Chanel has never done a show quite like this. Featuring designs from Matthieu Blazy, the designer wowed millions of fashion fanatics around the world. The show took place at the Bower Subway station this Tuesday, December 2nd, and it was showstopping in every way. Blazy has only recently made his splash in the fashion world late this year in October, but he took full responsibility to create this show, which is done annually, set in a new city each year. Not only did he put on one show, but Blazy put on two shows, one that took place in the afternoon for a “matinee” experience, and another in the evening. Celebrities in all forms were in attendance for this event. Singers, directors, and other designers alike were present such as, Jon Bon Jovi, Sofia Coppola, and Jessie Buckley
If you thought this was a normal runway show that included an invitation with date and time, think again. Not only were tickets to this event highly exclusive, but those on the guest list were kept in the dark from where exactly they were headed, up until the moment they arrived. The guests arrived through a doorway and as they approached, they realized they were underground and found themselves in a very real subway station. As the train approached and came to a halt the words, “Stand clear of the closing doors!” announced the arrival of the models through the doors of that very train.
The whole event was an intricate show of professionalism from beginning to end. The models became like actors as they interacted with the subway station, creating a full scene and an ode to New York. They pretended to wait for late trains, leaned against poles feigning annoyance, and even interacted with one another, unlike most high fashion shows in which the models hardly even acknowledge the audience. The train station began to fill with more and more models, turning the drab underground into a buzzing fashion fairytale. When Blazy was asked about his location choice he commented saying, “It’s [the subway] almost like it’s a vortex of the city… It connects everything.”
Each piece from Blazy’s new line was designed with immense care and detail. Using primarily reds, blacks and blues with accents of whites and beige’s, the compiled clothing and accessories reflected the aura of a downtown New York train station, even featuring the famous tourist “I (heart) NY” t-shirt. The fabrics ranged from a variety of leather, fur, denim, and suede, and were used together to form the unique designer pieces. The new line of purses for the 2025 season was also launched, and each model carried one of the various finished products. The timelessness of Chanel was captured through the iconic wool tweed suit and skirt combinations that this year were styled in greens, greys, blacks, and whites. The media has hailed this show as “the debut of the season,” and rightfully so. The overall reaction of the public to this line was praise and delight as the photographs from the runway were released. If one thing can be said about Chanel, their artistic directors, new and old, never miss, and that couldn’t be truer this year. Chanel is looking at a bright 2026, and the public is buzzing with excitement at what is to come.