The New Era Chanel Bags Spring/Summer 2026
The Spring/Summer 2026 collection for Chanel, showcased at Paris Fashion Week on October 6, marked the debut of new creative director Matthieu Blazy, who took the helm following Virginie Viard's departure. Blazy's collection provided a fresh perspective on Chanel's legacy, intertwining innovation with the brand's storied past. The show took place at the Grand Palais, where the space was transformed into a stunning cosmic setting filled with illuminated planets and a glossy black floor, reflecting the theme of universality and freedom in fashion.
“Chanel is about love. The birth of modernity in fashion comes from a love story. This is what I find most beautiful,” said Blazy in the show’s notes. “It has no time or space; this is an idea of freedom. The freedom worn and won by Gabrielle Chanel.”
Handbag Highlights
1. Reimagined Classics: The collection featured a reinterpreted version of Chanel's iconic 2.55 handbag, appearing worn yet elegant, and designed to reflect years of use. The structure was intentionally softened, hinting that these bags carry stories of their owners.
2. Minimalism Meets Functionality: Blazy introduced flaps that were the typical quilted leather, creating a more streamlined modern look. This included bags with no visible logos and alternative materials, like suede and leather, emphasising a minimalist aesthetic.
3. Narrative Driven: Each handbag was designed with a story in mind, prompting viewers and potential buyers to question the essence of what makes a handbag carry the Chanel DNA. Blazy explored the function of these bags, aiming for pieces that feel both luxurious and familiar.
4. Textural Variations: The collection also saw the introduction of textured elements, with some handbags featuring flattened quilting that highlighted their sumptuous materials while ensuring ease of use. The use of luxurious materials, combined with contemporary designs, underscored an evolution in the brand's approach to accessories.
Matthieu Blazy's approach involved deep engagement with Chanel's archives, allowing him to reflect on the brand's historical motifs while innovating them to fit today’s sensibilities. He envisioned his debut show as both a tribute to Coco Chanel and a step into a futuristic realm, which he so cleverly articulated through his choice of silhouettes and materials that provided a good balance of heritage and modernity.
Blazy’s desire to present a collection that feels "universal" and timeless, paying homage to Coco Chanel’s own aspirations toward freedom and artistic expression in fashion. This vision is evident in different design elements, such as the striking combination of classic tailoring and fluid, relaxed silhouettes that defy traditional gender norms and encourage a broader interpretation of femininity and luxury for the present world and shift of luxury.