The legendary French fashion house Chanel marked its 110th anniversary with a spectacular celebration that blended heritage, haute couture, and the dawning of a bold new chapter. Held in the newly restored Grand Palais in Paris—a symbol of French art and culture—the event was nothing short of historic. It was more than a runway show; it was a statement of timelessness, elegance, and reinvention. Fittingly, the occasion also served as the unveiling of Chanel’s Fall-Winter 2025/26 Haute Couture collection, and the symbolic passing of the torch to its newly appointed creative director, Matthieu Blazy.
Founded in 1910 by the revolutionary Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, the brand has always stood as a beacon of liberated elegance. From the moment Chanel introduced jersey dresses and freed women from the constraints of corsets, she redefined the codes of luxury. Over the decades, Chanel became synonymous with effortless chic—pearls, tweed, the little black dress, and of course, the iconic No. 5 perfume. A century later, the house continues to uphold and reimagine that legacy.
This year’s anniversary presentation was imbued with both nostalgia and forward momentum. The venue alone carried immense symbolism. The Grand Palais—an architectural marvel and a long-standing partner to Chanel’s couture shows—had just reopened after extensive renovations. For Chanel to return to this space, restored to its full glory, was an elegant echo of its own journey: preserving the past while stepping into the future.
Under the glass-domed ceiling, the runway was transformed into a dreamscape that paid homage to Chanel’s codes, but with a renewed energy. The Fall-Winter 2025/26 Haute Couture collection dazzled with craftsmanship and vision. There were nods to Chanel’s signatures—bouclé tweeds, delicate lace, and intricate embroidery—but reinterpreted with modern silhouettes and unexpected textures.
Perhaps most significant was the presence of Matthieu Blazy, whose official debut as Chanel’s creative director is slated for early 2026. Known for his tenure at Bottega Veneta, where he masterfully married quiet luxury with conceptual design, Blazy’s appointment marks a strategic evolution for Chanel. While the house has always honored Coco Chanel’s vision, it has never been afraid to evolve.
In her own lifetime, Coco Chanel changed the way women dressed—and in many ways, how they moved through the world. The 110th anniversary celebration was a testament to how deeply her vision continues to shape fashion today. It was also a reminder that Chanel’s power lies not only in its past, but in its ability to remain relevant—fearlessly stylish, endlessly elegant, and always evolving.
As the lights dimmed on the Grand Palais runway, one message lingered: Chanel is not simply a fashion house. It is an institution of cultural resonance, artistic innovation, and enduring allure. And as it begins a new century with Matthieu Blazy at the helm, the world will be watching to see how this legacy continues to unfold.