CHANEL: SS26
Planet Chanel. Welcome to the universe of Matthieu Blazy, who debuted last night at the epicentre of all things Chanel, the Grand Palais. The set was the best since Karl's tenure, light as air planets suggesting something other worldly exists. A realm of twinkling stars. This was exquisite, sophisticated and just right - no gimmicks, rather elegance and that French insouciance. But above all, there was a real sense of Coco Chanel. Grounded and slightly tomboy. From the opening look of boyish pants suit to the final beautiful dancing gown, the collection was night and day, work and play. This was one voice, that of the very clever Blazy, a humming mind distilling an essence of the past for now.
There was so much to consider: from the slinky suits softly effortless, to the flaming red bursts of feathery hats and strong romantic skirts with sweeping trains. It kept building. It was hard to keep up to soak up every single look. On the show notes sent afterwards Blazy said: "Chanel is about love. The birth of Modernity in fashion comes from a love story. This is what I find most beautiful. It has no time or space; this is an idea of freedom. The freedom worn and won by Gabrielle Chanel". We could breathe in this freedom, hopeful and optimistic.
To quote Gabrielle Chanel: “I love everything that is above: the sky, the moon, I believe in the stars". It was a brilliant beginning for Blazy, a dazzling meteor shower. And Nicole Kidman in as the new house ambassador; two First Nations models walking, Tatyana Perry and Latahlia Hickling; and Margot Robbie front row. It was wonderful, pure end of fashion month energy.