Chanel Celebrates 110 Years with Grand Couture Showcase at Grand Palais

PARIS — Fashion powerhouse Chanel commemorated its 110th anniversary in haute couture by unveiling a stunning recreation of its atelier inside the recently restored Grand Palais during Paris Couture Week on July 8, 2025. This extravagant event showcased not only the brand’s storied legacy but also its ability to adapt and innovate in the luxury fashion landscape.

The Grand Palais, a historical monument in the French capital, served as a fitting backdrop for Chanel’s remarkable transformation of its iconic Rue Cambon salon. According to Bruno Pavlovsky, President of Fashion at Chanel, the decision to supersize the salon was driven by the desire to encapsulate both the brand's intimate roots and its expansive vision for the future. "We wanted to reflect the essence of Coco Chanel's revolutionary spirit while embracing a new era of creativity and grandeur," Pavlovsky stated in a press release issued before the show.

Coco Chanel, who famously liberated women from the constraints of corsetry, revolutionized women’s fashion since the house’s inception in 1915. The recent show highlighted her enduring influence, blending nostalgia with modernity in a way only Chanel can. The set design, crafted by Willo Perron, combined elements of intimacy and monumentality, creating a space that felt both familiar and extraordinary. Celebrity attendees, including Penélope Cruz and Naomi Campbell, expressed their admiration for the reimagined space. Campbell described the experience as stepping into “a memory and something completely new.”

The couture collection itself was a feast for the senses, drawing inspiration from nature and the changing seasons. Models adorned in mohair suits of deep greens and plums, along with intricately tailored jackets, strode down the runway, embodying a theme that channeled the tranquility of autumn. The collection featured innovative uses of traditional materials; bouclé tweeds were transformed to mimic sheepskin, while feathers and tweed created the illusion of faux fur. The show’s finale dazzled with shimmering lamé that reflected the sunlight, enhancing the agricultural theme with gold-sprayed wheat ears, a symbol of abundance and prosperity often associated with Chanel.

Chanel’s prominence in the luxury sector is underscored by its impressive financial performance; the brand reported $18.7 billion in revenue for 2024, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading luxury houses. As noted by Dr. Elizabeth Turner, a fashion economics expert at the London School of Fashion, "Chanel's haute couture shows not only serve artistic purposes but also play a crucial role in maintaining the brand's overall market strength, influencing global sales in fragrances, accessories, and jewelry."

Change has become a constant at Chanel, especially following the death of its iconic designer Karl Lagerfeld in 2019. His successor, Virginie Viard, initially guided the house into a softer aesthetic, but the fashion world now eagerly anticipates the vision of new designer Matthieu Blazy, previously of Bottega Veneta. "He brings a fresh perspective that respects the brand's heritage while embracing innovation," stated Naomi Campbell, whose familiarity with Blazy adds to the excitement surrounding his debut.

The Grand Palais itself recently underwent a significant restoration costing 600 million euros, co-funded by Chanel, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to preserving Parisian heritage. The restoration unveiled the grandeur of the Salon d’Honneur, enhancing the venue's impact as not just a setting for the show but a testament to Chanel's influence and dedication to the arts.

As Chanel moves forward, the fashion community remains vigilant, eager to see how Blazy will shape the future of this storied brand. The implications of this transition resonate beyond the runway, affecting perceptions of luxury and craftsmanship in an ever-evolving industry. Ultimately, Chanel's 110th anniversary celebration signifies not just a reflection on the past, but a bold step into the future of haute couture.