect, purposeful drape.
2. Le Jour (Modern Daywear)
Blazy focused on “lived-in” luxury, moving away from the stiff “costume” feel of previous seasons.
- Deconstructed Tweed: Tweeds were frayed at the edges, open-weaved for transparency, and lightened with viscose for fluid movement.
- The “Worn” Aesthetic: In a bold move, the iconic 2.55 bag appeared “crashed and crushed,” looking like a cherished heirloom passed down through generations rather than a pristine boutique item.
3. L’Universel (The Finale)
The final passage celebrated the “Chanel Women” (plural) rather than a single muse.
- Art Deco Influence: Sharp black-and-white graphics echoed the house’s perfume packaging and 1930s silhouettes.
- The “Piña Colada” Skirt: The show concluded with a joyous burst of movement—cascading technicolor fringes and organza flowers that danced as the models walked.
See more: https://www.chanel.com/
Summary of Key Trends
| Element | SS26 Interpretation |
| Footwear | The two-tone pump was updated with a square toe in mint and red. |
| Jewelry | Baroque pearls, glass “planet” orbs, and enameled chains. |
| Motifs | Crumpled camellias and abstract, hand-painted florals. |
| Texture | Fringed hems, silk knits, and “zoom-in” amplified tweed patterns. |
The Verdict
The collection received a standing ovation from a front row that included Ayo Edebiri (the first ambassador of the Blazy era), BLACKPINK’s Jennie, Nicole Kidman, and Margot Robbie.
While some purists on social media found the “undone” and “crushed” elements controversial, critics largely praised Blazy for bringing “cerebral clarity” and a sense of freedom back to the brand. He successfully pivoted Chanel from a “monument of the past” to a “wardrobe for the future.”
Click here: