The most anticipated event of Paris Fashion Week: Chanel’s Spring–Summer 2026 collection. Not for the lavish venue or the star-studded front row, but because the show marks the official debut of Matthieu Blazy — the French house’s new creative director.
Paris Fashion Week is reaching its peak with a packed schedule of distinctive shows. Among many big names, Chanel SS26 holds a special significance: it is the moment Matthieu Blazy is formally introduced as the fashion house’s new creative director. It is seen as an emblematic handover, a major turning point after more than four years under Virginie Viard — Karl Lagerfeld’s direct successor.
Once regarded as the industry’s “quiet treasure,” Matthieu Blazy now faces the biggest challenge of his career: reviving the spirit of Gabrielle Chanel in a century that has radically changed tastes, culture and pace. He will not do so by loud gestures or simple provocation. Like the “fake simplicity” designs that became his signature at Bottega Veneta, Blazy arrives at Chanel with a mature, reflective and refined quietness — the kind of energy the French house needs to write the next chapter of its century-old legacy.
Before the runway opens, let’s look back at Matthieu Blazy’s fashion journey.
FROM “TOM SAWYER BOY” TO THE HEART OF FASHION
Matthieu Blazy was born in 1984 in Paris into an intellectually artistic family. His father was a pre-Columbian art specialist, and his mother worked as a historian and ethnographer. In his memories, his mother was an elegant yet practical woman who could wear Saint Laurent or Mugler but wouldn’t hesitate to put on jeans and take her child to the park. From an early age, Blazy was drawn to images, objects and fashion, beginning with rummaging through Vogue and The Face magazines in the trash bin of a neighbor who ran a modeling agency.
The early days of Matthieu Blazy's career. (Photo: Lampoon)
Rather than attending elite schools like Central Saint Martins or the Antwerp Royal Academy, Blazy chose La Cambre in Brussels — a decision that reflects the holistic thinking and cultural breadth he has carried through his career. “There you study music history, fine arts, theater… and of course tailoring. I learned spatial thinking there, which I apply to this day,” he has said.
MAISON MARGIELA — WHERE TALENT WAS UNCOVERED
After graduating, Matthieu Blazy joined Raf Simons’s team in 2007 as a designer for the menswear line, and Simons would later become a mentor to him. But his first major leap came in 2011, when he was appointed creative director of the Artisanal line at Maison Martin Margiela. This experimental haute couture arm gave Blazy free rein to restructure materials, turn doorknobs into buttons, or embellish tulle masks with jewels — one of which was worn by Kanye West during his 2013 “Yeezus” tour.
Following Margiela’s tradition of anonymity, Blazy’s name was not publicized. However, veteran journalist Suzy Menkes accidentally credited him in an Instagram post, revealing him as the creator behind those buzzworthy designs. The incident initially caused internal friction but also put Matthieu Blazy on the global fashion map. “You cannot hide such talent forever,” Menkes wrote.
Photo: Maison Margiela
Photo: Maison Margiela
CALVIN KLEIN, CÉLINE AND CONTACT WITH COMMERCIAL REALITY
Leaving Maison Margiela, Matthieu Blazy joined Céline (2014–2016) under Phoebe Philo, where he confronted the commercial realities of luxury fashion. He called it “a school of perfection,” having to make the long-sleeve shirts and Crombie coats that real women would want to own.
He then reunited with Raf Simons at Calvin Klein in New York (2016–2019), working alongside Simons’s right hand, Pieter Mulier, during the brand’s repositioning with the 205W39NYC collections. The cinematic shows made an impact but ended abruptly when the parent company withdrew support. The shock led Blazy to consider leaving the industry. Instead of giving up, he found renewed inspiration collaborating with artist Sterling Ruby, returned to Europe, and prepared for a new chapter.
BOTTEGA VENETA — WHERE HIS VOICE WAS HEARD
In 2020, Matthieu Blazy joined Bottega Veneta as ready-to-wear designer under Daniel Lee. When Lee unexpectedly left at the end of 2021, Kering made a surprising decision: promote the behind-the-scenes figure Matthieu Blazy to creative director. He did not disappoint bosses or admirers.
