Showcased at the Grand Palais beneath a stunning depiction of the solar system, Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel premiere is undoubtedly one of the season’s most talked-about events. The 41-year-old designer from France and Belgium was poised to become only the third individual, after the iconic Coco Chanel, to helm the prestigious brand. The expectations were immense, and he rose to the challenge. However, in the two days that followed, it became evident that the standout moment was neither the breathtaking set nor the exquisite clothing Blazy showcased for spring. It was the model Awar Odhiang.
During the finale, as the models walked in unison, Odhiang broke away from the line. She radiated joy, twirling and clapping, lifting the hem of her intricately designed skirt to shimmied to the rhythm as Blazy stepped onto the stage from behind. Their eyes met, and they rushed into each other’s arms, capturing years of shared history and the weight of a legacy in a moment full of pure delight. Blazy’s debut was not just about remarkable garments but an invigorating spirit, amplified by Odhiang’s presence. The burning question on everyone’s mind: Was this heartwarming scene planned?
“That’s a question I keep getting,” Odhiang says over the phone, calling from Paris after two intensive days of shooting for this magazine (the details will be revealed soon). “It was completely spontaneous, and truly in the moment,” she reflects. “Before the show, I was speaking with Matthieu, and I’ve always been genuinely thrilled for him; he’s such a wonderful person inside and out of the fashion world,” she continues. “He told me, ‘This is your moment, enjoy it, be yourself,’” Odhiang reminisces, “and that’s precisely what I did.”
Odhiang has made history as only the third Black woman to close a Chanel show in the brand’s 115-year legacy, following the trailblazers Alek Wek in 2004 and Adut Akech in 2018, both during Karl Lagerfeld’s artistic directorship. If it seems like Blazy has achieved a monumental breakthrough by attaining the most sought-after role in fashion, so too has Odhiang.
“I felt an overwhelming sense of honor, not pressure, but responsibility,” she expresses, “to authentically represent Matthieu and Chanel to the best of my ability.” Any nerves that might have surfaced were dissolved by the monumental nature of the occasion. “I was elated, proud, and empowered as a woman,” she emphasizes. “Matthieu designs for women; he admires women. I believe I speak for all the models backstage—we all felt the same way. The energy he brings to Chanel is refreshing and uplifting, making it a pleasure to be there… It’s a transformative perspective on what fashion is and will evolve into.”
