Chanel’s Fall Fairytale in Haute Couture

Chanel brings a floral fantasy to life in the Fall/Winter 2026 Haute Couture show, Happy Ever After, with whimsical beanstalks and blooms setting the scene. Inspired by classic children’s stories and Coco Chanel’s rise, Matthieu Blazy’s debut provides a playful yet elegant experience. 

The surreal floral display appeared in yellows, blues, and reds, complementing the creations below. The towering stalks looped with twisting vines formed an archway at the centre of the runway. Models moved through the spiralling beanstalks, weaving between one another in choreographed chaos. The fairytale installation channelled the iconic beanstalk from Jack and the Beanstalk and transformed the space into a dream-like garden. 

Here, nature represents growth and transformation. The botanical setting provides a fitting backdrop for the styles portraying Coco Chanel’s story. It pays homage to her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent fashion icon. 

Birdsong and howling winds opened the show, followed by flute melodies and gentle strings. Afterwards, the soundtrack shifted from classical compositions to modern sounds. The music signified the timeless nature of Chanel, while the transitions reflected its continual evolution.

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Blazy started this story with contrasting materials, rich textures and intricate embellishments, setting the tone for the rest of the show. 

The opening look was a tweed-like suit with rough finishes in deep maroon and cream, featuring an exposed red bralette, silk mousseline layered over it. The model held a copy of Les Fées, Contes des Contes and, in the other hand, a matching draped clutch. The second look followed, another tweed style, a sleeveless dress cut to the calves, in soft shades of purple and blue. 

Chanel used tweed in her early work and the first look’s guipure resemblance to the material referenced her origins. The sheer mousseline depicts innovation and freedom of expression, embodying her vision of freeing women from restrictive clothing, such as tight corsets.

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Royal silhouettes with gold embellishments are showcased in this collection. A black tweed dress suit with strong shoulders is elevated by a draped gold chain belt, a cascading gold necklace and floral buttons. In the mix, there’s a sheer, pink-blush dress with delicate, flowing hems and similar gold detailing. Themes of royalty and femininity immediately come to mind. 

In many classic fairytales, a monarch of some sort exists, and Blazy incorporates aristocratic motifs through commanding silhouettes and ornate gold accents. These looks can be interpreted to symbolise Chanel’s authority in luxury women’s fashion.

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Blazy played with light and dark tones across similar styles. One look is crafted in a pale blue, almost cream hue. A flourish of soft feathering at the neckline of the buttoned top, echoing a bouquet of blooming flowers, while a lace blend traces the upper bodice and hem of the matching skirt, leading the ensemble to a gentle finish.

In contrast, a striking red, figure-hugging sleeveless dress walks the runway. Cut at calf length, the design is framed by red, blue and white feathers adorning the neckline and hem, making it a statement piece. Styled with a simple pair of black heels, the bright colour palette of the piece is the focal point. 

The bold plumage and colours in these looks encapsulate Chanel’s confidence and power in her fashion pursuits.

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Matthieu Blazy, Creative Director of Chanel, reflected on Coco Chanel’s journey and said, “She climbed the ladder to find her golden goose by making clothes for real women.” He told reporters that his favourite fairytale was Coco Chanel’s own rags-to-riches story. 

This collection depicts Coco Chanel’s life in themes of transformation, power and ambition. The symbolism from storybook fantasy and natural imagery left a lasting impression, encouraging the audience to embrace creative expression and pursue their life’s ambitions.