Matthieu Blazy's Sophomore Chanel Haute Couture Draws on Fairy Tales

Matthieu Blazy presented his second Haute Couture collection for Chanel, titled "Gaby and the Beanstalk," at the Grand Palais in Paris. Inspired by a book of fairy tales, Les Fées, Contes des Contes, found in Gabrielle Chanel's library, the collection transformed the venue into an oversized storybook with towering flora and mythical creatures. Blazy explored the question of whether Chanel's life was a fairy tale, using narrative as a tool to highlight the house's construction and craftsmanship. Artisans from le19M collaborated across embroidery, fabric making, pleating, millinery, goldsmithing, and shoemaking. The opening look featured a Chanel suit in guipure with checkered beadwork resembling magic beans, and a model carried an original copy of the fairy tale book from Chanel's apartment. Details included vine-covered heels, a sleeping bear minaudière, duckling-to-swan buttons, and green bean heels with pearl seeds. Painted silk linings and hidden charms created intimate discoveries. Silhouettes varied through changing necklines, hemlines, and fabrics, blending oversized floral fantasies with architectural tailoring. Tailoring remained central, emphasizing movement and freedom. Blazy described the collection as rooted in women's realities and everyday adventures, not just fantasy.