Lake Como plays muse for Chanel’s Cruise 2025/26 showcase

Set against the timeless elegance of Villa d’Este at Lake Como, the Chanel Cruise 2025/26 collection unfolded like a cinematic love letter to Italian summers. The latest resortwear collection inhaled all of Lake Como’s picturesque charm, Hotel Villa d’Este’s vintage value and the summer warmth, only to exhale a line of chic and easy yet prim and proper looks embodying the French finesse.

Lake Como was not merely a picturesque setting, but the choice deliberate nod to Chanel’s history. The Villa d’Este, with its Renaissance architecture and lush gardens, provided a backdrop that resonated with the maison’s legacy. The serene waters of the lake mirrored the calm elegance of Chanel’s designs while the grandeur of the villa echoed the brand’s commitment to luxury. Sofia Coppola, renowned for her cinematic storytelling, captured the essence of this setting in a teaser film for the collection. Her lens immortalised the interplay of light and water, the delicate rustle of silk, and the quiet opulence of the surroundings, setting the tone for the runway show that followed.

What commenced as Gabrielle Chanel dabbling into the notion of resortwear in 1919—the maison’s first Cruise Show—still continues to paint an aesthetically pleasing portrait of vacations in our heads even today. Inspired by the notion of “hotel life,” this collection echoed the luxury of vacationing at an exclusive Italian villa. In harmony with Hotel Villa d’Este’s subtle hues and tranquil ambience, the collection saw signatures like tweeds, mild metallics, sequined details, tailored fits, bustier dresses, and hints of floral patterns peeping through an ivory palette. Shifting the lens a bit this time, we saw blush pinks, orange, lilacs, butter yellow, and a tease of black and reds, adding up to the mood for this year’s collection. Drawing further inspiration from the villa’s gardens, floral motifs featured prominently in the collection.

The collection exuded the idea of relaxed elegance, evoking the carefree spirit of a lakeside retreat. Accessories like strings of pearls, minaudière, oversized sunglasses, silk scarves, poolside bags, and patent leather mules played a pivotal role in embracing the “lake chic” aesthetic. The classic flap received a makeover—violet was the new colour and crochet had a big moment. 

Front-row guests like brand ambassador Ananya Panday, Keira Knightley, and Lupita Nyong’o added star power to the sunny lakeside setting. The show was a testament to Chanel’s enduring commitment to craftsmanship, storytelling, and innovation. This collection reaffirmed the label’s mastery in blending timeless elegance with contemporary resonance.

All images: Chanel

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