Matthieu Blazy, who made his Chanel debut last October, chose New York for his inaugural Métiers d’Art show, drawing on the city’s enduring ties to the Maison. The Big Apple has long been part of the House’s history, from Gabrielle Chanel’s 1930s transatlantic journey to the 2018 ‘Paris-New York’ presentation at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
This season, the narrative dives underground into the constant pulse of the New York City Subway. The Bowery Station in downtown Manhattan becomes a stage for unexpected encounters—socialites brushing past superheroes, mothers weaving through teenagers—all mirroring the city’s restless energy and kaleidoscopic character.
“The New York subway belongs to all. Everyone uses it: there are students and gamechangers; statesmen and teenagers. It is a place full of enigmatic yet wonderful encounters, a clash of pop archetypes, where everyone has somewhere to go and each is unique in what they wear. Like in the movies, they are the heroes of their own stories,” says Blazy.
The show opened with rising Indian model Bhavita Mandava in a relaxed yet chic look—a beige zip-up cardigan and high-waisted jeans, reflecting a blend of Parisian elegance and New York cool. As the train pulled into the station, models confidently stepped out in the emblematic Chanel suit, from a short, tailored black version to a playful pink suit woven with traces of purple and orange, topped with a bedazzled ‘I ♥ NY’ t-shirt.
Bold animal prints roared to life, giving the ‘urban jungle’ theme its spirited edge. A handwoven leopard tweed suit from Lesage drew all eyes, followed by a cinched leather jacket paired with a matching skirt and accented by a leopard fascinator from the milliners of Maison Michel. Elsewhere, drama rose in the form of voluminous, hand-painted tulip skirts in leopard patterns, tempered by minimalist fitted tops and statement necklaces, creating a balance between extravagance and restraint.
Some pieces were made for the city after dark: a feathered coat draped over a sparkling red gown with a plunging V-neck and a tiered, 1920s-inspired sleeveless gown. Lesage embroidery and Lemarié featherwork transformed an Art Deco dress into a shimmering spectacle, while a 1930s bias-cut slip, adorned with shimmering fish motifs by Atelier Montex, moved with soft fluidity.
Accessories played with scale and imagination. Metal hardware transformed the flap bags into giraffes and squirrels, turning each into a miniature sculpture. Minaudières carried playful secrets, like a pearl tucked inside an oyster, while enamelled monkey nuts and apples added a mischievous touch across the collection. On the feet, cap-toe shoes were refreshed with pointed toes and T-straps, bringing sculptural flair to every step.
In case you missed it, watch the show here:
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