Chanel Haute Couture FW 2025/26: A Time of Transition

Chanel’s Haute Couture collection marks a pivotal moment in the Maison’s history. It is the final collection created by the in-house studio after the departure of Virginie Viard and before the official debut of her successor, Matthieu Blazy.

Rather than a traditional runway show under the glass dome of the Grand Palais, guests were invited through a side entrance into a more secluded wing of the building. There, the original couture salons of Gabrielle Chanel were recreated: cream carpets, quilted armchairs, mirrored walls, and soft lighting. On each chair lay a golden wheat ear and a name card. Among the attendees were Lord, Gracie Abrams, Naomi Campbell, and Princess Caroline of Monaco. The intimate setting reflected both reverence for the House’s heritage and the transitional moment it represents.

The collection pays homage to Coco Chanel’s long-standing love for British culture, particularly the Scottish Highlands, where she first discovered tweed – the fabric that would become emblematic of the House. Nature and pastoral elegance resonate throughout the collection, with muted tones like ecru, moss green, and soft blues evoking both the countryside and a sense of quiet sophistication.

Among the standout pieces were a chartreuse tweed blouson paired with a draped sky-blue satin skirt, a black satin halter-neck dress cinched with a belt and detailed with patch pockets, and a double-breasted tweed coat layered over a pleated lace skirt. Shades of heather, mist, and champagne gold ran through the collection, evoking a quiet sophistication – a bridge between tradition and transformation.

As the House stands at a pivotal moment in its history, this collection served not as an ending, but as an elegant pause – a reflection on Chanel’s eternal codes of femininity and freedom. With Matthieu Blazy soon to take the creative helm, the brand looks ahead to a new era – one that promises to honor its storied past while redefining the art of modern couture.