In a short three years, Matthieu Blazy injected a distinct breeze into Bottega Veneta. With the philosophy of “perverse banality,” he transformed everyday items like jeans and tank tops into handcrafted masterpieces. The opening look of his first show seemed simple but turned out to be entirely made from thin nubuck leather printed to imitate cotton. “I like fake simplicity. It looks ordinary, but when you touch it you feel the difference,” he said.
Photo: Bottega Veneta
For the Fall-Winter 2022 collection, Matthieu Blazy breathed life into leather with a purple dress adorned with flowing fringe, reminiscent of tall grass swaying in the wind. (Photo: Bottega Veneta)
With the same collection, tank tops and jeans might seem simple, but in Matthieu Blazy's hands, they are crafted entirely from leather – a subtly deceptive visual trick. (Photo: Bottega Veneta)
One undeniable fact: Matthieu Blazy is a storyteller through materials. From Kalimero bags inspired by the Japanese-Italian cartoon chick wearing an eggshell, to leather beanbags shaped like foxes and rabbits in the Autumn–Winter 2024/25 show, everything demonstrated Blazy’s curiosity and effort to connect emotionally through design.
Matthieu Blazy. (Photo: Bottega Veneta)
He also reinterpreted Bottega Veneta’s signature Intrecciato technique with popular bags like the Kalimero, Andiamo and Sardine. At the same time, he expanded the brand by launching fragrances, high jewelry, and collaborations with artists such as Gaetano Pesce and furniture maker Cassina. “Fashion to me is the intersection of heritage, imagination and things yet to be formed,” Blazy once said.
Kate Moss appeared wearing a 'flannel shirt' made entirely of leather. Matthieu Blazy's design caused a sensation on social media, perfectly combining sophistication with an effortlessly captivating aloofness. (Photo: Bottega Veneta)
WHY DID CHANEL CHOOSE MATTHIEU BLAZY?
After Virginie Viard’s departure — who had led Chanel for five years following Karl Lagerfeld — the house faced a difficult task: find someone with the skill, creative stamina and durability to steer a legacy ship producing six to eight collections a year. An almost “impossible” role, a post rumored to be destined for big names like Hedi Slimane, Marc Jacobs or Phoebe Philo.
Then Matthieu Blazy emerged as the perfect, convincing answer. Not because he was the flashiest, but because he was the best fit. Young enough for a long-term commitment, experienced enough to lead the brand, creative enough to bring fresh air, and most importantly humble enough to listen, respect and preserve Chanel’s precious heritage.
“Matthieu Blazy makes people dream. He creates sensuality from everyday simplicity,” a stylist who once named him Designer of the Year said. Chanel commented: “Matthieu Blazy’s talent and vision will reinforce our brand’s energy and leadership in the luxury sector.”
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Photo: Chanel
The first hints have already appeared. Tilda Swinton wore a pristine white Matthieu Blazy design at the Venice Film Festival — which was regarded as a soft launch for Chanel SS26.
Photo: Getty Images
Although no one yet knows exactly how he will reshape Chanel, it’s possible to predict that Blazy will continue to emphasize craftsmanship, surprising materials and architectural silhouettes. He is not one to chase ephemeral images or loud trends. “I don’t want to turn a blazer into a collage. I want to make a really beautiful, well-fitting pair of trousers in an excellent material, and that’s enough,” he said. As at Bottega Veneta, he may explore untold aspects of Coco Chanel’s heritage — not by copying classic shapes, but by reinterpreting the spirit of freedom, individuality and the art of living.
Matthieu Blazy is not the loud choice — and that is precisely what makes him appropriate for Chanel. The upcoming Paris Fashion Week will be a pivotal moment for the house. Let’s wait and see how Matthieu Blazy will weave the next chapter for this legendary fashion house.