Leveridged

Chanel SS 26

Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel is a wonderfully whimsical interpretation of the regimented elements and codes of Maison Chanel. Blazy, known for his artistic reinventions, was appointed the new creative director of Chanel, Gabriel Chanel’s namesake label, where he debuted his first collection in October, showing us his Chanel in the Spring /Summer 2026 show.

Here, he twisted and moulded the popular Chanel motifs into something new yet familiar, drawing aesthetic inspiration from eras past.

Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel runway debut

The Chanel aesthetic is an easily recognizable one, that has aided in forming the legacy of the brand. Clients flock to the Maison for its distinctive look and aesthetic elements. We have come to know and love Chanel tweed, a tightly woven fabric capable of taking on many shapes and forms, an iconic code of the Maison. An iconic code of the Maison, which Blazy has celebrated by turning the usually tight weave into an open, airy version of itself, showing that new life can flow through old materials. 

Blazy is a masterful designer whose work playfully subverts expectations, making his garments unique.

Along with fabrics, he has brought new life to Chanel’s signature silhouettes.

The art is in the deatils

What was once figure-hugging is now free to flow with the wearer’s body. What was slender is now abundant and filled with detail, and what was once overtly fanciful is now elegantly simplified. Matthieu Blazy’s creative director debut was a tasteful masterclass of marrying a designer’s unique taste and vision with tried and true tradition. 

Despite borrowing silhouettes from the past, Matthieu has modernized Chanel

The collection was cohesive and extremely wearable, perfect for the modern day, where we want fashion to complement our lives rather than dictate. The introduction of the classic Chanel embroidered poplin is a welcome, timeless treasure that pairs beautifully with a variety of looks. Meanwhile, voluminous, feathered skirts were balanced out with slinky, silky tops. While boxy blazers with subtle men’s wear touches twisted and blurred our concept of feminine dress.

He marries design and functionality well, while maintaining whimsy

His interpretation of Chanel’s house codes tells a unique story of expressive elements, transforming the wearer’s wardrobe.

With the announcement of his appointment, many wondered what he would do. Would he depart from predictable ease or submit to the legacy of the house by offering something uniquely distinctive, highlighting his time at the helm?

He debuted with the spirit of a finally, the spirit of a man who has loved from afar, now able to admire intimately. He approached his Spring /Summer debut collection with care and respect, setting a beautiful tone ushering in a new era of Chanel, the Blazy years.