Matthieu Blazy’s highly anticipated haute couture debut as the successor to Virginie Viard at Chanel, titled the “Mushroom Forest" collection, was unveiled on January 27th at Paris Haute Couture Week, marking a poetic and transformative new chapter for the iconic French fashion house. Held at the Grand Palais, the show transformed the venue into an enchanted, dreamlike landscape of towering pastel mushrooms and soft pink willow trees, creating an immersive atmosphere that blended whimsy, nature, and haute couture artistry. This debut is not only a creative milestone for Blazy but also a pivotal strategic shift for Chanel, reinterpreting the brand’s classic codes through a lens of lightness, freedom, and poetic storytelling while honoring its century‑old heritage.

At the core of the collection lies Blazy’s unique creative vision, inspired by a delicate Japanese haiku about a bird resting on a mushroom before taking flight—a metaphor for the fleeting beauty and freedom that define couture. Departing from the more structured, formal aesthetic of the Viard era, Blazy infused the collection with a sense of ethereal lightness and organic fluidity. He reimagined Chanel’s signature tweed suits by stripping away their traditional rigidity, reconstructing them in weightless silk mousseline and sheer mesh fabrics that float around the body. The iconic two‑piece suit, a cornerstone of Chanel’s identity, was reborn in translucent layers, allowing glimpses of skin and undergarments—a bold departure that modernizes the classic while retaining its timeless elegance.

The “Mushroom Forest" theme permeates every detail of the collection, from runway set design to garment embellishments. Mushroom motifs appear as delicate embroidery, three‑dimensional appliqués, and sculptural silhouettes, while bird imagery—symbolizing freedom—takes center stage through feather‑like textures, wing‑like draping, and avian‑inspired color palettes ranging from deep black to soft pastels. Blazy collaborated closely with Chanel’s legendary métiers d’art, including Lesage embroidery and Goossens jewelry, to craft intricate details such as hand‑stitched floral patterns, crystal embellishments, and mushroom‑shaped hardware on accessories. Even the classic 2.55 handbag was reimagined in transparent materials, revealing embroidered notes inside, merging functionality with artistic expression.

Beyond aesthetics, the collection represents a thoughtful evolution of Chanel’s brand DNA. Blazy balances innovation with respect for tradition, avoiding a complete break from the house’s legacy while infusing it with contemporary relevance. The show received widespread acclaim from critics, who praised its emotional resonance, technical mastery, and fresh perspective. Attended by global celebrities including Nicole Kidman, Penélope Cruz, and Tilda Swinton, the debut solidified Blazy’s position as a visionary leader capable of guiding Chanel into a new era while preserving its prestige.

In the broader context of the luxury fashion industry, Blazy’s “Mushroom Forest" collection underscores the growing demand for couture that combines craftsmanship, storytelling, and emotional connection. By blending nature‑inspired fantasy with Chanel’s iconic codes, Blazy has successfully positioned the brand as both a guardian of heritage and a pioneer of modern luxury. This debut not only marks the end of one era and the beginning of another but also reaffirms Chanel’s status as a driving force in haute couture, proving that timeless elegance can continuously evolve while remaining deeply rooted in artistry and imagination.

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