Chanel Fall 2025 Couture: A Quiet Prelude Before the Storm
While the collection was destined for creative director Matthieu Blazy's debut, it was, for now, the work of his talented studio team. The presentation was a feast for the senses, with an abundance of textures; dramatic feathered shoulders and ragged fringe accents on tweed tunics embodied a playful but also somewhat overwhelming use of volume. The oversized silhouettes, while eye-catching, bordered on overpowering, making some garments feel suffocating rather than liberating in their aesthetic.
The Paris Fashion Week for Fall 2025 brought with it the highly anticipated debut of Matthieu Blazy's haute couture collection, an event that positioned the spotlight squarely on Chanel's illustrious heritage. The in-house design team presented a visually stunning tribute to Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel's enchanting connection to the Scottish Highlands, weaving together elements of the natural landscape with high fashion. Attendees were treated to a remarkable array of fashion, featuring ethereal ivory tweeds, rugged walking boots, and exquisitely embroidered tulle capes that bore an enchanting resemblance to shearling and swansdown — creating a harmonious blend of texture and technique that whispered sophistication. Everyone, Breath In To Smell Some Coffee RN, Express Your Gratitude to Robert Wun.
Set against the serene backdrop of a softly lit ivory salon above the Grand Palais, the presentation felt almost otherworldly. The atmosphere was beautifully curated, evoking memories of past Chanel shows: plush quilted cushions adorned with intricate details, reflecting mirrored walls, and the lingering echoes of the rich history associated with Rue Cambon. It was more than a runway; it transformed into a sacred space designed for couture's most discerning clientele, enveloping them in an intimate ambiance. Despite the breathtaking craftsmanship displayed in each piece, there lingered a sense of something critical being absent — a singular, bold vision powerful enough to ignite a fashion revolution. Nevertheless, what the collection delivered was quintessentially Chanel: elegance interwoven with intimacy, leaving a tantalizing hint of something grand waiting just beyond the horizon. Paris Haute Couture Week 2025; Iris Van Herpen Stitches Living Algae Into the World of Fashion.
Transporting the audience back to the very origins of Chanel haute couture at 31 rue Cambon, the Fall-Winter 2025/26 collection not only celebrated nature but also brought forth an autumnal palette that gracefully danced between rich greens, deep plums, and soft ecrus. The fabrics showcased a stunning reinterpretation of bouclé and tweed, either painted or embroidered, that underlined the innovative spirit of the fashion house while remaining rooted in its history. Noteworthy was the use of wheat ears, a symbol of abundance that held significant meaning for Gabrielle Chanel. They adorned garments in the form of dazzling buttons or intricate embroidery, showcasing the exceptional skills of the Haute Couture ateliers.
Ultimately, the Fall/Winter 2025 haute couture show heralded a much-awaited return to the fashion house’s spiritual birthplace, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. Nature served not only as a muse but also as a central theme, reflecting the creative studio's vision that drew deep inspiration from the Scottish Highlands and English countryside — the very landscapes that once mesmerized Chanel and influenced some of the house’s most beloved codes, including the ubiquitous use of tweed.
On the runway, the reinvention of tweed was nothing short of transformative. Pieces resonated with the essence of knitwear, as seen in a luxurious plum mohair suit, while a snowy white coat dress featured exquisite braiding that elevated its sophistication. Further illustrating this genius craftsmanship, tweed was cleverly manipulated to mimic the softness of sheepskin, artfully paired with feathers for a trompe l’oeil effect, showcased across an array of short jackets, gilets, and flowing long coats. Each design echoed Chanel's timeless elegance while hinting at a new chapter waiting to unfold in its storied legacy.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 11, 2025 03:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).