For its Spring/Summer 2026 haute couture collection, Chanel, under the creative direction of Matthieu Blazy, unveiled a captivating fashion spectacle at the Grand Palais in Paris. This presentation marked a significant continuation of Blazy's distinctive vision for the esteemed fashion house, transitioning from his previous celestial-themed debut to an equally imaginative, earth-bound fairytale. The entire space was meticulously transformed into an ethereal landscape, characterized by towering, sculptural mushrooms, delicate pink foliage that cascaded gracefully, and elegantly winding pathways, crafting an intimate yet grand setting for the haute couture garments.
Chanel's Spring/Summer 2026 Haute Couture Unveils a Magical Wonderland at the Grand Palais
On January 28, 2026, the historic Grand Palais in Paris, France, played host to an extraordinary event as Chanel presented its Spring/Summer 2026 Haute Couture collection. The creative genius behind this immersive experience was Matthieu Blazy, who masterfully converted the vast interior of the Grand Palais into a whimsical, dream-like forest. Attendees were enveloped in an environment dominated by oversized, pale pink mushroom sculptures of varying heights and diameters. These striking forms not only served as visual anchors but also skillfully minimized the immense scale of the iron-and-glass structure, introducing pockets of intimacy within the sprawling hall. The mushrooms' textured undersides, gently rounded stems, and lustrous caps added a rich tactile dimension, contrasting with the Grand Palais's imposing architecture. From an aerial perspective, the layout revealed a series of concentric, spiraling paths, with guests seated along curved benches, deeply integrating them into the spatial design and transforming the runway into a fluid, navigable topography. A soft, permeable boundary was created by a curtain of cascading pink foliage, extending the show's fantastical theme beyond mere aesthetics. This enchanted setting, where the lines between architecture, stage, and audience blurred, perfectly complemented the campaign imagery which featured animated woodland creatures observing the meticulous craftsmanship of the French house's ateliers, embodying a narrative of transformation and magical creation.
This breathtaking presentation by Matthieu Blazy for Chanel not only showcased exquisite haute couture but also underscored the evolving role of set design in contemporary fashion. It challenges us to consider how designers are increasingly creating entire worlds to convey their artistic narratives, blurring the boundaries between fashion, art, and immersive experience. The meticulous attention to detail in crafting this fairytale garden, from the sculptural elements to the strategic placement of seating, highlights a commitment to holistic storytelling. It suggests that the future of fashion shows may lie not just in displaying clothing, but in transporting audiences to entirely new realms, fostering a deeper, more emotional connection with the brand's creative vision.