Matthieu Blazy’s creative direction at Chanel continues to take shape as a series of high-profile campaigns arrive for the Spring 2026 season. Since taking the helm of the legendary French fashion house in late 2024, the French-Belgian designer has curated a diverse visual language, collaborating with Alec Soth for the main Spring 2026 line and Craig McDean for the Chanel 25 handbag campaign featuring Margot Robbie. The latest addition to this rollout is the Chanel Coco Beach 2026 collection, which marks Blazy’s inaugural capsule collection for the brand.
For this milestone release, Blazy partnered with photographer Julien Martinez Leclerc to capture models Rebecca Leigh Longendyke, Sun Mizrahi, and Elodie Guipaud. The campaign is set against a dramatic landscape of volcanic black sand, providing a high-contrast environment that highlights the textures and silhouettes of the new pieces. The collection itself leans into maritime themes, featuring intricate shell-patterned lace, fluid silk dresses, jersey swimwear, and vibrant, multicolored striped knitwear. To complete the look, the styling incorporates nautical-inspired costume jewelry, grounding the beach-ready aesthetic in Chanel’s signature sophistication.
Rebecca Leigh Longendyke, Sun Mizrahi, and Elodie Guipaud Front the New Coco Beach Collection
Industry Insiders and Fashion Critics React to the Visual Execution
The campaign has sparked a lively discussion among fashion enthusiasts, with opinions divided on the atmospheric direction and technical execution. Many observers have praised the imagery as “gorgeous” and “beautifully shot,” noting that the stark contrast between the black sand and the white sea foam perfectly encapsulates the Chanel identity. The choice of a volcanic setting over a traditional tropical beach has been lauded by some as a sophisticated move that allows the vibrant colors of the knitwear and the delicate details of the lace to stand out more prominently.
However, the campaign’s polished aesthetic has also drawn scrutiny. Some critics feel the imagery lacks a sense of naturalism, suggesting that the highly controlled environment makes the sand look almost like a studio prop and the waves appear digitally enhanced. There have been mentions that the compositions feel as though the models were photographed in a studio and integrated into the landscape afterward, leading to a debate over whether this hyper-manicured look enhances or detracts from the high-fashion appeal of the collection.
The Chanel Coco Beach 2026 campaign represents a bold step in Matthieu Blazy’s evolving narrative for the house. By blending heritage nautical motifs with a moody, unconventional beach setting, the campaign aims to redefine luxury resort wear for the modern era. While the technical approach to the visuals has divided some followers, the collection remains a highly anticipated debut that showcases Blazy’s ability to merge classic French elegance with a contemporary, cinematic edge.
