<p><span>From reimagined classics to fun newcomers, Chanel's creative director has everyone in a trance.</span></p>

<p>When fashion legend Karl Lagerfeld's Chanel Fall/Winter 2019 collection walked the Grand Palais in Paris, many didn't know it would be his last endeavor. After the German designer passed away in February 2019 and Virginie Viard's five-year stint as creative director ended, speculation surrounding the house's next talent was at an all-time high.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Before long, Blazy was the name on the tip of the fashion industry's tongues. Known for his work at Raf Simons and Maison Margiela, Blazy's design choices, relatable collections, and whimsical touches have made him a standout talent in the industry.</p>
<p>In December 2024, the maison named the 42-year-old French-Belgian designer its next creative director and has brought his distinct creativity to collections under the house. However, what has many people flocking to boutiques globally is the brand's shoes.</p>
<p>Whether it be a wide range of textures, pops of bold color, or controversial silhouettes,&nbsp;<em>L'OFFICIEL</em> has gathered some of the footwear that has contributed to Blazy's rising popularity as Chanel's creative director.</p>

<h2 style="text-align: center;">Crocodile Pumps</h2>

<p><span>For his debut collection, Blazy took friends of the house and fashion lovers to a constellation full of oversized planets. Classic tweed suits, fun headpieces and brooches, and bursts of textured skirts brought a fresh vision to the house. But with the help of the mint crocodile-embossed pump, it added some tasteful vibrancy to the runway. The calfskin and patent leather contrast, then merge towards the toe, making the high heels a classic in the Blazy era.</span></p>

<h2 style="text-align: center;">Two-Toned <strong>Heels</strong></h2>

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<p>As models continued to make their way down the cosmic runway, a familiar style had a reimagined look to it. Created by Gabrielle Chanel, the house's founder, the two-tone pump was inspired by men's two-tone shoes and was introduced in 1957. As the beige leather helped elongate the legs, the black tip made the foot look smaller. Blazy carried the torch of this iconic shoe through a black ponyhair base with white spots that featured a patent red toe, redefining what the house staple can be in a modern era.</p>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">Barefoot Sandals</h2>

<p><span>After a very well-received first show for Chanel, Blazy continued to look into the house's codes for future collections. When models rocked "shoeless shoes" during Chanel Resort 2027, it sparked much debate for its purpose, creation, and "freaky" factor. The shoe, which is composed of a delicate heel that ties to the ankle, was meant to be about the look, not its practicality. People often associate the Chanel woman as someone who is walking along the beach barefoot and isn't bothered by convention. Even though she would probably be carrying her shoes in her hand, these sandals carry that sensation in their mythical, distinct way.</span></p>

<h2 style="text-align: center;">Gold Galore</h2>

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<p>Throughout the house's 116-year history, certain sartorial elements have stood the test of time: The little black dress, quilting, and the use of gold. From high-quality costume jewelry in the 1920s to 24k gold-plated hardware on all handbags for forty years, one can easily recognize the shine that is sprinkled across Chanel's offerings. However, in this collection, gold-plated hardware had star power in the shoe department. Dipped toes, stunning heels, and fringed-out shoes massively contributed to the house's rich history with the shining shade.</p>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">Patent Loafers</h2>

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<p>In the spirit of continuing the dialogue with the house's founder, Blazy took his Fall/Winter 2026 collection to a dreamy construction site. Colorful cranes, white lights acting as shining stars, and an assortment of inspirations from the '20s, '30s, '50s, and '60s made the development of "a new suiting language" a lovely spectacle. Through the show, the classic loafer served as a reminder of a timeless style that is a part of the reconstruction of the modern Chanel woman. Whether in a black flat or a metallic heel, the working woman is definitely rocking a pair of these loafers.</p>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">Black and White Slingbacks</h2>

<p><span>Since his debut collection, one thing has been true: Blazy loves a good slingback, and Chanel lovers are fully committed to the look. This showing was no exception, as the style was easily the show's staple shoe. Classic beige and black, tropical-esque base with a gold butterfly heel, and animal-print colorways were vital to the collection's message of redefining what the house can do for one's wardrobe. But there's no better way to round out this list than with the classic black and white style that was seen in many silhouettes and styles. Square-toed or rounded, the slingback is here to stay.</span></p>

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