When Matthieu Blazy presented his vision for Chanel’s 2026 Métiers d’Art collection, he transported us underground—literally. The New York subway became his runway, complete with all the grit, energy, and unexpected beauty that defines the city’s transit system. I loved the entire show and saw countless pieces I could envision in my own wardrobe. The storyline was brilliantly executed; every element, from the setting to the styling, reinforced this narrative of urban elegance meeting subway culture. My only critique? It felt chaotic at times, almost overwhelming in its abundance of ideas. But then again, if you’re depicting fashion in a New York subway, chaos has to be an underlying feature. As the show progressed, that initial sense of disorder transformed into something cohesive and intentional, much like the city itself.
Beyond the clothes, the jewelry at the Chanel 2026 Métiers d’Art show deserves its own spotlight. Blazy demonstrated a masterful understanding of adornment, presenting pieces that ranged from whimsical to architectural, from classic Chanel codes to unexpected interpretations. Here’s what stood out as the defining trends and my favorite moments from the collection.
The Trends That Defined the Jewelry
Statement Pieces Rule Supreme
While a few dainty earrings and delicate necklaces made appearances, make no mistake, the jewelry at the Chanel 2026 Métiers d’Art show was unapologetically bold. This was not a season for subtlety. Oversized brooches, chunky necklaces, and dramatic earrings demanded attention, proving that more is indeed more when it comes to accessorizing.
A Kaleidoscope of Color
Color returned in full force, bringing with it a sense of joy and vitality. Greens, oranges, and reds dominated the palette, creating jewels that felt like a feast for the eyes. This chromatic abundance felt particularly refreshing.
Pearls Take Center Stage
Of course, Chanel is synonymous with pearls, and as a pearl devotee myself, I was thrilled to see these lustrous gems shine so brilliantly. From classic white to dramatic black pearls, they appeared in every form imaginable—strung, clustered, scattered, and reimagined. Blazy honored the house’s heritage while giving pearls a contemporary edge.
Layering Creates Drama
Perhaps the most exciting trend was the artful layering of necklaces. Blazy played with lengths and textures beautifully, combining strands of varying proportions, mixing chokers with longer pieces, and creating visual interest through thoughtful composition. The result was a masterclass in how to wear multiple necklaces without looking overdone.
My Favorite Jewelry Moments at the Chanel 2026 Métiers d’Art show
The Crystal and Onyx Power Set
This chunky earring and necklace combination stopped me in my tracks. Featuring what appeared to be large crystals encircled by black onyx, the set made its debut on a model wearing a green tweed suit—a pairing that felt both classic and contemporary. The large stud earrings and coordinating choker delivered maximum impact, and as the show progressed, I spotted other interpretations of this design, each as striking as the first.
Oversized Pearl and Gold Brooches
Three massive brooches adorned a single look, and their placement was nothing short of genius. Two sat at the sides near the top of the dress, while a third punctuated the slit of the skirt. These weren’t mere accessories; they were architectural elements that transformed the garment itself. The scale was audacious, the execution flawless.
The Green and Black Bib Necklace
This statement bib necklace, composed of black and green beads, accompanied one of my favorite outfits from the entire show: a maxi dress featuring a black knitted top paired with a billowy green animal print skirt. The necklace bridged the two elements perfectly, its colors echoing both halves of the ensemble while adding substantial visual weight to the neckline.
Dual Floral Necklaces with Pearls
Layering reached its apex with these two statement floral necklaces worn simultaneously—one adorned with white pearls, the other with black. The styling was equally bold. A plaid shirt tucked into a plaid midi skirt, though notably in two different patterns. The jewelry at the Chanel 2026 Métiers d’Art show often served to unify disparate elements, and this was a perfect example of that approach.
Dalmatian Dog Brooches
Whimsy met elegance in the form of two Dalmatian dog brooches positioned at the collar of a turtleneck, connected by a delicate strand of pearls. The look was completed with loose-fitting khaki pants and a trench coat, creating an ensemble that felt effortlessly chic. These brooches exemplified Blazy’s ability to inject playfulness into Chanel’s vocabulary without sacrificing sophistication.
The Hyper-Realistic Floral Brooch
Rendered in black and white, this brooch resembled a flower in bloom with stunning realism. It sat prominently on the left side of a printed coat, layered over a printed shirt and a matching midi skirt. The monochromatic brooch provided a focal point amid the pattern play, demonstrating how jewelry can anchor even the busiest of looks.
Yellow and Black Drop Earrings
These beautiful drop earrings featured an unexpected yellow and black detail that mimicked a tiger’s pattern, bringing an exotic touch to a black dress detailed with rosette embellishments at the hem. The model completed the look with a matching fascinator and sunglasses, creating a cohesive narrative where the earrings served as the subtle wild card.
Architectural Gold and Pearl Neck Cuff
Perhaps the most sculptural piece of jewelry at the Chanel 2026 Métiers d’Art show was this neck cuff that resembled a golden tree branch intertwined with pearls. Paired with equally dramatic pearl and gold drop earrings, it adorned a model wearing a powder blue and cream sweater depicting a Christmas landscape, a black sequin midi skirt, and a shimmering jacket held casually in her hands. The juxtaposition of the organic, branch-like form against the festive knitwear was utterly captivating.
Watch the Full Chanel 2026 Métiers d’Art Show
My Closing Thoughts
What makes the jewelry at the Chanel 2026 Métiers d’Art show so compelling isn’t just the individual pieces. It’s how they contribute to the larger narrative. Blazy understands that jewelry isn’t merely decoration; it’s a storytelling device. In the context of a New York subway, where diverse individuals cross paths and personal style is a form of self-expression, these bold adornments make perfect sense. They’re conversation starters, confidence boosters, and works of art rolled into one.
The collection reminded me that jewelry should be worn with conviction. Whether it’s a pair of oversized brooches transforming a dress into a sculpture or layered necklaces creating a symphony at the collarbone, these pieces demand to be noticed. And in true Chanel fashion, they manage to feel both timeless and of-the-moment—a balance that few houses can strike so effortlessly.
As we look ahead to what this collection means for jewelry trends, the message is clear: embrace volume, celebrate color, layer with intention, and never underestimate the power of pearls. Blazy’s debut Métiers d’Art showed us that the house’s codes are alive and well, ready to be reinterpreted for a new generation that isn’t afraid to make a statement.
Featured images: Chanel
Amanda Akalonu is dedicated to weaving together the worlds of jewelry, watches, and objects through a lens of literary storytelling.
