As much of the luxury sector grapples with slower growth, Chanel reported an accelerated first half of 2026, buoyed by Asia, the Middle East and the commercial success of Matthieu Blazy’s creative debut.
Chanel has reportedly emerged as one of luxury’s strongest performers in the first half of 2026, with comparable sales rising around 16% as creative director Matthieu Blazy’s debut collections reignited demand across key markets, including China and the Middle East.
According to Bloomberg, the privately held French fashion house saw growth accelerate after Blazy’s first ready-to-wear, accessories and haute couture collections arrived in boutiques in March. The designer, who joined from Bottega Veneta, has been credited with injecting fresh energy into Chanel through a contemporary interpretation of the house’s signature codes, helping attract both loyal clients and new luxury consumers.
The reported gains were broad-based across regions. China and the Middle East both contributed to growth, while the United States remained Chanel’s fastest-growing market, with sales increasing by more than 25%. Momentum is also said to have continued into July, although the company is reportedly preparing for tougher year-on-year comparisons in the second half.
Category performance was equally strong. Watches and fine jewellery, which account for around 15% of group revenue, reportedly grew about 35%, supported by continued demand for the Coco Crush collection. Fragrance and beauty, representing roughly a quarter of sales, increased around 8%.
If confirmed, the results would mark a significant acceleration from Chanel’s 2025 performance, when revenue rose 2% to US$19.3 billion (€16.7 billion). They would also position the privately held house ahead of several larger listed rivals during a period when much of the luxury industry continues to grapple with uneven demand.
Richemont recently reported 20% organic revenue growth in its latest quarter, driven by continued strength at Cartier, while LVMH’s fashion and leather goods division, home to Louis Vuitton and Dior, posted organic growth of just 1%. Against that backdrop, Chanel’s reported performance suggests Blazy’s creative reset is already translating into commercial momentum, particularly across Asia’s recovering luxury markets.