A New Face in Fashion: The Latest Leader Launches His Journey
Paris —
Chanel’s new artistic director, Matthieu Blazy, showcased his vision for the iconic brand as Paris Fashion Week concluded on Monday evening. The much-anticipated collection reveal took place at the historic Grand Palais, which has been a staple venue for Chanel since 2007 and recently underwent a $500 million restoration.
The runway set resembled an entire solar system, with massive glowing planets suspended above and on the floor, creating a striking backdrop for the event. A-list celebrities, including Margot Robbie, Penélope Cruz, and Pedro Pascal, occupied the front row, along with Chanel’s newly appointed brand ambassadors, Ayo Edebiri and Nicole Kidman. This marked a return for Kidman, who previously represented Chanel No. 5.
Nicole Kidman (center), pictured alongside director Steve McQueen and French singers Vanessa Paradis and Étienne Daho, sat on the front row.
The Grand Palais, less than a mile from Coco Chanel’s original couture house, proudly features the brand’s name carved at its main entrance, a tribute resulting from Chanel’s reported €25 million ($29 million) contribution to the restoration.
Speculations on how Coco would have reacted to the show abound. Would she have embraced the nods to her signature pieces, like a classic black tweed jacket adorned with white camellias, or would she have advised Blazy to focus on the future? Historically, Coco was known for her forthrightness and criticism of nostalgia, famously stating, “Fashion should die and die quickly, in order that commerce may survive.”
A look from Chanel’s Spring-Summer 2026 collection by Matthieu Blazy.
The collection featured modern interpretations of Chanel’s legacy, incorporating lighter, softer boucle jackets. Blazy’s predecessor, Virginie Viard, had remained more reserved during her tenure, a contrast to Karl Lagerfeld, whose vibrant approach reinvigorated the brand. Lagerfeld, known for his showmanship, left behind a more recognizable image than Chanel’s iconic double-C logo.
Blazy, 41, previously served as the creative director at Bottega Veneta and worked under acclaimed designers including Raf Simons. His ascension to Chanel marks him as only the fourth artistic director in the house’s history and positions him to influence one of the world’s most significant luxury brands, valued at approximately $20 billion. Unlike conglomerate-owned labels, Chanel enjoys a degree of financial privacy, allowing Blazy time to navigate his vision amidst market fluctuations.
As the industry’s landscape shifts, with peer brands facing declining sales, Blazy might have the luxury to develop his style without immediate pressure. Chanel’s president, Bruno Pavlovsky, emphasized the importance of patience in the creative process prior to the show.
Despite the weight of expectations, Blazy approached his debut as if it could be his last. The Spring-Summer 2026 show commenced with a cropped suit, revealing a collection defined by movement and vitality. Highlights included the lively soundtrack of ’90s anthem “Rhythm is a Dancer,” underscoring the garments’ dynamic nature.
A joyful skirt paired with a simple silk T-shirt look closed the show.
The final ensemble—a vibrant, voluminous skirt resembling a blend of flowers and feathers—paired with a simple silk T-shirt evoked joy and energy. The audience rose in applause as Blazy took his first bow, affirming his successful introduction to the storied brand.
Ultimately, Blazy’s commitment to craftsmanship remained central to his vision, ensuring that, amidst the emotional weight of his debut, the designs themselves took precedence.
