Matthieu Blazy presented his debut haute couture collection for Chanel at the Grand Palais in Paris on July 7, 2026, marking a new chapter for the iconic French fashion house. The show, attended by celebrities including Kristen Stewart and Marion Cotillard, featured 65 meticulously crafted looks that reinterpreted Chanel's signature codes through a contemporary lens.
Collection Highlights
Blazy's collection paid homage to Coco Chanel's legacy while introducing fresh silhouettes and textures. Key pieces included tweed suits with exaggerated shoulders, flowing silk gowns with intricate beading, and reimagined little black dresses. The designer emphasized craftsmanship, with each garment requiring hundreds of hours of handiwork by the maison's artisans.
According to fashion critic Sarah Mower, "Blazy has managed to honor Chanel's history while pushing the brand into a new era. His use of volume and transparency is particularly striking." The show also featured a collaboration with jeweler Goossens, adding sculptural metallic accents to several looks.
Show Production
The runway was set in a minimalist white space with mirrored floors, allowing the intricate details of each garment to take center stage. Models walked to a live piano performance by composer Chilly Gonzales, who played a medley of classical pieces and modern reinterpretations.
Blazy stated in the show notes, "I wanted to capture the spirit of Chanel—the freedom, the elegance, and the surprise. This collection is a dialogue between tradition and modernity." The show concluded with a bride look, a Chanel tradition, featuring a white tweed jumpsuit and a veil embroidered with camellias.
Industry Impact
The debut has been widely praised by fashion insiders. Vogue's Nicole Phelps described it as "a masterful balance of respect and reinvention." The collection is expected to influence upcoming ready-to-wear trends, particularly in the use of structured tailoring and delicate embellishments.
Chanel's haute couture sales have seen a 15% increase in the past year, according to industry reports, and Blazy's appointment is seen as a strategic move to attract a younger clientele while retaining loyal customers. The show also highlighted the brand's commitment to sustainability, with several pieces made from upcycled materials.
