The CHANEL Spring Summer 2026 Show — CHANEL Shows

The CHANEL Spring Summer 2026 collection, debuting under the fresh creative direction of Matthieu Blazy, marked a transformative moment for the iconic house. Presented in the grand setting of the Grand Palais, now transformed into a luminous solar system with glowing planetary orbs, the show was a bold statement of entering a new Chanel universe. Blazy’s vision honors Gabrielle Chanel’s legacy by revisiting essential house codes such as tweed, jersey, and silk, but reworks, recuts, and reinterprets them for a modern audience.

The collection opens with a striking, boxy gray suit featuring cropped and rolled sleeves—signaling a stripped-down, confident approach anchored in craftsmanship yet bursting with contemporary energy. Throughout the runway, traditional Chanel fabrics are deconstructed and worn-in, creating a sense of garments that feel loved and lived in, with details like crushed bags, frayed tweeds, and knitted silk suits punctuated by understated embroidery.

Blazy embraces Gabrielle Chanel’s blending of masculine and feminine components, layering boxy and curved shoulders to create a chic unisex tension that feels both respectful of the past and daringly forward-thinking. Sheer skirts and delicate chrysanthemum-like slip-on caps inject a youthful and carefree vibe, while oversized button-down shirts draw inspiration from the house’s muse and her transformative lover, Arthur “Boy” Capel.

One of the biggest challenges Blazy tackled was reviving tweed, perhaps the most emblematic Chanel fabric. Some pieces use tweed as a loose crochet overlay paired with fitted bodysuits or dissolve into fringe, ensuring that tweed feels relevant and wearable for Gen Z without sacrificing tradition. Footwear was similarly modern—showcasing new iterations of the iconic two-tone Chanel shoe, including slingbacks, pumps, and sock heels with architectural profiles.

In accessories, the collection revisits the legendary 2.55 handbag, presented as worn, creased, and cherished, alongside quilted leather totes, suede top-handle bags, and double-sided flap designs, reinforcing the house’s commitment to heritage with a sense of authenticity.

The atmosphere, filled with celestial lights and rich music, underscored the collection’s vision of Chanel as a vibrant, evolving universe rather than a museum of tradition. It balanced respect for Gabrielle Chanel’s radical spirit with contemporary cultural relevance and modern aesthetics, signaling a confident new chapter for the house’s storied history.

Stars like Jennie from Blackpink, Nicole Kidman, Tilda Swinton, and Raf Simons attended, highlighting the show’s cultural significance. Blazy’s debut is seen as ushering in a new era for Chanel, blending heritage with bold innovation and reaffirming the label’s relevance in today’s fashion landscape.whowhatwear+3youtube