Chanel Couture Receives a Revitalising Infusion

Matthieu Blazy's debut Chanel couture presentation redefined the house's aesthetic: translucent coats, ethereal textures, and a fantastical garden backdrop in Paris.

Chanel

Fashion embodies a fantasy and a fairytale, with couture serving as its cornerstone. Matthieu Blazy has just demonstrated this during his inaugural haute couture presentation for Chanel. This collection, characterised by its lightness and fluidity, portrays the lady as a bird, inspired by the concept of flight.

Blazy converted the Grand Palais into a surreal landscape reminiscent of a Dr. Seuss illustration or the most fantastical dreams. Vibrant pink trees and colossal mushrooms adorned the area, as Dua Lipa, Gracie Abrams, and A$AP Rocky occupied the front row.

The Chanel suit commenced the show, reduced to its fundamental elements and crafted from sheer silk mousseline, subtly referencing the brand's heritage. Additional tokens and objects emerged, such a bottle of N°5 and a crimson lipstick, intricately stitched, tucked into a pocket or incorporated as accessories. Blazy's capacity to respect house codes while introducing an undeniably novel element was palpable.

As the show progressed, a transformation occurred in which the women began to evolve into birds. Manifested through fluid textiles, stratification, and tucking, albeit infrequently genuine plumage, they began to emerge. One can observe appearances evocative of a black raven, a modest grey pigeon, a pink spoonbill, a linear heron, and a crested cockatoo. The birds, adorned with beautiful plumage and graceful shapes, epitomise freedom.

“Haute Couture embodies the essence of Chanel – it serves as the cornerstone and complete manifestation of the House.” These garments reflect the identity of both the wearer and the designer. Blazy articulated in his show notes, "The garments worn convey a genuine narrative; they embody a personal tale and evoke emotional resonance, providing women with a medium to express their own stories." The designer beckons you into an ethereal aviary realm, where you may effortlessly drift away.

For additional information about fashion week, check out FW26 recap.