Steady by day, dancing by night: CHANEL Fall/Winter 2026 show turns freedom into the most captivating silhouette
Caterpillars and butterflies give this season’s show a beautifully poetic metaphor
“Fashion, to me, is both the caterpillar that lies dormant by day and the butterfly that dances at night.” With this beautiful metaphor, Gabrielle Chanel captured CHANEL’s central paradox: practicality and fantasy coexist, as do reason and seduction. In the second chapter of “CHANEL Conversations,” artistic director Matthieu Blazy continues this dialogue across time, turning clothing into a canvas that doesn’t conform or seek to please, allowing the wearer to be their truest self.
- More to read: When it comes to bags, of course we want it all: CHANEL’s latest show lets us have two classics at once, the 2.55 and 11.12!
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This collection feels like a light journey through time, moving from the 1920s and 1930s to the 1950s and 1960s, then back to the present. At its heart is the classic CHANEL suit. Boldly reimagined this season, it takes on richer layers of texture, from ribbed knits and tweed to fabrics woven with gold and silver threads, as well as delicate tulle, finding a new balance between structure and fluidity. As night falls, a satin-like iridescent sheen begins to emerge, signaling the graceful arrival of the night’s butterfly. Coats and gowns become lighter and more flowing, making each step feel like a dance.
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Accessories also continue the dialogue between nature and craftsmanship, with iridescent jewelry echoing enamel and resin details, while boots fit like a second skin. The bags strike just the right balance between practicality and playfulness, from beige suede flap bags and the new “Dynamic” lock bag to a pomegranate evening bag with iridescent enamel, adding the most captivating touch to the collection’s nocturnal mood.
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The most moving thing about this season isn’t choosing a side, but how CHANEL lets you move freely between the two: grounded and composed by day, light and dancing by night. The caterpillar and butterfly have never been opposites; they’re two expressions of the same style. And CHANEL dresses you in that possibility.
Join Popbee Circle and subscribe to the Popbee newsletter for the latest updates and early access to exclusive perks and discounts! Beyond this article, here are a few recent stories worth your attention:
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