Chanel's haute couture show captivated audiences in Paris, even as the city experienced a sweltering 33 degrees Celsius (91.4 degrees Fahrenheit). The event drew a constellation of stars to its front row, including newly minted Chanel brand ambassador Pedro Pascal, who presented a JFK Jr.-inspired look. Also in attendance were actors Sarah Pidgeon, Elizabeth Debicki, Lupita Nyong'o, and Michelle Yeoh, alongside sprinter Dina Asher-Smith and long-time Chanel muses Vanessa Paradis and Tilda Swinton. Iconic French actress Catherine Deneuve, typically associated with Yves Saint Laurent, also made an appearance.
Designer Matthieu Blazy's autumn/winter 2026 couture collection drew inspiration from fairytale landscapes, featuring vine embroidery on silk skirts and boucle jackets, with floral, feather, and fauna embellishments adorning many pieces. The show aimed to highlight the artistry of Chanel's artisans. Artist Joel Blanc was present to capture the event live, offering a visual counterpoint to the ubiquitous smartphone recordings.
The collection's success comes at a time when the luxury market faces challenges, yet Chanel reported a 2 percent profit increase, with overall revenue climbing to $19.3 billion in 2025. This financial performance is seen as particularly strong, underscoring the brand's enduring appeal and Blazy's impact since taking over as artistic director last year.