Ah, summertime! Long walks, beach getaways, and the whimsical charm of a French vacation. Now, imagine all of this encapsulated into a Chanel wardrobe. Sounds divine, right? That’s what Virginie Viard presented in her latest collection, drawing a light touch of inspiration from the iconic Villa Noailles, nestled in the picturesque south of France.
Forget the themes and high-drama, Viard’s collection was all about capturing the essence of a young woman’s lived experiences. Picture this: comfy flat sandals paired with chic tweed caftans, bathing suits donning faux beach-blanket capes, and a plethora of luxurious denim and pajama-inspired outfits. It’s the kind of wardrobe you’d imagine for a dreamy French Riviera escapade!
And let’s not forget the accessories. Oh boy, there were accessories galore! Sunglasses to strut around, pearls that doubled up as necklaces and belts, and cuffs adorned with the finest gold chains. But unlike the decadent ’80s exuberance that Karl Lagerfeld once sprinkled, Viard’s accessories had a delicate, personal touch – think treasured keepsakes you’d cherish forever.
Zooming out a century, Gabrielle Chanel was already revolutionizing fashion, famously mixing cheap costume jewelry with the real deal. The legendary Coco Chanel always reminds us that all roads at Chanel lead back to her innovative vision.
Speaking of history, let’s time-travel to the roaring 1920s. Gabrielle Chanel was in the company of art magnates Charles and Marie-Laure Noailles. The Noailles were not just wealthy art aficionados; they were friends and even commissioned the avant-garde Villa Noailles at Hyeres in 1923. Fast forward to today, this house celebrates arts, crafts, and timeless designs, playing host to vibrant art festivals, with Chanel being a proud sponsor.
Viard, once the sidekick to Lagerfeld, is now the queen bee at Chanel. Her collection subtly nods to Lagerfeld’s love for photography – and can we just pause for those Chanel camera bags? Absolute nostalgia! But it wasn’t just about memories; the Villa’s Cubist gardens found their way into Viard’s designs with those checkerboard patterns and unique hemlines.
Gigi Hadid, looking every bit the diva, strolled down in a black lamé suit, with a Deco-era necklace that’s sure to have historians and fashionistas buzzing.
The Parisian rainy backdrop was a stark contrast to the sun-soaked vibes of the collection. Celebs like Penelope Cruz, Usher, and Blackpink’s Jennie Kim got a front-row glimpse of the French Riviera, albeit from a box room in the Grand Palais Ephemere. Models sashayed, showcasing asymmetrical tweeds, patchwork magic, and airy dresses that fluttered with every step.
So, what’s the verdict? This Chanel show was a melange of Oscar winners, pop stars, and fashion’s creme de la creme, all under one roof. Viard’s collection was like a love letter to casual elegance, making us all yearn for a breezy French getaway.