On the eve of the final day of Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026, Chanel unveiled Matthieu Blazy’s debut collection at the Grand Palais. Floating planets illuminated the venue while the glossy, starry floor reflected a galactic shimmer—transforming the space into what felt like the very center of the universe.
Having already earned critical acclaim for his achievements at Bottega Veneta, Blazy is renowned for merging craftsmanship with innovation, redefining materiality, and transforming leather into fabric-like fluidity. That same “eye for redefining materials” now breathes new life into Chanel’s codes, creating a sense of modernity that transcends time.
A Debut of “Reconstructed Codes”
This debut collection brought forth Chanel’s timeless signatures—tweed, camellias, pearls, the interlocking double Cs, and the maison’s signature black-and-white palette—but all were reinterpreted through Blazy’s distinctive lens.
Tweed, traditionally structured, became unexpectedly light and fluid, woven with viscose to achieve a sense of movement. Classic tweed jackets took on a boxier silhouette with cropped proportions, creating a refined yet modern rhythm. Low-rise trousers added an air of ease, balancing youthful freshness with Chanel’s enduring sophistication.
Shirting and blouses reflected Blazy’s mastery of menswear construction. In collaboration with Charvet, the storied shirtmaker on Place Vendôme, he created boxy shirts weighted with Chanel’s signature metal chain along the hem—a subtle detail that gave them an elegant drape with every movement.
Accessories, too, underwent a gentle yet decisive transformation.
There were jumbo flap bags striped in faux fur, dresses adorned with camellias crafted from beads and raffia, and two-tone leather heels that exuded a playful modernity layered atop the house’s heritage.
Even the maison’s classic ballet flats received a daring makeover: the toe box was elongated, softening the traditionally round silhouette.
A pair of chocolate-brown alligator pumps with crisp white stripes stood out, offering a refreshing contrast of texture and tone.
Blazy’s experimental spirit carried into the handbags. The iconic 2.55 was reimagined with flexible wire within its flap, allowing the wearer to shape it freely. “I wanted it to look not old, but well loved,” Blazy explained—an homage to time, sentiment, and the enduring beauty of use.
The Cosmos as Chanel’s New Horizon
The central motif of this collection—the universe itself—draws from Coco Chanel’s lifelong fascination with astronomy, as well as her romantic connection with Boy Capel, whose influence helped propel her early ventures into fashion. Celestial imagery appeared throughout: dresses printed with planetary motifs, minaudières shaped like miniature globes, multi-colored beaded jewelry, and feathered hats that floated like cosmic dust.
The show concluded with a moving finale. Model Awar Odhiang, wearing a silky T-shirt paired with a sweeping multicolored feathered ball skirt, broke formation at the end of the runway. Overcome with emotion, she ran into Blazy’s arms for an embrace that brought the audience to tears—an unforgettable testament to the emotional power of fashion.
A New Chapter Written in the Stars
Blazy’s debut marks a definitive new chapter for Chanel. With an exquisite balance between respect for the archives and a spirit of innovation, practicality and dreaminess, he has revived the maison’s DNA for a new generation.
This collection resonates across ages—a harmony of modern sensibility and quiet intellect that elevates everyday elegance.
It is, in every sense, a beginning written in the stars.
Explore all the looks from the Chanel Spring/Summer 2026 Collection in the gallery below.
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