In a spectacular return to high fashion, Jamaican modeling pioneer Romae Gordon graced the runway at Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2026 Haute Couture presentation in Paris on Tuesday. The event marked the highly anticipated debut collection of newly appointed chief designer Matthieu Blazy, who transformed the Grand Palais into an immersive psychedelic forest featuring towering mushrooms and pastel-colored weeping willows.
Gordon showcased an exquisite ensemble featuring a double-breasted jacket with distinctive peak lapels and artistic button appliqués, elegantly paired with sheer skirting accentuated by a delicate feathered hemline. The collection drew direct inspiration from avian aesthetics and natural forms, creating a harmonious blend of structural tailoring and organic elements.
The Jamaican model’s participation carried historical significance, recalling her groundbreaking achievement as the first Jamaican to appear on the cover of a British magazine (Slimmer). With an international career spanning Europe, Africa, and the United States, Gordon has been represented by prestigious agencies including Elite Premier in London, G3 in South Africa, and Wilhelmina in New York. Her extensive portfolio includes collaborations with Cosmopolitan magazine, Macy’s, Champion sportswear, JCPenny, and Gillette.
Beyond modeling, Gordon has demonstrated business acumen through her previous role as co-managing director of Pulse Investments, adding a dimension of entrepreneurial accomplishment to her fashion legacy. Her appearance at Blazy’s debut signifies both a personal comeback and Chanel’s commitment to diverse representation in haute couture.