A Celebration of Legacy and a Prelude to Change
Get an exclusive look at Chanel‘s Spring 2025 couture fashion show from the runways of Paris Couture Fashion Week, held in January 2025.
By Mackenzie Richard
THE COLLECTION
THE VIBE
Timeless Reflection & Quiet Couture
In the heart of the Grand Palais, weaving through the arches and bridges of an infinity-shaped runway formed by interlocking Cs, Chanel’s Spring 2025 Couture collection unfolded as both a tribute to the house’s storied past and a reflection of its present. With the brand celebrating Haute Couture’s 110th anniversary, this presentation felt like a love letter to Gabrielle Chanel’s use of color, craftsmanship, and timeless codes. It also carried the subtle anticipation of what lies ahead, with Matthieu Blazy’s impending arrival casting a faint shadow of curiosity over the moment.
To truly understand this collection, one must take the time to sit with it. Upon first glance, the pieces, while beautiful, may appear deceptively simple—perhaps even veering into ready-to-wear territory. But
As the collection settles into memory and its intricacies are revisited, its couture qualities begin to emerge. Each look reveals layers of thoughtfulness.
The trompe l’oeil techniques that mimic tweed, the celestial-inspired buttons that feel like tiny works of art, and the interplay of color that connects bold hues to delicate pastels. It’s a collection that invites contemplation, where the quiet craftsmanship and subtle nods to Gabrielle Chanel’s legacy become clearer with time. Seen in passing, some elements may feel understated, but the lasting impression they leave reinforces the depth and artistry at the heart of couture.
The show struck a vibrant yet delicate balance, using a progression of color inspired by the cycle of day to night. Bold, saturated hues like sunshine yellow and orange-pink juxtaposed against ethereal pastels, midnight blues, and Chanel’s iconic black-and-white pairing.
This spectrum, much like the interlocking C set, symbolized both continuity and contrast—a testament to the house’s ability to reinvent while remaining unmistakably itself.
Yet, amidst the celebration of color, the overall palette sometimes felt disjointed. While certain looks bridged this divide effortlessly, the bold brights and soft pastels often seemed at odds, leaving a desire for a more cohesive harmony.
THE DIRECTION
THE WRAP UP
As a celebration of Chanel’s legacy, this collection was undeniably effective. However, its quieter approach invited the question: is this a deliberate prelude to the new era that Matthieu Blazy will usher in? While the show explored the infinite excellence of the house’s heritage, it also left room for interpretation, hinting at possibilities for a more refined or innovative approach to color and storytelling under his leadership.
For now, the collection remains a fitting reflection on the timeless codes of Chanel—an ode to its past, a celebration of its present, and a canvas for its future.
