Despite soaring temperatures of 33C (91F) in Paris, Chanel's autumn/winter haute couture show was the event of the season, drawing a star-studded front row. Celebrities, including newly appointed Chanel ambassador Pedro Pascal, "Love Story" star Sarah Pidgeon, and "Gladiator II" actor, donned the latest designs.
Pascal, 51, appeared in a look inspired by JFK Junior, featuring chinos and a striped matelot top layered over a white t-shirt. Pidgeon, 29, opted for a chic drop-waisted dress, drawing comparisons to Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Lupita Nyong'o, 43, who stars in "The Odyssey," wore a floor-length gown embellished with black and yellow sequins. Michelle Yeoh, 63, also attended in a silver brocade jacket and matching pencil skirt.
British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith, 30, made her front-row debut alongside long-time Chanel muses Vanessa Paradis, 53, and Tilda Swinton, 65. Elizabeth Debicki, 35, known for her role as Diana, Princess of Wales in "The Crown," and singer Teyana Taylor, 35, were also present. Notably, iconic French actress Catherine Deneuve, 82, a former patron of Yves Saint Laurent, made an appearance, highlighting Chanel's broad appeal.
Matthieu Blazy, who became artistic director last year, has been credited with modernizing the French fashion house and driving sales. Chanel reported a 2 percent profit rise in 2025, with overall revenue climbing to $19.3 billion. For his second couture collection, Blazy's designs for autumn/winter 2026 drew inspiration from "Jack and the Beanstalk," featuring vine embroidery on silk skirts, boucle jackets, and shoes. The collection incorporated flowers, feathers, and fauna, showcasing the craftsmanship of Chanel's artisans.
To emphasize the artistic nature of couture, Chanel invited artist Joel Blanc to capture the show as it happened, a departure from the typical smartphone documentation.