At CHANEL Spring Summer 2026, we’re all suspended — somewhere between nostalgia and what comes next.
The show unfolds like a lucid dream — CHANEL SS26, Matthieu Blazy’s first. The room hums in that particular kind of silence before something big happens. Then it does. Fabric turns into movement, tweed breathes, and suddenly we’re all suspended — somewhere between nostalgia and what comes next.
It’s one of those rare moments when a house feels both reborn and entirely itself. Everyone’s here — the ambassadors, the icons, the new guard — orbiting the same gravitational pull. The CHANEL community, in all its paradoxes: timeless and alive.
In the middle of it all, there is Tara Emad. Effortless, like she’s been part of this universe forever. I catch her right after the show — she’s glowing, grounded, a little breathless.
Aya: Hi Tara, so lovely to see you today! You’ve had such a long-standing relationship with CHANEL — one that feels both natural and deeply personal. What does working with the Maison mean to you, and how has it shaped your relationship with fashion in recent years?
Tara: Working with CHANEL has honestly been a dream. I think it’s been about four years now, and every year my love for the Maison just grows — for the people behind it, their craft, and the way every single piece feels timeless. There’s such a beautiful culture within CHANEL — both among the team and within the fashion world at large. It’s truly been an incredible opportunity to be part of that universe, and to represent Egypt and the Middle East. I feel so honored.
And tonight feels extra special — Matthieu Blazy’s debut show was the most perfect ending to fashion week. Everything was just… mesmerizing. From the moment I walked in, I couldn’t stop saying “oh my god!” — every look was so captivating, one after the other. We were all completely in awe.
Aya: I can imagine — it must be surreal. CHANEL is CHANEL. Maybe you can share a memorable moment you’ve had with the brand — perhaps a trip or a show?
Tara: Oh, there have been so many incredible trips. One of my favorites was visiting the jasmine fields — being surrounded by the flowers as they were picked and transformed into perfume felt truly magical, a beautiful introduction to that world. Another unforgettable moment was visiting the Coco Chanel house on Rue Cambon in Paris. The place exudes extraordinary energy and charm; I always tell people just how incredible it is.
Aya: And now, here we are at Matthieu Blazy’s debut show for CHANEL. What did you think of the collection? Any favorite looks?
Tara: It was breathtaking. Describing it as ‘stunning’ doesn’t even cover it. I loved the exploration of red — so many shades, each with its own meaning. For me, it felt like fresh blood, new energy. The collection is bold and modern, yet it still embodies CHANEL’s timeless elegance and femininity, all perfectly balanced in the silhouettes.
Aya: I completely agree. It’s such a strong debut.
Aya: Last question! If you had to describe the CHANEL woman in just three words, what would they be?
Tara: I would say feminine, bold, and present.
Aya: Thank you so much, Tara.
Interview by Aya Mechelany transcribed for clarity.
