The NYC Subway as a Stage

Under the art direction of Matthieu Blazy, CHANEL brought its emblematic Métiers d'Art collection to the underground spaces of the New York subway, an environment that functions as a great social equalizer where cultures, histories, and styles intersect. The concept is profound: the subway is not merely a place of transit, but a symbol of contemporary urban fabric, where fashion, craftsmanship, and art dialogue in a space that belongs to everyone.

This show establishes a cinematic dialogue between Paris and New York, two cities that share an obsession with elegance, innovation, and personal expression. Models descended through the station stairs, each adorned with CHANEL's latest creations, including the sunglasses dominating this season. The celebrities present—Sofia Coppola, Lupita Nyong'o, ASAP Rocky, Whitney Peak, Honey Dijon, G-Dragon, Rosie Perez, and Wang Yibo—all wore standout models from the eyewear collection, turning the event into a carousel of visual references where each pair of sunglasses tells a story of design and audacity. The atmosphere was surreal: illuminated tunnels, the brutal architecture of urban transit transformed into a runway, and the sensation that fashion is not an isolated luxury, but part of the living fabric of the city.

CHANEL 5565: Cat-Eye in Its Purest Form

The CHANEL 5565 is the definitive sunglasses of spring-summer 2026, a modern reinterpretation of the cat-eye that has become synonymous with the house. This model embodies the essence of CHANEL design: perfect proportions, symbolic details, and a versatility that allows it to adapt to any look, from the most casual to the most formal.

Crafted in bold acetate, the 5565 features the iconic CC logo on the temples, engraved subtly but unmistakably. Available in six carefully selected colorways, each variant represents a different universe: from neutral tones that function as timeless essentials to bolder shades that seek to be protagonists. The classic cat-eye structure benefits from subtle modernization in the curves and angles, making it especially flattering without sacrificing the distinctive character that defines CHANEL. At a starting price of 430 €, these sunglasses represent an investment in enduring elegance, the kind of purchase that becomes part of the personal uniform of whoever chooses them. Celebrities at the show wore them with minimalist looks that let the glasses be the protagonist, demonstrating their ability to transform any ensemble. The construction quality is impeccable, with perfectly finished edges and lenses that provide exceptional optical clarity while adding a slight tint that enhances depth perception.

CHANEL 2227S: The Round Frame That Changes Everything

While the 5565 dominates cat-eye territory, the CHANEL 2227S presents an equally seductive alternative in the form of a reinterpreted round frame. This model takes the iconic structure of the classic round frame and deconstructs it, adding contemporary details that anchor it firmly in 2026.

Crafted in metal, the 2227S structure is elegant and lightweight, allowing for extended wear without fatigue. The double CC logo appears subtly on the bridges, a nod to CHANEL heritage that doesn't demand attention but whispers presence. The frame proportion is perfect for most face shapes, and the slightly tinted lenses offer sun protection with a touch of sophistication. At 450 €, the 2227S represents another layer in the essential eyewear wardrobe. What makes this model special is its versatility: it works with chic sportswear, with minimalist suits, with beach looks, and with city outfits. It's the kind of sunglasses a person chooses when they want to feel elegant without making too much noise. The engineering is exemplary—the hinges move with precision, the fit is secure without being tight, and the optics are crystal clear, delivering true color recognition without distortion.

Three Models You Can't Ignore

Beyond the 5565 and 2227S, CHANEL presents other iconic models that deserve to be explored. Each represents a different proposition, a distinct way of approaching luxury eyewear.

Spring-Summer 2026: Contemporary Elegance

The CHANEL eyewear pre-collection for spring-summer 2026 focuses on a balanced palette of neutral tones, accented with sophisticated pastels and metallized details. The approach is contemporary elegance: eyewear that functions as essential pieces in the modern wardrobe, not pretending to be ostentatious accessories, but pillars of a well-defined personal style. Each model, from the iconic cat-eye to the most experimental proposals, aligns with Blazy's vision of fashion that is simultaneously accessible and aspirational. The colors chosen this season—soft beiges, warm golds, cool silvers, and deep blacks—work harmoniously across the collection, ensuring that whichever pair a customer selects, they'll find themselves reaching for it consistently.