Chanel Fall 2026 Couture
Words by Juan Eckersley
Images via Chanel
Matthieu Blazy’s second haute couture collection for Chanel feels like stepping into a storybook, but not in the way you might expect. Instead of creating fantasy for fantasy’s sake, Blazy uses fairy tales as a way to celebrate curiosity, craftsmanship, and the joy of getting dressed. Inspired by a book of classic fairy tales from Gabrielle Chanel’s personal library, the collection reminds us that couture can still spark imagination while feeling deeply connected to the women who wear it.
The collection is filled with details that reward a closer look. Classic Chanel tweed appears alongside delicate lace, feathered trims, intricate floral embroidery, and sheer layers that give familiar silhouettes a lighter, dreamlike quality. One moment you're looking at an impeccably tailored skirt suit, and the next you're discovering whimsical touches hidden throughout the collection, from embroidered vines and butterflies to bird inspired motifs and playful minaudières shaped like fairy tale characters. It never feels costume like. Instead, every detail contributes to the story while remaining unmistakably Chanel.
What stood out most to me was Blazy's ability to make couture feel playful again. There is an incredible sense of wonder running through the collection, whether it is found in towering feathered collars, slit tweed skirts, oversized floral appliqués, or tiny embroidered buttons inspired by stories like Puss in Boots and Goldilocks. Even the accessories, including bean shaped minaudières, sculptural heels, and animal inspired details, encourage you to slow down and appreciate the craftsmanship behind every look.
Perhaps the most refreshing part of the collection is that, beneath all of its fantasy, the clothes remain remarkably wearable. Blazy has spoken about couture as part of "the adventure of the everyday," and that idea comes through beautifully. The tailoring feels modern, the silhouettes are surprisingly easy, and even the more imaginative pieces never lose sight of the woman wearing them. It is a collection that reminds us couture can be magical without feeling out of reach.
Among all the looks, below are the ones that stood out as our favorites, best capturing the craftsmanship, imagination, and joyful spirit of the collection.
