Chanel unveils a whimsical motif on the catwalk, an unexpected trend for 2026

At the Chanel fashion show, a mischievous motif caught the eye. It links couture heritage with a desire for lightness, and already heralds a promising dynamic for the future. 2026.

At the Chanel show, a fantasy motif promises 2026

The house has created a whimsical motif that plays with the iconic tweed, pearls and interlaced chain. The animal wink is expressed in small gold sculptures, playful embroidery and unexpected accessories. The result remains chic, yet de-dramatizes the silhouette.

What’s more, this choice resonates with the desire for joy that runs through fashion. After seasons of subdued minimalism, a mischievous detail brings back the rhythm. The Chanel show is a reminder that a playful accent can remain sober.

The message is clear, without flashy emphasis. Here, the house reinterprets its codes to offer a controlled, and therefore wearable, fantasy. What’s more, the staging suggests a trend ready to take hold in 2026.

“A facetious detail is enough to move the eye.

What the Chanel show has to say about style desires

This signal doesn’t come from just anywhere, as it emanates from a big house. As a result, buyers and designers alike will be adjusting their prism with the next deliveries. We expect to see this animal wink slip from the catwalks to the street.

And the harmonies remain temperate, allowing the cut and material to speak for themselves. The Chanel show features a palette of blacks, ivories and soft golds, with a few sandy browns. In this way, everyone can dose fantasy to suit their habits.

• Choose one strong piece per outfit
• Stick to sober, refined colors
• Choose textured, noble materials
• Balancing clean lines and cheerful detail
• Temporize the purchase with a long-term vision

Materials, accessories and heritage: the Chanel fashion show in practice

From the outset, the material guides the gesture. Grainy tweed, airy chiffon and gilded metal create a nuanced dialogue. In this way, a touch of whimsy finds its place without breaking the allure.

Chanel – 2.55 (Bag; in silk chiffon) [1]. Here, the legend becomes fluid, as if set on a breath, then animated by the model’s stride.

Yet the house spirit remains, thanks to the quilting, the chain and the familiar proportions. What’s more, this lightness offers a summery way to offset a suit or lighten an evening gown. It’s all about nuance, not cross-dressing.

Tips for adopting this animal wink

So start with a discreet gold-metal accessory, then add a well-cut black jacket. A playful cuff goes well with straight jeans and sensible ballet flats. In the evening, a minaudière is all you need to structure your outfit.

Next, work on texture to create relief without overloading. Short tweed, washed silk and grained leather are still good allies. From now on, the aim is to let a single detail speak for itself, then simplify everything else.

After the Chanel show, what to expect in 2026

Consequently, the retail offer should prioritize limited editions with a facetious but polished tone. Noble materials will support durability, and therefore desirability. In short, the product gains in use value, not just image.

Chanel – Classique quilted bag (Bag; gold neck and giraffe legs) [2]. The familiar silhouette is embellished with a figurative jewel, subtle by day, sparkling by night.

We’ll also be on the lookout for red-carpet revivals, followed by street styles captured at a brisk pace. Independent designers will follow, with more artisanal but reasoned interpretations. The trajectory set in motion by the Chanel show is set to take root as the seasons go by.

• Chanel fashion show