For his latest collection, Matthieu Blazy proved that classic fairy tales can come true through the art of fashion.

Once upon a time, there was a creative director by the name of Matthieu Blazy who was preparing to debut his second haute couture collection for the house of Chanel. After discovering a volume of Les Fées, contes des contes&nbsp;(Fairies, Tales of Tales) in Gabrielle Chanel's apartment library, a question popped into the Belgian designer's mind: can the art of storytelling translate over to haute couture?
Just like classic fairy tales, Blazy's journey to reinvigorating brand icons while remaining true to its codes is wonderful to witness.&nbsp;Titled "Gaby and the Beanstalk," the collection, held at the Grand Palais, drew vast inspiration from classic fairy tales such as Jack and the Beanstalk, Puss in Boots, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
"The inner life of the storybook is transferred to the clothes themselves," said Blazy in the show notes. "A vine might creep up the heel of a shoe, a small minaudiére (small evening clutch) might appear as a sleeping bear, and a series of buttons might transform from duckling to swan."
After flashing red lights and nature sounds like flowing water filled the set decorated with giant flowers, model Trinidad Castaño kicked off the tale. The look consists of a light silk mousseline and guipure lilac suit with red, white, cream, and plum tweed-like detailing and a beaded neckline, a matching evening clutch, a pair of two-tone pumps, and the original small book from Chanel's library.&nbsp;
Classic Blazy details like embroidered flowers and feathers paired well with Scarecrow-inspired outfits and intimate details that lined the inside of garments. Throughout the 63 looks, swan appliques, silk that transforms into sheer lace, and some of the most fun accessories we've seen thus far at Paris Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2026 week easily made the collection a standout. Not to mention, "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None the Richer had many in the crowd singing along.
Instead of following the tradition of ending a collection with a bridal gown, the designer decided to have the piece come before the final look, which was a signature little black dress with an open back and feather detailing, worn by model Carla Ciffoni. Dolly Parton's 1975 hit "The Bargain Store" defined the whimsical finale before Blazy thanked guests with a cheerful smile on his face.
Friends of the house that attended the show were nothing short of star power, including Pedro Pascal, Teyana Taylor, Michelle Yeoh, Lupita Nyong'o, Tilda Swinton, Alexa Demie, Cole Escola, Sarah Pidgeon, Quenlin Blackwell, Paloma Elsesser, Catherine Deneuve, Vanessa Paradis, Elizabeth Debicki, and Ananya Panday, amongst others.
For a sophomore couture showing, Blazy really allowed fairy tale elements like flowers, vines, magpies, and treasures to not just shine in each look, but elevate what we know Chanel Haute Couture to be. Even though this collection is the end of this story, the relationship between the house and the creative director is just starting—a lifelong series of stories, adventures, and emotions to be had if you must.
Below, explore all of the looks from the Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2026 collection.

Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2026 Collection. Courtesy of Chanel.

Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2026 Collection. Getty Images.

Chanel Takes Us To Wonderland For Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2026

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Chanel Takes Us To Wonderland For Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2026

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