As Paris Fashion Week concludes, Chanel showcases dramatic proportions in its final collection before Matthieu Blazy’s artistic direction begins next season
Chanel – Bold Proportions Command Attention at Grand Palais Finale
Chanel delivered a masterclass in proportion play at the Grand Palais on Tuesday, bringing Paris Fashion Week Fall-Winter 2025-2026 to a spectacular close. The iconic French fashion house transformed the exhibition hall with a striking black ribbon installation that spiraled dramatically toward the venue’s signature glass ceiling, creating an architectural backdrop for the transitional collection.
The show marked a pivotal moment for Chanel as it presented its final collection created before incoming artistic director Matthieu Blazy officially takes the creative helm. Fashion insiders and celebrities alike gathered to witness this transitional moment in the storied brand’s evolution.
Chanel Collection Highlights: Transformation Through Scale and Layering
The Fall-Winter 2025 collection showcased Chanel’s signature codes through fresh proportions and innovative layering techniques:
- Transformative Outerwear: A standout black tweed jacket with jewel buttons ingeniously converted into a long coat-dress, demonstrating versatility and technical craftsmanship
- Dramatic Proportions: Oversized poplin shirts flowed to ankle length, creating sweeping silhouettes that balanced structure with movement
- Translucent Layering: A pink tailored short ensemble paired with a sheer jacket and matching transparent skirt, merging traditional Chanel tailoring with contemporary transparency
- Statement Accessories: Bags reimagined as oversized pearl necklaces contrasted with miniature handbags, while massive pearl rings and large clutches completed the proportional play
Star-Studded Front Row Signals Chanel and their Continued Cultural Impact
The front row reflected Chanel’s cross-generational and global appeal, featuring:
- Fashion industry icon Anna Wintour
- Supermodel Naomi Campbell
- Rising South African singer Tyla
- French cinema legends Anna Mouglalis and Carole Bouquet
Industry observers note that seats for Blazy’s debut Spring-Summer 2026 collection in September will be among the most coveted tickets in fashion, as the discreet yet highly respected designer prepares to unveil his vision for the legendary maison.
Paris Fashion Week Concludes Amid Industry-Wide Creative Transitions
The Fall-Winter 2025 season has been defined by creative transitions across multiple premier fashion houses:
Successful Debuts
- Sarah Burton at Givenchy: The former Alexander McQueen creative director earned critical acclaim for her heritage-inspired debut
- Julian Klausner at Dries Van Noten: The Belgian designer presented his inaugural collection for the celebrated minimalist brand
- Haider Ackermann at Tom Ford: The American label made its Paris Fashion Week debut under Ackermann’s direction
Ongoing Transitions
- Dior Womenswear: Persistent rumors suggest Maria Grazia Chiuri may be departing, possibly for Gucci
- LVMH Restructuring: Industry sources speculate Jonathan Anderson (currently at Loewe) may assume control of both Dior men’s and women’s lines
- Recent Appointments: Mark Thomas has been named creative director at Carven, replacing Louise Trotter who moved to Bottega Veneta
Houses Still in Flux
- Celine and Fendi continue searching for new artistic directors
- John Galliano’s next move remains unknown following his December departure from Maison Margiela
- Saint Laurent and Miu Miu rounded out the week with their respective shows
As Paris Fashion Week concludes, the industry’s attention now turns to the upcoming creative shifts that will define the next fashion season, with Blazy’s Chanel debut positioned as the most anticipated reveal of Spring-Summer 2026.
