Let’s head to the dreamy beach-side location of Monte-Carlo for Chanel’s cruise 22/23 show as the brand unveils its sporty meets suave collection.
As fashion slips back into its old rhythm, the industry’s tradition of conducting Cruise fashion shows at enchanting locations has also been revived. And for the upcoming Cruise 2023 season, luxury fashion brands are jet-setting to Europe to unveil their collections against ethereal historical and cultural landmarks as their backgrounds.
One of these prestigious brands is Chanel; the brand marks its return to Monaco 16 years after Karl Lagerfeld’s presentation of a Métiers d’Art collection at the city. The location was not chosen lightly; it celebrates Chanel’s connection with Charlotte Casiraghi, the former Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly’s granddaughter. The French couture house has always been strongly tied to the city-state’s royalty: Lagerfeld and Princess Caroline of Monaco – Casiraghi’s mother – were friends; a tradition continued to this day by Lagerfeld’s successor, Virginie Viard.
The show was held beach-side in MonteCarlo and the collection bore a chic, whimsical nod to the fashion house’s deep connection with the glitzy city. As Virginie Viard explains, she could not forget the beauty of the magnificent venue: the terraces and balconies, big umbrellas, baskets full of flowers. This beauty is clearly visible in the collection with the sprinkling of flower appliqués in delicate and sequin fabrications both. As a nod to Karl Lagerfeld, the collection features sequins and flower shape embroidered plastrons over thinly striped long shirt-dresses along with white high collars. The day wear is in Chanel’s signature tweeds, but the delicate knits, and other light yet luxe fabrics have a sporty vibe to them. The bathing suits are elegant and easy to wear as bodysuits for day or night outings. The evening gowns come in billowing flag checked chiffon and gorgeous white tiered lace skirts and shirred tops.
There is also a cheeky nod to the ballet and F1 car racing with slinky wrap skirts reminding one of ballet styling and tweed boilersuits and caps offer a cheeky, yet elegant take on the racing style. The accessories too offer these same styling nods. The shoes are metallic detailed sneakers that are not going to last long in boutiques once the collection drops, and black satin heels with brass buckles nodding to ballet dancers’ point shoes. The recently launched Chanel 22 was also shown as a fun backpack. The additional bags from the collection come in a variety of new shapes and styles while keeping the classic Chanel elements.
The collection is stunning enough that it encourages escapism and starts with an irresistible blend of sport and features Chanel’s sophisticated vibe. With the French fashion house’s infamous tweed meets swimwear, one can only describe the resultant collection as the penultimate holiday wardrobe. The dreamy nature of the location gives the impression that Chanel is set out on a mission to have its shoppers dream of setting off for vacations even while being present at their latest geographical muse.
