Chanel’s Matthieu Blazy: A Playful Take on Timeless Elegance

This Monday evening, Chanel unveiled a new era at the Grand Palais, showcasing its first collection under the creative direction of Matthieu Blazy. The collection portrays a modern Chanel woman, reflecting a refreshed sense of style and elegance.

Chanel Silhouettes by Matthieu Blazy

Set against a stunning night sky illuminated by planets, Matthieu Blazy’s debut silhouette for Chanel highlighted understated elegance. The ensemble combined tailored grey trousers with a cropped jacket, featuring rolled sleeves. Blazy eased into his role by showcasing classic office attire with a playful twist, including floral petal earrings.

The collection progressed to feature split skirts in soft hues and flowing designs. Details like chunky choker necklaces and colorful earrings added a touch of drama. A striking red feathered hairdo complemented a long, shimmering nude dress, while white feathers at the hem of a dark coat provided a soft contrast.

The music transitioned from classical to electronic, mirroring the collection’s modern elements. Long-sleeved tops and skirts maintained Chanel’s classic silhouette but were refreshed with fluid knit fabrics, floral motifs, and dynamic shapes. As the waistline dropped, echoes of the 1920s reemerged—an essential era in Chanel’s legacy.

Various contemporary looks highlighted a smart skirt paired with an oversized blouse. Blazy’s signature modern touch was also apparent through the creative use of materials, a testament to his knack for innovation, evident from his tenure at Bottega Veneta.

This Spring/Summer collection also echoed elements from his previous womenswear designs, including fitted dresses with flared hemlines and low-waisted options featuring fringed finishes.

Tweed Suit Gains Desirability

Under the creative direction of Matthieu Blazy, the classic Chanel tweed suit has reinvented itself with a newfound lightness. This season, the fabric features playful colors, textured designs, and bold geometric patterns. Utilizing transparency and a modernized silhouette with a wide belt, this iconic piece is repositioning itself as appealing to younger audiences.

Strong Symbol of Female Emancipation

The Spring/Summer 2026 collection came with anticipation, sparked by a teaser that stirred curiosity among fans. Last weekend, Chanel shared a black-and-white portrait on Instagram showcasing a woman’s bob hairstyle, reminiscent of Gabrielle Chanel’s iconic look. This nod to history pays homage to the brand’s founder.

By choosing to highlight the iconic bobbed hairstyle, Matthieu Blazy honors a significant symbol of female emancipation from the 1920s when it became fashionable for women to cut their hair. Gabrielle Chanel famously asserted, “a woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life.” Such sentiments resonate powerfully today.

The playful addition of feather accents, seemingly blending with the hair, further enhances the imagery. Such touches are reminiscent of David Bailey, the English photographer who famously altered the representation of women in the 1960s. The subtle elegance and minimalistic style evident in Bailey’s work reflect Matthieu Blazy’s aesthetic as well.

A Successful Gamble?

Expectations are notably high for Matthieu Blazy. After his appointment in December 2024, he is tasked with revitalizing the renowned Chanel brand while moving beyond the legacy left by Karl Lagerfeld, who led the brand from 1983 until 2019. This challenge is even more daunting in a luxury market facing economic downturns, as evidenced by the 28.2% decline in Chanel’s net profit in 2024 compared to the previous year.

By enlisting Matthieu Blazy, Chanel has embraced a creative director with a robust portfolio, credited with augmenting revenue during his time at Bottega Veneta. Blazy’s debut collection embodies the same creative spirit he brought to Bottega Veneta, showcasing accessible elegance with playful elements. This is precisely what Chanel needs as it embarks on a new journey.

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