Walking out of the candyland fantasia of the Grand Palais into a steady grey Paris rain, one truth remained. The house of Chanel is in exceptionally good hands. As a native New Yorker chasing the couture dream, I live for the moments where craft meets reality. Matthieu Blazy’s debut for Chanel Haute Couture Spring Summer 2026 was exactly that: a masterclass in relatable excellence. While others design for the gala, Blazy designs for the woman who actually lives in her clothes.
Chanel Haute Couture Spring Summer 2026
Blazy drew inspiration from a simple, beautiful haiku about a bird and a mushroom. He wanted this collection to feel like a “calm moment of quietness,” almost like a Sunday morning. Amidst global chaos, he offered a poetic break—something magical that makes you dream. The set was a cinematic wonderland of magic mushrooms and pink weeping willows. Yet, the real magic happened in the details that require a tight close-up to truly appreciate.
A Sunday Morning Dream
The Architecture of Transparency and Flight
The show opened with the iconic Chanel skirt suit, reimagined in transparent blush pink mousseline. Updated with pink quartz buttons and natural pearl hem chains, it felt impossibly light. Instead of traditional side seams, flitting birds danced up the jackets.
The Personal Touch: Clients can now add personal embroideries, like Zodiac signs or initials, to their pieces.
The New 2.55: A transparent version of the classic bag appeared, containing only an embroidered love letter.
Metaphor in Motion: Blazy used birds as a metaphor for the freedom and travel of modern women.
The “Deadly Simple” LBD: Blazy claimed a simple black dress as his favourite, citing its hidden construction tension.
The Matthieu Blazy Couture Story
What is the Matthieu Blazy Haute Couture story? Blazy’s instinct was to return to the roots of Coco Chanel herself. He avoided the “extravagant expense” of occasion-only wear. Instead, he made clothes for work, the cinema, or a play. By making couture relatable, he served to make the astounding craftwork feel even more exquisite.
Why is Matthieu Blazy giving Chanel the cool girl main character aesthetic? He respects the petites mains while injecting a surrealist “cadaver exquis” energy into the designs. He lowered armholes on black tailored jackets so they feel as easy to wear as sweaters. This fusion of high-fashion construction with effortless comfort defines the new Chanel “cool girl”. She is free, she travels, and she carries a love letter in a clear bag.
A Hopeful Romantic
Everywhere you looked, Blazy’s “hopeful romantic” spirit shone through. From enamel forest creature buttons to fungi-shaped shoe heels, the whimsy was grounded in reality. He bridged the gap between 1920s flapper silhouettes and modern oversized menswear for the bride. Chanel SS26 wasn’t just a show; it was a poetic breath of fresh air.
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Photos: Chanel
