Matthieu Blazy Debuts at Chanel: A New Era Begins

PARIS, France — On October 6, Matthieu Blazy showcased his first collection as Chanel‘s artistic director at the Grand Palais. This much-anticipated event marked a new chapter for the iconic brand renowned for its luxury fashion.

Blazy, a 41-year-old designer known for his work at Bottega Veneta, has taken on the challenge of upholding Chanel’s legacy while infusing it with his personal style. “The expectations are immense, but I view this as a unique opportunity to innovate while respecting our heritage,” he noted during a pre-show interview.

Over 2,300 guests attended the show, which was skillfully staged to resemble a solar system, with planets crafted from luxurious materials. “I wanted to create a universal decor that inspires dreams. We live in a complicated world, and my role is to bring people together,” Blazy explained.

The collection featured tailored pieces that revived Chanel’s classic elements with a modern twist. Blazy replaced the traditional tweed jackets with sharp-cut blazers and introduced dresses adorned with golden wheat, embodying Gabrielle Chanel’s spirit of elegance while presenting his innovative textile experiments.

Bruno Pavlovsky, president of Chanel’s fashion activities, praised Blazy’s ability to breathe new life into the brand, stating, “Matthieu has created a spark at Chanel that we hope will resonate with our clients.” The collection, marked by its balance of continuity and bold experimentation, is seen as a significant step for the brand.

Blazy’s journey to this pivotal role included training under fashion luminaries such as Raf Simons and Phoebe Philo. His promotions and abilities indicated that he was ready to take on the world of high fashion at Chanel. As he steps into this new role, the fashion community watches closely to see how he will shape the future of this historic brand.