Chanel's Métiers d'Art 2026 collection recently captivated New York, unfolding across two distinct presentations that drew a constellation of celebrity attendees. This grand return to the city's fashion landscape, orchestrated by designer Matthieu Blazy, transformed a subway station into an unexpected runway. The event not only showcased the brand's latest artisanal creations but also highlighted the deep personal ties many of the A-list guests shared with the vibrant metropolis, intertwining global luxury with local narratives.
On December 2, 2025, designer Matthieu Blazy presented the Chanel Métiers d'Art 2026 collection in Manhattan, marking the brand's first New York show since 2018. Two exclusive presentations, held at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. respectively, took place at a subway station on 168 Bowery. Models graced the unconventional runway in front of a stationary train, providing a distinctive urban backdrop for the highly anticipated collection.
The front row was a dazzling array of stars, including new house ambassadors such as A$AP Rocky and Ayo Edebiri, alongside seasoned luminaries like Tilda Swinton, Meg Ryan, Bowen Yang, Teyana Taylor, Dapper Dan, Kristen Stewart, and Christine Baranski. The attendance of such a distinguished group underscored the event's significance and Chanel's enduring appeal.
Many of the celebrity guests had strong personal connections to New York City. A$AP Rocky, a Harlem native, and actors Edebiri and Ryan, both alumni of NYU, exemplified the deep roots shared between the attendees and the city. Figures like Questlove and Bowen Yang of SNL further reinforced the event's New York essence, demonstrating how the city's cultural scene continues to thrive and inspire.
Bowen Yang, a celebrated actor and comedian, shared his ideal "classic New York day" scenario, which included starting from his Brooklyn home, staying at the Hotel Chelsea in Manhattan, and exploring spots like Dime's Square or Scarr's Pizza. He also mentioned serene walks along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, dining at River Deli for Sardinian cuisine, or simply enjoying video games at home. Yang's reflection on living in the "best city in the world" highlighted the diverse experiences New York offers.
Veteran actor Christine Baranski, who has called New York home since 1970, recounted her early days on the Upper West Side, near Julliard, and her cherished memories of seeking affordable tickets to opera and ballet at Lincoln Center. She fondly recalled rides on her late husband's BMW motorcycle, affectionately named Lucifer, through Chinatown and the Lower East Side. Now an avid Upper East Sider, Baranski expressed a desire to showcase her retro 1960s-inspired Chanel outfit at Chez Fifi, a new restaurant in her neighborhood, completing her New York fashion journey.
This special New York presentation not only celebrated Chanel's latest designs but also paid homage to the city's dynamic spirit and its profound connection to the individuals who shape its cultural fabric.
