Everything We Loved at the CHANEL Pre-Fall 2026 Fashion Show
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Temps de lecture 5 min
One of the most anticipated seasons in the fashion calendar is pre-fall. For CHANEL, it was an exquisite time to launch their Métiers d’art 2026 Show in New York. The collection redefined luxury once again, but this time, it’s less about the spectacle and more about style precision. Every piece we spotted on the runway felt deliberate and powerful, but there were a few standout pieces that all noticeably shared similar elements that we’ll dive into in this article.
Our fashion team here at Ellie Belle discerned very refined style elements that will shape many of the trends that will hit this year. We found ourselves swooning over these defining moments that truly captured the spirit of CHANEL’s Pre-fall collection.
The Iconic Chanel Jacket Silhouette
CHANEL
Nothing is ever more iconic than the classic CHANEL jacket. Their Pre-fall collection didn’t forget to give their historical fashion piece a nod, as we have seen this sculpted silhouette a couple of times in the show.
The star element of CHANEL’s line of jackets in this collection is its timeless lady silhouette that holds structure without exaggeration. The tweed fabric is woven with depth and dimension to appear richly textured, something only a house of this heritage can do so effortlessly. What truly resonated with us was the discipline of the cut. It’s so iconic that there’s no need for a second glance to recognize that it’s CHANEL. The jackets were not nostalgic replicas from their previous collections, but a contemporary reinterpretation of the classic CHANEL tweed jacket.
Whether paired with coordinating skirts or contrasting separates, the jacket anchored each look with unmistakable gravitas.
What stood out to us:
A sharper, more defined shoulder that modernizes the classic silhouette
Textural tweeds woven with subtle metallic threads and tonal depth
Precise waist shaping that flatters without restricting movement
Styling versatility that transitions seamlessly from daywear to evening
In a fashion climate obsessed with reinvention, CHANEL reminds us that true innovation can exist within continuity.
Quiet Luxury Quarter Zip Sweaters
One of the collection’s most unexpected pleasures was the elevation of the quarter zip sweater.
We all know that quarter zip sweaters are traditionally associated with sport or casualwear. But in CHANEL’s Pre-fall 2026 show, it’s apparent that the silhouette was transformed through intricate fabrication and proportion. The knits appeared dense yet fluid and absolutely refined in texture.
What really got us so drawn to this quiet luxury piece is its tonal styling. Neutral palettes and monochromatic layering allowed the minimalist piece to take center stage. There was no need for embellishment. The luxury was in the material, the fit, the quiet confidence of the wearer.
Why this knitwear feels so relevant now:
Elevated fabrication that shifts the quarter zip from athletic to atelier
Monochrome styling that reinforces a refined, modern aesthetic
Clean lines that complement tailoring without competing with it
A balance of comfort and authority suited to contemporary luxury dressing
In 2026, we just know that these sweaters will symbolize the evolution of modern dressing. It’s a fashion piece that translates quiet luxury, not as a trend, but as a philosophy.
Heavy Animal Print Coordinates
Just when we think the collection has settled into restraint, it introduces boldness with striking animal prints.
Saturated, rich, and meticulously tailored, animal print coordinates carried a sense of confidence that felt deliberate rather than just visually dramatic. What our editors appreciate the most is that the print was treated with the same reverence as tweed or velvet. It was not just a novelty, but a complete narrative.
Head-to-toe styling gave these looks power. The precision of the tailoring prevented excess, allowing the print to remain strong but controlled. The result was glamour anchored in structure.
Key elements that captivated us:
Full coordinated sets that amplify the impact of the print
Tailored cuts that prevent visual overwhelm
Luxurious fabric weight that grounds the bold motif
Styling that pairs statement patterns with minimal accessories
There’s no denying that we found ourselves revisiting these ensembles repeatedly. It’s just so apparent that they capture a broader mood shift within luxury fashion. It satisfies this renewed appetite for bold expression, but in an intelligent, well-crafted way. CHANEL demonstrated that maximal impact can coexist with impeccable discipline.
CHANEL
Royal Velvet Realness
Velvet is that one sophisticated fabric that truly carries emotional depth — and CHANEL Métiers d’art 2026 embraced this with true cinematic elegance. Their velvet pieces were rendered in jewel tones and fluid silhouettes, just like the royal blue dress we spotted.
We really love how the house avoided nostalgia as they didn’t make velvet feel theatrical. It was more minimal and composed. Texture, more than embellishment, defined these moments. In an era where so much of fashion is filtered through screens, garments that invite touch and offer dimensional depth feel increasingly meaningful. This collection truly understands the sensory power of fabric.
CHANEL
The Wrap Up: Chanel in 2026 continues to be a stunner
Pre-Fall 2026 was not a collection built on spectacle, but on refinement. As we consider the season as a whole, one theme stands clear. CHANEL is not interested in chasing the moment. It is interested in shaping it. And that quiet confidence is precisely why this collection lingers long after the runway lights dim.
Iconic Jacket – A sculpted tweed silhouette with sharper shoulders and disciplined tailoring reaffirmed CHANEL’s timeless authority.
Quiet Luxury Knits – Elevated quarter zips in tonal palettes proved minimalism remains fashion’s most powerful statement.
Animal Print – Head-to-toe coordinates delivered bold glamour grounded in impeccable structure and craftsmanship.
Velvet Revival – Jewel-toned velvet pieces brought cinematic richness without veering into nostalgia.
Refined Vision – Pre-Fall 2026 focused on precision over spectacle, shaping trends through intention rather than excess.
What defined CHANEL’s Pre-Fall 2026 collection?
Precision. The collection emphasized sculpted tailoring, elevated textures, and deliberate styling rather than theatrical runway spectacle.
Why was the CHANEL jacket such a standout?
Its modernized silhouette, structured shoulders, and richly woven tweed offered a contemporary reinterpretation of an enduring house icon.
How did the collection interpret quiet luxury?
Through refined quarter zip knits styled in tonal layers, proving that craftsmanship and proportion can speak louder than embellishment.
What made the velvet and animal prints feel modern?
Both were executed with discipline. Tailoring controlled the drama, allowing texture and pattern to feel composed, intelligent, and undeniably luxurious.
Andrea Centeno
Andrea Centeno, Editorial Lead for Ellie Belle, brings over a decade of experience as a writer and editor specializing in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. Beyond her professional role, she curates and styles clothing for personal fashion clients, teaches English to young children during school breaks, and creates handmade jewelry in her mini craft corner. Andrea also shares her passion for beauty, travel, and skincare on her personal blog, shimmerjjang.com, where she writes about her favorite lipsticks, eyeshadows, solo adventures, and her ongoing skincare journey.
@elliebelleofficial / @elliebellebridal
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