The Making Of Chanel Metiers d’Art 2026: 13 Standout Pieces And Looks From The Collection
An annual affair unique to the brand, Chanel Metiers d’Art is ultimately a tribute to the artisans whose craftsmanship has been foundational to the maison.
After its viral debut showcase in an abandoned New York City subway station last December, followed by another sensational restaging at Seoul’s Centre Pompidou Hanwha
Inspired by the melting pot of personalities in cosmopolitan centres such as The Big Apple, and an ode to the dynamism of women, the 81-look collection is artistic director Matthieu Blazy’s first Metiers d’Art collection – an annual affair since 2002 meant to spotlight the artisanal studios in Chanel’s Metiers d’Art network that bring to life the brand’s collections all-year-round.
If you’ve yet to acquaint yourself with the craft-forward world of Chanel Metiers d’Art, be sure to read our guide on everything you need to know about it. Ahead, some of the pieces from this year’s edition and what’s gone into the making of them.
Our favourite Chanel Metiers d’Art 2026 creations, and the craftsmanship behind them
1. Chanel 25 Mini Handbag
Unicolour hair has been applied to lambskin to create this ultra‑soft, animal‑printed version of the Chanel 25.
2. Cashmere scarf
The cashmere scarf features the handiwork of the embroidery studio Montex: an Art Deco‑style double “C” motif glistening with ruby red, gold and pearly white beads. Assembled by hand using both the needle and the Luneville crochet hook, it takes an artisan 10 hours to complete.
3. Lambskin two-tone pumps
These d’Orsays reinterpret Chanel’s iconic two‑tone pumps with sculptural flared heels and contrasting toe and heel patches. A specially designed dual‑head sewing machine and handwork ensure that the chevron‑stitched patches are precisely sewn together for a refined finish.
4. “Ladybug” skirt suit
Crafted from knotted silk organza and completed with handmade braids and flower‑shaped jewelled buttons, this ultra‑pretty take on Chanel’s skirt suit is meant to channel chic civil bride. Making it extra special: eight ladybug brooches hand‑crafted by Montex artisans in red chenille, glass beads and sequins. Arrange them as you wish.
5. Lumberjack-style shirt and “denim” skirt
A new staple by Matthieu Blazy, the lumberjack‑inspired overshirt is crafted from plush wool boucle tweed and features rhinestone‑covered flower‑shaped buttons for a feminine touch. Meanwhile, the skirt is made from a textured cotton wool crepe – woven with yarn in a contrasting colour and with an irregular shantung effect – to mimic the look of denim.
6. Red slingbacks
Featuring the savoir faire of the Parisian shoemaker Massaro, which has been working with Chanel since 1957 and is part of the brand’s Metiers d’Art network, these pumps – named Coco Time – were inspired by an unreleased design from the 1960s. Unexpected elements such as the square vamp and conical heels keep them looking contemporary.
7. Red Croco-embossed Clutch
The croco‑embossed calfskin of this boxy flap bag has become a house favourite for its graphic look and playful texture. What the design studio refers to as “fantasy embossing” helps create the patterned finish and prevents the leather from creasing or tearing over time.
8. Zebra-striped jacket and skirt
A graphic zebra‑patterned co‑ord for the cosmopolitan girl. The oversized jacket is crafted from velvety mohair bouclette yarn embroidered onto a finely knitted silk bouclette base, with lion‑head jewelled buttons – a nod to house founder Coco Chanel’s zodiac sign – and a burgundy silk twill lining echoing that of the Classic bag.
9. “Big Apple” minaudiere
Crafted in lacquered metal and enamel, this collectible minaudiere is a toast to the Big Apple – where the collection debuted last December. This famous nickname of New York originated in the 1920s horse‑racing scene, encapsulating the city’s allure as a place of opportunity and dreams.
10. Red tweed skirt suit & “I Heart NYC” tee
This red and cobalt suit offers a fresh take on tweed: To achieve its vibrancy, artisans wove a specially developed, multi‑coloured wrapped yarn onto a fluid, lightweight base. The accompanying top is a similarly new and artisanal spin on the “I Heart NY” tee – silk jersey and fully sequinned.
11. Maxi Flap Bag
The quintessential Chanel flap bag gets a gender‑neutral makeover in a maxi size and a variety of new finishes, including quilted suede calfskin, shearling lambskin, and tweed with a leopard‑print effect.
12. Tonight or Never coat & poster print shirt
The coat features an artwork referencing the 1931 movie Tonight or Never, for which Coco Chanel had designed costumes, while the shirt sports bagel motifs in the style of vintage posters. Both are made from tweed crafted using the ikat technique, where the illustrations are first printed onto the warp before weaving, resulting in them being visible on both sides of the fabric.
13. Grosgrain pumps with feathers
To create these grosgrain pumps, artisans cut out the upper, then hand‑applied a strip of ostrich feathers onto each side. The lining is next glued on by hand before being carefully sewn using a hand‑guided machine. While the white version comes with an embroidered ladybug brooch, the black features a demure metallic double “C” logo.