Long before the “bow girl” emerged as a coquettecore fashion archetype, Chanel was already championing this timeless motif. At this morning’s Paris Fashion Week show, the iconic French house transformed the Grand Palais by wrapping it in a massive black ribbon, paying homage to one of its most beloved and enduring symbols. This ribbon design traces back to the braid embroidery featured in many of Gabrielle Chanel’s earliest creations.
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A Ribbon-Inspired Installation and Collection
The striking installation was designed by Willo Perron, setting the tone for the collection, crafted by Chanel’s in-house Creation Studio. (Notably, incoming artistic director Matthieu Blazy is scheduled to debut his first collection in October.) With celebrity guests like Tyla, Raye, and Camila Cabello in attendance, the show explored the versatility and playful sophistication of the bow motif.
Bows appeared throughout the collection in various forms: jacket collars and cuffs were adorned with both real and trompe l’oeil bows; festive ribbon prints swirled across dresses; models wore jaunty hair bows; and oversized pussy bows fastened crisp white blouses, reinforcing the theme with an air of elegance and whimsy.
Pearl Embellishments: A Nod to Chanel Heritage
Beyond ribbons, Chanel paid tribute to another cornerstone of its aesthetic: pearls. Strings of pearls were generously layered onto many pieces, from necklaces and bags to footwear. Notably, some crossbody bags resembled enormous necklaces draped over the shoulder, a clever play on scale. Pearl accents also graced ankle boots, where heels were crafted to look like giant pearls, blending luxury with innovative design.
Modern Tweed and Timeless Details
The collection also showcased classic Chanel bouclé and tweed fabrics, updated with sheer tulle overlays and vibrant patterns that gave a fresh, modern twist to heritage textiles. Some ensembles were completed with matching boater-style hats, a subtle nod to Chanel’s rich history.
The iconic camellia, Coco Chanel’s favorite flower, made its appearance as well — recreated in ribbon form encircling the collar of a sweater dress, adding a delicate and personal touch to the collection.
Chanel’s Fall 2025 show was a masterful blend of tradition and modernity, highlighting signature motifs like bows, pearls, tweed, and camellias — all thoughtfully reinterpreted to celebrate the brand’s legacy while setting the tone for its future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main theme of Chanel’s Fall 2025 show?
The main theme revolved around the bow motif, highlighted by a massive black ribbon installation at the Grand Palais and featured prominently in the collection through bows on collars, cuffs, dresses, and hair accessories.
Who created the collection for this show?
The collection was crafted by Chanel’s in-house Creation Studio. Incoming artistic director Matthieu Blazy is expected to present his first collection in October 2025.
Which celebrities attended the Chanel Fall 2025 show?
Celebrities like Tyla, Raye, and Camila Cabello were among the guests watching the show.
Besides bows, what other classic Chanel motifs were featured?
Pearls, tweed, bouclé fabric, boater-style hats, and the camellia flower were all featured, each reimagined with modern twists.
How were pearls incorporated into the collection?
Pearls were layered on jewelry, bags designed to look like oversized necklaces, and ankle boots with pearl heels, playing with scale and luxury.
What historical Chanel elements were referenced in the show?
The braid embroidery from Gabrielle Chanel’s early designs inspired the ribbon motif; tweed and bouclé fabrics were updated for a contemporary look; boater hats and the camellia flower were also nods to Chanel’s heritage.
Conclusion
Chanel’s Fall 2025 show at Paris Fashion Week was a stunning celebration of the brand’s timeless elegance and rich heritage. By weaving iconic motifs like bows, pearls, tweed, and camellias into a modern, playful collection, Chanel reaffirmed its role as a pioneer of classic yet forward-thinking fashion. As the house prepares for the arrival of Matthieu Blazy’s first show, this presentation beautifully honored the past while hinting at exciting new directions ahead.