Last night, an abandoned New York City subway station was transformed into a CHANEL runway. The occasion? Matthieu Blazy’s debut Métiers d’art collection.

You may be wondering what CHANEL and the subway have in common, as they occupy two very different worlds. Well, for Blazy, the subway is an equalizer, a common means of transportation that welcomes all walks of life. All human life is found on the seats of the train, regardless of hierarchies—students, businessmen, mothers, and elders all in one. Constantly in flux, the show notes describe the setting as “a microcosm of New York and a metaphor for fashion itself.” Here, everyone gets a seat for the ride.

Photos courtesy of CHANEL.

What unfolded on the catwalk (or should I say subway platform) was a cascade of polarizing personalities and styles. A non-linear reflection of eras spanning the 1920s to the 2020s, offering both playful and chic references—and, most importantly, a marriage between Paris and New York, where Parisian glamour meets New York grit.

Photos courtesy of CHANEL.

Standout pieces were souvenir-style ‘I heart NY’ shirts styled with tweed two pieces, and lots of fun animal print, like a hand-painted leopard-patterned tulip skirt, crafted with fringing that took the artisans several days to complete. There were also lumberjack-flannel fabrics in skirts, juxtaposed with Alex Consani sauntering in a professional pinstripe suit. However varied they were, the city’s familiar characters were subtly brought to life and personified through the clothes. 

Photos courtesy of CHANEL.

Beforehand, a short film directed by Michel Gondry was unveiled as a teaser, featuring Margaret Qualley and A$AP Rocky (who has recently been named a brand ambassador). Joining them in the front row were other guests like Ayo Edebiri, Tilda Swinton, Adwoa Aboah, Emily Ratajkowski, Whitney Peak, and our Fall 2025 Cover Star, Tessa Thompson.

Feature Image courtesy of CHANEL.

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