Collectors waited in line for hours for these Chanel items
Last week, there was a long line outside the new flagship store of Chanel on Bond Street. Some customers even waited five hours in line for the new Métiers d’Art collection. It is the first Métiers d’Art collection designed by Matthieu Blazy, who was appointed as creative director at the end of 2024. Chanel. Videos circulated on social media of employees bringing bottles of cola to those waiting in line.
Métiers d’Art, which literally means arts and crafts, is an annual collection that showcases the craftsmanship of the ateliers of Chanel central. In the 80s and 90s, the brand purchased several ateliers that were at risk of disappearing. These became responsible for embroidery, feathers, fabrics, buttons, metalwork, and hats. In 2002, Karl Lagerfeld (who was creative director for thirty years) launched the first Métiers d’Art collection, which is still released every year outside the regular fashion calendar. The focus here is not on trends, but on craftsmanship and technique, something Blazy is also known for. In 2021, Chanel opened Le19M, a center on the outskirts of Paris where more than 700 artisans from the various ateliers collaborate.
The 2025-2026 collection was first presented last December in New York, in a fashion show that took place in an abandoned subway station beneath the Bowery stop. The models stepped off a C line subway onto the platform, which served as the catwalk. Although it may not seem like the most obvious place for high fashion, Blazy explained in the show notes: “The New York subway belongs to everyone. Everyone uses it: students and game changers; statesmen and teenagers. It’s a place full of mysterious yet wonderful encounters, a collision of pop archetypes, where everyone has somewhere to go and everyone is unique in what they wear. Like in the movies, they are the heroes of their own stories.” Therefore, there were also few supermodels in the show, while Chanel usually opts for a striking lineup of well-known faces. The front row was quite different. Brand ambassadors Ayo Edebiri, A$AP Rocky, Kristen Stewart, Charlotte Casiraghi, Margaret Qualley, Riley Keough, Lupita Nyongo, and Tilda Swinton were all present.
On May 26, the show was presented again in Seoul at the new Centre Pompidou Hanwa. Many big Korean names were present, including K-Pop star Jennie, who also performed at the afterparty.
The looks featured mostly boxy silhouettes, lots of layers, animal prints, and tweed in almost every form. One of Blazy’s favorite techniques, trompe-l’oeil, was also visible. He created garments that look like they are made from a certain material, while they are actually made from something entirely different. Think of a denim pair of pants that is actually made of silk.
Many items were an ode to New York City. Not a wink, but a direct in-your-face translation of recognizable symbols into luxury fashion. These are the most striking pieces from the collection:
This Appel Minaudière is the crown jewel of the accessories and will become a true collector's item.
A classic mini flap in the shape of a squirrel, with the tail hanging from the shoulder strap!
If you are still looking for a matching evening bag for your squirrel bag, there is this acorn minaudière, made of wood. It also comes in a peanut version, lined with leather.
Superman meets Chanel, this sweater has already been worn by Billie Eilish, Penelope Cruz, and A$AP Rocky.
The popcorn-inspired embroidery on this classic flap is even outlined in red and white like the striped popcorn boxes!
The contrasting cap-toe slingbacks with a NYC twist.
Chanel has also embraced the bag charm trend, but this bonbon opens, allowing you to put candy inside.
The collection is now available in Chanel stores, but the items are made in very limited editions. This ensures that they become sought-after collector's pieces whose value will likely increase in the coming years.
