Chanel haute couture summer 2025: A celebration of 110 years of excellence
This season, Chanel takes us back to its roots with a collection celebrating 110 years of haute couture legacy. Presented at the iconic Grand Palais in Paris, the Summer 2025 collection stood out by revisiting the Maison's classics, while the fashion world eagerly awaits Matthieu Blazy's debut as the brand's new creative director, scheduled for September 2026.
Craftsmanship in the spotlight
Without a creative director at the helm until April, Chanel entrusted its internal team of designers with the responsibility of crafting this special collection. The moment proved ideal for honoring the true hands behind haute couture: the seamstresses, embroiderers, and pattern makers. These artisans were celebrated in a video released prior to the show, highlighting the craftsmanship that has sustained the Maison since Gabrielle Coco Chanel opened her first atelier in Biarritz in 1915.
Classics revisited with a contemporary twist
The collection explores Chanel's iconic features, such as structured jackets with jewel buttons and internal chains for a flawless fit, tailored suits with straight skirts, and the famous two-tone shoes. Subtle innovations added a touch of freshness: rounded sleeves, feather details, and a silhouette reinterpreted from Karl Lagerfeld, with opaque skirts at the top and transparent at the base.
Color palette and textures
In terms of colors, the palette broke away from the traditional black, exploring pastel, iridescent, and vibrant tones such as coral, yellow, purple, and emerald green. Satin fabrics brought shine to lapels and blouses, while bow-tie shirts and light, translucent dresses stood out for their elegance. The silhouette balanced the classic and the contemporary, with a conservative touch at the top and a freer, more fluid approach at the bottom.
The fascination lies in the details
The set design, created by designer Willo Perron, transformed the runway into an infinite symbol formed by Chanel's iconic double C's, representing the brand's enduring legacy. The show itself remained true to the brand's heritage, with a formal approach that paves the way for Matthieu Blazy's arrival.
In a statement released by Chanel, the brand describes its haute couture as:
"Repeated and renewed expenses, patience, excellence, and timeless fascination."
This artisanal precision is evident in the meticulous details: painted lace, embroidered chiffon that mimics tweed, and sequin applications. Each element highlights the Maison's commitment to excellence.
While the collection delighted admirers of Chanel's tradition, it also left haute couture enthusiasts eager for the next chapter under Blazy's leadership. As one of the artisans said in the video before the show:
"An haute couture atelier is like an orchestra."
And soon, a new conductor will be on stage to lead Chanel into the future.