Chanel’s Fall Fairytale in Haute Couture

Chanel brings a floral fantasy to life, with whimsical beanstalks and blooms setting the scene. Inspired by classic children’s stories, Matthieu Blazy combines a playful yet elegant touch in this experience. Tales like Puss in Boots and Goldilocks and the Three Bears are referenced, adding nostalgic charm to this couture collection. The surreal floral display appeared in yellows, blues, and reds, complementing the elegant creations below. The towering stalks looped with twisting vines formed an archway at the centre of the runway. The fairytale installation channelled the iconic beanstalk from Jack and the Beanstalk and transformed the space into a dream-like garden.

The show opened with sounds of nature, bird song and howling wind, followed by flute melodies and gentle strings.

Five minutes in, abrupt commentary listed domestic gestures, describing scenes of “opening the closet” and “lighting the stove with matches”. Models moved through the spiralling beanstalks, weaving between one another in choreographed chaos. Afterwards, the soundtrack shifted from classical compositions to modern.

Beyond the music and setting, Chanel weaves together different materials and stories to create beautifully buoyant looks. Bruno Pavlovsky, Chanel’s President of Fashion, said it was “the best show ever” in haute couture.

The opening look was a tweed 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 started this story with contrasting materials, rich textures and intricate embellishments, setting the tone for the rest of the show.

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. Themes of power and royalty immediately come to mind. In the mix, there’s a sheer, pink-blush dress with delicate, flowing hems and similar gold detailing.

In many classic fairytales, a monarch of some sort exists, and Chanel incorporates aristocratic motifs through commanding silhouettes and ornate gold accents.

Chanel played with contrasting 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.

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 haute couture show translates tales into fashion, with intricate storytelling immersed in every piece. Showcasing statement designs, feathered blooms and strong regal silhouettes, Chanel artistically blends haute couture with storybook fantasy.