Chanel posted a sales increase of about 16% in the first half of 2026, outperforming major luxury rivals including LVMH, Richemont and Kering.
The company attributed the rise mainly to a strongly positive response to new designs by Matthieu Blazy. His prêt-à-porter, haute couture and accessories collections launched in March and drew significant interest from wealthy consumers despite an uncertain geopolitical environment and caution in many markets.
Sales in Chanel's largest division, fashion, also rose about 16%. The company declined to comment on the figures, which are unpublished financial data. As a private company, Chanel discloses its financial results only once a year.
Growth was broad-based geographically, with revenue increasing across all major markets, including China and the Middle East. The United States provided the biggest boost, with sales there rising more than 25%. The same momentum continued into July, though the company expects the full-year growth rate to be lower because of a higher comparison base.
Watches and jewelry jump 35%
The watches and high jewelry division performed especially strongly, with sales rising about 35%, driven largely by demand for the Coco Crush jewelry line. Watch sales also increased, while the perfume and cosmetics division grew by about 8%.
Chanel's results come amid mixed performance across the global luxury market. Richemont reported a 20% sales increase, driven mainly by demand for Cartier jewelry, while LVMH posted organic growth of just 1% in its core fashion and leather goods division, which includes Dior.
According to available figures, about 60% of Chanel's revenue comes from fashion, 25% from perfume and cosmetics, and the remaining 15% from watches and jewelry.
Top spot on Lyst index
Chanel's strong performance was also reflected in the latest index from Lyst, which tracks the popularity of leading fashion brands. Chanel ranked first, with a pair of green crocodile leather pumps and the leather Maxi Flap bag among the two most sought-after products worldwide.
Chanel is owned by brothers Alain and Gérard Wertheimer, whose fortunes are each estimated by Bloomberg at about $46 billion.
