Why Chanel’s Subway Show Was the Fashion Moment of the Season

Chanel’s major serve of the year.

POSTED 05.01.26 17:41 BY TASNIM MIAH

If we’re looking back at the defining winter fashion moments of 2025, my standout has got to be Chanel’s Subway Show from earlier this month. Matthieu Blazy, the current creative director of Chanel, debuted his Métiers d’Art show in the best way possible—in a New York subway station...

Yes, not exactly the conventional place you’d expect to see supermodels in high-fashion pieces strutting past tiled walls in pearls, tweed and garments worth thousands of dollars. But, truthfully, this Pre-Fall 2026 show didn’t just present the clothes; it captured a fashion moment. And there are few reasons why this show will always stand out to me.

The Location: Chaotic in the best way possible

There was something genuinely thrilling about watching supermodels emerge from an actual subway train, as if they were late for something impossibly chic. Chanel turned a space we usually associate with rush, noise and routine, into something entirely cinematic.

And the best part? The show didn’t feel overly polished- it felt loud, alive and slightly unpredictable (exactly why I think it worked so well!).

The Representation Mattered

What really stayed with me from the show was who got the opportunity to shine and truly own the moment.

Bhavita Mandava opened the runway, making history as the first ever Indian model to open a Chanel show—and honestly, it felt powerful. Not only that, but she’s also an NYC graduate and architect who was discovered on the subway. Multi-talented, accomplished and amazing representation for the South Asian girls.

Awar Odhiang closed the runway, becoming the third Black model ever to close a Chanel show in its history. And she didn’t just close it- she owned it. Her walk was completely unscripted, radiating pure joy and confidence- in a way that felt refreshingly human. It’s no surprise her walk was talked about everywhere—she was the moment!

The Guest-List

Of course, it’s a NYC Chanel show, so you’re bound to see a star-studded guest list. But our fave A-List celebrities sat along the platform of an abandoned subway station? Not on my 2025 bingo card. Ayo Edebiri, Margaret Qualley, Adwoa Aboah, and A$AP Rocky were just a few of the stars in attendance at the show. Nothing short of iconic!

The clothes

And lastly, I can’t forget to mention that the clothes were—genuinely incredible. The craftsmanship spoke for itself. Tweeds, sparkly embroidery, relaxed clothing- the clothes felt designed for real life (but elevated to Chanel standards, of course!).

Chanel’s subway show stood out to me for many reasons, but most importantly, it felt real, inclusive and effortlessly cool.

My Chanel Runway-inspired Fizzypicks that will have you serving off-duty model vibes:

REVOLVE
Wool Half Zip Collar Sweater
$198.00

Why Chanel’s Subway Show Was the Fashion Moment of the Season

The Location: Chaotic in the best way possible

The Representation Mattered

The Guest-List

The clothes

Unbox the freshest drops and more. Hit subscribe!