Chanel turns Paris into a fantasy stage and confirms there is no single Chanel woman, but many—free, diverse and unapologetically individual.
Paris once again bows to Chanel. Following Jonathan Anderson’s debut at Dior, Haute Couture enters its second major moment of the season with the first collection by Matthieu Blazy for the French maison. The chosen setting could not have been more symbolic: the Grand Palais, transformed into an oneiric universe inspired by Alice in Wonderland, complete with oversized mushrooms and pink, willow-like trees that set the tone for a show rooted in imagination.
From the very first visuals, fantasy emerged as the guiding thread. An animated teaser—where illustrated figures performed tailoring tasks in a Cinderella-like reverie—foreshadowed a collection balancing magic with savoir-faire. The front row followed suit, delivering a constellation of style statements that mirrored the house’s plural identity.
Among the earliest arrivals, Penélope Cruz reaffirmed her long-standing bond with the house in a black knit ensemble—dress and cardigan—finished with embroidered strass at the hem and patent leather shoes. It was a restrained, elegant choice that distilled Chanel’s DNA. Beside her, Nicole Kidman opted for heightened sophistication, pairing feathers with a sequinned embroidered skirt that balanced drama and delicacy.
One of the most anticipated appearances was Dua Lipa, who chose a bolder look featuring cartoon and American superhero-inspired prints—an explicit nod to contemporary codes Blazy has previously explored in New York. Her presence underscored the maison’s intent to speak to a new generation without diluting its identity.
Also commanding attention was A$AP Rocky, once again demonstrating his intuitive relationship with fashion through a personal, label-free lens. His appearance reinforced one of the show’s clearest messages: Chanel does not belong to a single profile or a single creative gender. The mix of references was, in fact, the point.
True to the house, figures such as Tilda Swinton—one of the first to grace the red carpet in Chanel—brought the intellectual, avant-garde edge long associated with the brand. Inès de la Fressange delivered her signature navy elegance, blending classic blue and white codes, while French actress Ana Girardot and Claire Foy—the latter in a leather look hinting at new directions for the maison—rounded out a diverse yet coherent cast.
Beyond the A-list names, Chanel’s front row sent a clear signal: there is no single Chanel woman. There are many. Different, free, sophisticated or daring. And none wanted to miss this defining moment—one that marks the beginning of a new era for the house founded by Gabrielle Chanel.
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