Paris Fashion Week has once again proven why the Chanel Haute Couture show is one of the season’s most anticipated events. This year, attention extended far beyond the runway, landing squarely on the front row, where the world’s most stylish names gathered to witness Matthieu Blazy’s debut as creative director of Chanel Haute Couture.
Among the luminaries, Penélope Cruz effortlessly held her own alongside Dua Lipa, Nicole Kidman, and Tilda Swinton, making a statement not only with her sartorial choices but also with a striking new hairstyle.
The Spanish actress, a Chanel muse since 2018, arrived in Paris embracing a monochrome black palette that felt both modern and timeless. Her look featured a delicately patterned jacket paired with a matching skirt, complete with a subtle peplum at the hem, and was finished with sleek patent leather pumps in black, designed with a squared toe and an almost clog-like silhouette—a playful, contemporary twist on a classic. Accessories were kept minimal: a small clutch, oversized sunglasses, and a statement ring, letting her outfit and new hairstyle speak for themselves.
And speaking of hair, Cruz’s transformation was the headline of the evening. Departing from her usual dark brown, she debuted a shoulder-length lob in a rich hazelnut shade with subtle cherry undertones, styled in soft waves with an open fringe. The look nodded to 1970s glamour while remaining thoroughly modern, with a lighter, more natural volume that perfectly framed her face. This wasn’t her first time debuting a new style at a Chanel runway: in the Autumn/Winter 2024/25 show, she premiered a chic bob with blonde highlights, and the year before, she made headlines with a long, ultra-sleek cut with lighter streaks. Clearly, Chanel shows have become her beauty playground.
Cruz also displayed linguistic finesse during a brief interview with NSSMagazine, speaking entirely in Italian. When asked about Matthieu Blazy, she said, “I really like him as an artist. I think what he does is risky. And he has his own signature, while at the same time he respects the house codes. I think he carried a very big responsibility. Now that we’ve seen three of his collections, I’m truly impressed by what he’s doing.”
The actress shared another anecdote highlighting her enduring love for the brand. “The first thing I ever bought from Chanel was a red bikini I had seen in a photo of Claudia Schiffer. I found it in a vintage store. I think it was the first Chanel piece I owned for many, many years. There came a point when I couldn’t wear it anywhere anymore. I remember very clearly that it was the first thing I ever bought from Chanel.”
Cruz shared the front row with Dua Lipa, who dazzled in a yellow-and-red geometric suit reminiscent of the bold 1980s. The two divas wasted no time showing their camaraderie, laughing and taking selfies together. Whether their conversation was in Spanish or English remains a mystery, though Dua recently revealed she earned a B2 certification in Spanish, hinting at a possible language exchange with Cruz. Their shared history as Chanel ambassadors—and previous MET Gala appearances where both stunned in white—makes these encounters feel like mini reunions of style royalty.
Other notable attendees in the front row included ASAP Rocky, Charlotte Casiraghi, Margaret Qualley, and Nicole Kidman, alongside legendary muses such as Tilda Swinton and Claire Foy. The scene was a masterclass in sophistication, proving once again that Chanel’s influence is as much about its muses as its garments..
Penélope Cruz and her Italian cinematic journey:
Penélope Cruz has long proven that her talent transcends borders, not only starring in Hollywood and Spanish films but also embracing Italian cinema with remarkable fluency.
From early roles in 'La ribelle' and 'Per amore solo per amore' to acclaimed performances in 'Non ti muovere' (Don’t Move) and 'Venuto al mondo' (Twice Born), Cruz has demonstrated a rare linguistic versatility, mastering Italian to bring depth and authenticity to her characters.
Her work in these films earned her critical praise, including a David di Donatello award, solidifying her status as a global actress comfortable in multiple languages.