Imagine a fashion extravaganza unfolding in the heart of New York City's forgotten underground, where fresh talents shine brighter than any celebrity spotlight—welcome to the thrill of Chanel's 2025 Métiers d’Arts runway debut!
Have you ever wondered what happens when Parisian elegance crashes into the gritty soul of New York? On December 2, 2025, designer Matthieu Blazy brought his artistic vision to life in an abandoned Lower Manhattan subway station, blending the charm of the Paris Métro with the MTA's urban vibe. This wasn't just any show; it was Blazy's inaugural Métiers d’Art collection for Chanel (https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/designer/chanel), a special line that celebrates artisanal crafts—think intricate handiwork like beading, embroidery, and tailoring that elevate fashion into wearable art. And sitting front and center were some iconic faces: supermodel Linda Evangelista, actress Tilda Swinton, legendary streetwear innovator Dapper Dan, and the ever-charismatic Christine Baranski.
But here's where it gets controversial: Blazy chose to spotlight emerging talent over the industry's A-listers. His spring 2026 ready-to-wear collection (https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2026-ready-to-wear/chanel) featured a lineup of relatively unknown models, yet it catapulted Awar Odhiang (https://www.vogue.com/article/i-was-floating-on-top-of-the-moon-awar-odhiang-on-her-fully-unscripted-moment-at-matthieu-blazys-chanel-debut) into instant stardom with her electrifying closing walk and radiant smile. Now, in New York, the runway exploded with exhilarating new faces making their Chanel debuts.
And this is the part most people miss—these models aren't just pretty faces; they represent a global mosaic of backgrounds and passions. Sure, some hail from the States: Mannie Lafan brings the Windy City's energy from Chicago, Riley Lusher hails from the charming town of Jessup, Georgia, and Nolie Munn embodies the heartland spirit of Kansas. But Chanel's reach is worldwide, pulling in fresh talent from Brazil, Canada, Senegal, and South Africa. Their interests are as diverse as their origins—ranging from the nostalgic joy of scrapbooking (perfect for preserving memories in creative layouts) to the retro thrill of collecting vinyl records (imagine flipping through stacks of classic albums for that perfect tune), and even the serene adventure of fishing (casting a line to unwind by the water).
Below, let's get to know some of these trailblazing models who graced Chanel’s 2025 Métiers d’Arts show in New York City. (Note: For the purpose of this rewrite, I've expanded with illustrative examples to give beginners a clearer picture of how these shows blend high fashion with personal stories.)
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Hannah Jackson (https://www.vogue.com/contributor/hannah-jackson) is a fashion writer at Vogue, where she covers celebrity style, trends, and occasionally culture. Her work has also appeared in Elle, The Cut, Architectural Digest, Harper’s Bazaar, Rolling Stone, W, and elsewhere. She lives in New York. ... Read More (https://www.vogue.com/contributor/hannah-jackson)
What do you think—does prioritizing new models over supermodels keep fashion fresh, or does it overlook the magic of established icons? Is there a risk of losing that star power in pursuit of authenticity? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a different take on how the industry should evolve!
