New creative chief draws on nature and avian elegance for his debut at ParisA model presents a creation for Chanel for Women’s Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2026 collection fashion show as part of the Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week. Photo: AFPAfter reaching for the stars in his first show for Chanel, new chief designer Matthieu Blazy took a feathery flight of fancy this week, unveiling a debut Haute Couture collection inspired by birds and the natural world. Blazy, 41, said he intended to "probe and explore the heart of Chanel" with his Haute Couture creations, following his highly acclaimed first women's ready-to-wear collection shown in the same venue in October. Creative overhaulBlazy's debut was among the most hotly anticipated moments of Paris Haute Couture Week, alongside the first outing by new Dior designer Jonathan Anderson on Monday. Only 13 fashion houses hold the official "Haute Couture" accreditation, a legally protected designation in France, although the FHCM fashion federation invites selected guest designers to participate.