CHANEL took Paris by storm this season, and Matthieu Blazy’s debut was nothing short of stellar — literally and figuratively.
The CHANEL womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show was THE talk of Paris — not only for its breathtaking showcase but also because it marked Matthieu Blazy’s highly anticipated debut as the creative director.
Formerly at Bottega Veneta, Blazy brought a fresh pulse to the legendary house. He reimagined CHANEL’s timeless codes — tweed, pearls, chains, and camellias — through a modern lens.
Set inside the newly restored Grand Palais, the runway was transformed into a celestial dreamscape. A jet-black runway mirrored the night sky, with a suspended solar system glowing above — an ode to Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s love and fascination with stars and the night sky.
Out of the 77 looks that graced the runway, these 10 stood out as my absolute favourites.
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The power suit reimagined
Opening the show, Blazy set the tone with a classic suit — sharp tailoring, a touch of sparkle, and flower pom pom earrings. The brown pinstriped set featured a high-neck jacket with perfectly padded shoulders, paired with low-rise trousers that struck the ideal balance — not too baggy, not too slim — gracefully skimming the floor to let the shoes peek through.
As a fashion enthusiast who loves to show up and show out, I totally loved this look.. It’s modern businesswear with an edge — powerful, poised, and just the right amount of casual.
Effortless elegance in silk
I genuinely gasped when I saw this look. Unlike many of the other pieces, it was simple, minimal, and quietly captivating. While I adored the rest of the collection, this one stood out to me on a personal level — it felt wearable, like a piece I could slip into for a dinner or an elegant evening out.
The fluid silk dress cascaded beautifully to the floor, with soft draping at the waist anchored by a delicate flower-shaped brooch. The boat neckline added a touch of vintage elegance. Gentle pleats at the shoulders brought a hint of structure, giving the whole look a refined, modern edge. It’s the kind of dress that whispers ‘quiet luxury’ without trying too hard.
A fiery moment
Red and orange tones dominated the night, and this look proved why.
This look instantly made me want to slip it on. I love outfits that give a bit of breathing room, and this two-piece set had everything: elegance, comfort, and even pockets. Honestly, what more could I ask for? The iconic CHANEL pearl adorned this outfit, completing the overall look.
The tweed fabric had slivers of silver fabric that shimmered under the lights, while a thigh-high slit added movement and confidence. It exuded effortless comfort — elegance infused with just the right touch of allure.
Contrast is key
This piece moved like art came alive. The top, with its mix of white, purple, and brown hues and fine dark lines, felt almost like the texture of a tree. The mix of red coming to play here again gave it a fiery look that completed the ensemble.
What drew me in most was the contrast — the top felt calm and composed, then flowed into a burst of colour in the ruffles that breathed life into the outfit. The shoes, just peeking out from beneath the dress, perfectly completed the look.
The outfit also featured a lettuce hem, which I absolutely loved — it added a subtle 3D effect and brought even more movement and texture to the look.
Classic tweed
Can there be a CHANEL show without tweed? Hardly. This season, Blazy paid homage to the house’s heritage while reimagining it with languid, looser silhouettes that moved with grace.
One thing that truly stood out during the show was the prominence of frilled hems. They were everywhere, and this look captured them perfectly. The iconic tweed jacket appeared softer, looser, and more fluid than ever, paired with an inner silk shirt, while the low-waist skirt added an airy, relaxed feel, giving the outfit an effortlessly elevated touch.
This is a look that whispers romance and modernity — yet remains unmistakably CHANEL.
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Plaid perfection
Who says plaid can’t be chic? This look instantly caught my eye — the red tweed felt so bold yet beautifully delicate with those white and mint threads running through. I love how the open weave gives it this airy, almost playful feel, while the pearls and beaded layers add that unmistakable CHANEL glamour. It’s confident, a little daring, and so full of personality.
A touch of plum on wool
This wool ensemble, accented with deep plum tones and gleaming gold CHANEL buttons, radiated effortless charm. The jacket and petite skirt struck that sweet balance between youthful ease and refined sophistication — a modern, spirited twist on Parisian prep. I loved how it felt versatile — like a piece I could wear as a chic school uniform and still pull off in a corporate setting. It’s classic CHANEL through and through, yet reimagined with a lighter, fresher energy that feels perfectly in tune with this new era.
Stripes on stripes
They say stripes on stripes never work — yet this look effortlessly proves otherwise.
What instantly drew me in were its bold lines. The low-waist skirt hung fitted on the hips, cinched with a soft belt that added just the right touch of ease. The top featured delicate lettuce hems that framed the front and back beautifully, paired with a black neckline adorned with a touch of red embellishment that drew the eye in. I love that slits made their way into this look too, adding movement and an effortless sense of flow. Finished with sleek, rectangular stilettos, the entire look felt modern, refined, and beautifully put together.
Petals and poetry
This dress looked straight out of a dream — soft, romantic, and full of flowers. The nude fabric hugged the body beautifully, while bright red, yellow, and black flowers were carefully embroidered all over, almost as if they were blooming right on the dress. The deep V neckline was framed with floral details that added more bursts of colour and charm. What I loved most was how the flowers blossomed toward the hem, creating a textured, dynamic finish that swayed with every step — both delicate and bold.
A flowery finale
To close the show, South Sudanese model Awar Odhiang stole hearts in an ivory silk top with an open back and a voluminous skirt bursting with multicoloured flowers. As she twirled down the runway — before running to hug Blazy — the crowd erupted in applause.
It wasn’t just a beautiful ending; it was a historic one. Awar became the third Black model ever to close a CHANEL show in its 115-year history — a milestone moment for both her and the house.
Chanel’s next chapter begins
Each look felt like a letter to CHANEL’s legacy — familiar yet wholly new. Blazy didn’t just design clothes; he told a story about what CHANEL means now and what it could become. He’s holding onto everything we’ve always loved about the house, but giving it new life and energy. If this debut is any sign, we’re entering a bold, romantic, and beautifully reimagined chapter for CHANEL. I honestly can’t wait to see where it goes next.
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