“I’ve never seen you wait in any line, this is crazy,” one friend said to another after returning with a bag of chocolates for energy. It was 1:23 p.m. on Friday the 13th, with a chilly “feels like” temperature of 28 degrees outside Chanel’s 57th Street boutique in New York City. Everyone was there for one reason only: to get their hands on—or at least see in person—the newly available pieces from Matthieu Blazy’s debut Chanel spring 2026 collection.

A kind of Matthieu-mania has recently taken hold of Chanel boutiques. The collection officially launched in stores in Paris on March 5 during Paris Fashion Week, sparking a retail frenzy reminiscent of the peak sample sale days. Editors, VIPs, and VICs flocked to the brand’s locations across the city to shop the new items, especially the east-west bags and embossed crocodile pumps, before they sold out.

For most New Yorkers who weren’t in Paris, Blazy’s debut collection arrived exclusively at the uptown flagship this morning. I arrived at 1:03 p.m., three minutes after the store’s listed opening time, and the line already stretched down the block. Understandably, some customers declined to chat for privacy reasons (one woman said her parents “would kill her”), but many were excited to share their renewed passion for the brand.

Live from the scene at 1:24 p.m.:
“I’m not a big Chanel person, but [Matthieu] changed the vibe of the brand, so for the first time there are actually things I would wear,” said Barbara, who watched videos of Blazy’s debut show online. After texting with a sales associate in New Jersey, she learned about today’s release and budgeted around $15,000, since the shoes and bag she wanted were available.

“I really liked what Matthieu did at Bottega [Veneta], so I was very curious to see what he would do at Chanel,” said Jennifer, a 34-year-old accountant. She was looking for the mint green and black crocodile pumps—a standout item for Paris shoppers as well. While she enjoys casually following fashion content from editors and bloggers, she doesn’t consider herself a runway diehard who watches every major brand’s collections. She aimed to buy timeless investment pieces to pass down to her daughter, though she found it exciting to see others so enthusiastic about the collection.

Shoes were undoubtedly the day’s biggest hit. Zuzu, a personal shopper buying for five clients, said she was mainly searching for the two-tone ballet flats. Kevin, a 26-year-old finance professional, was also on the hunt for either a maxi flap bag or a pair of shoes. (If money were no object, he said he’d buy the cropped gray suit from the opening look.)

Like Jennifer—and many others—Kevin started noticing Blazy during his Bottega days. “It seems like he’s moving in a more contemporary direction, which suits my aesthetic better than what Chanel previously did,” he said. He considers himself a fashion enthusiast who follows insiders like Luke Meagher (HauteLeMode) and Bryanboy, joking that working in finance allows him to actually buy the fashion he loves. For Kevin, Blazy has opened a new side of fashion: “I feel like I’m thinking more critically about the set design and music choices.” The brand’s ambassadorships with stars like Jennie and model Bhavitha Mandava are also big selling points for him.

So close, yet still so far!
At precisely 1:31 p.m.—31 minutes after the store opened—a sales associate methodically worked her way through the line.We were informed that most items had already sold out but would be restocked in the coming weeks. Very Important Clients had spent the entire morning inside with private appointments, and apparently not much was left—yet the news didn’t send people away. In fact, only a few left. Customers like Kevin were determined to see whatever they could in person, especially with one of the “crushed” bags staring out tantalizingly through the boutique’s glass.

At 2:35 p.m., the line was moving but still long. Despite his fashion insider status, Blazy’s Chanel has energized the masses—a truly impressive feat!

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the buzz surrounding Matthieu Blazys work for Chanel in New York designed to sound like questions from real customers and fashion enthusiasts

Beginner General Questions

Q Wait Im confused Isnt Matthieu Blazy the designer for Bottega Veneta Why is he doing Chanel
A Yes youre right Matthieu Blazy is the Creative Director of Bottega Veneta The buzz is about a specific highly exclusive capsule collection he designed for Chanels Métiers dArt not as their main designer It was a special onetime collaboration

Q What exactly did he design for Chanel
A He designed a small ultraluxe capsule collection for Chanels Métiers dArt which showcases their specialty artisan workshops It featured his signature quiet luxury and fluid tailoring reinterpreted through Chanels iconic codes like tweed camellias and chains

Q Why is New York going crazy for this
A The collection debuted in New York making it a major local fashion event It combined the allure of a heritage house with the hot contemporary vision of Blazy creating a sense of exclusive musthave novelty that resonates with the citys fashionforward crowd

Q Can I actually buy these pieces in a Chanel store
A It was an extremely exclusive and limited collection Pieces were likely available only by special order or through toptier client advisors not on the general sales floor Most items are now probably only found through resale or at auction

Advanced Enthusiast Questions

Q What makes Blazys take on Chanel so different from Virginie Viards
A Virginie Viard designs for Chanels mainline focusing on a romantic effortless French sensibility Blazys approach was more architectural and focused on stealth wealth luxurious materials and impeccable construction with a minimalist modern twist while still honoring Chanels craftsmanship

Q Is this a sign that Blazy might take over Chanel someday
A Almost certainly not This was a celebrated oneoff collaboration not a trial Blazy is deeply entrenched in building his own successful vision at Bottega Veneta Its better seen as a