On April 29, 2025, Chanel transformed the legendary Villa d'Este, a Renaissance gem nestled on the shores of Lake Como, into a fashion stage where Hollywood glamour met the Italian dolce vita. This Cruise 2025/26 show, orchestrated by the house's creative studio while awaiting Matthieu Blazy's debut scheduled for October, offered an enchanting interlude, blending cinematic nostalgia with contemporary elegance.
As the sun set, the 69 figures strolled across the terraces of the Villa d'Este, evoking film heroines of the 1950s. The nod to Romy Schneider in Boccaccio 70The film for which Chanel had designed the costumes was a manifesto: taffeta dresses with bare backs, lamé capes, pink crumpled blouses and silver lingerie recalled the sensual and sophisticated aesthetic of the era.
The models, adorned with pearl necklaces, oversized sunglasses, and long gloves, embodied a confident femininity, oscillating between carefree abandon and refined elegance. Striped evening pajamas, sky-blue and peach-pink ruffled dresses, lace vests, and straight-cut tweed suits made up a luxurious summer wardrobe, punctuated with accessories such as raffia minaudières adorned with the double C, floral chiffon hats, and silk scarves.
The choice of Lake Como is not insignificant. This place, steeped in history and culture, has seen iconic figures of cinema and fashion pass through its doors. Gabrielle Chanel herself is said to have visited her friend, the director Luchino Visconti, whose family owned the nearby Villa Erba. This historical connection reinforces the bond between the House and Italy, a country that has long inspired its creations.
Alongside the fashion show, Chanel highlighted its commitment to Italian craftsmanship by opening the doors of its partner workshops, such as Roveda, a shoemaker in Parabiago, and Mantero, a silk specialist in Como. This initiative underscores the house's desire to preserve and promote local expertise, while integrating sustainable innovations into its production processes.
Among the distinguished guests, Keira Knightley, Lupita Nyong'o, Margaret Qualley, and Sofia Coppola, director of the show's teaser, added an extra touch of glamour to the event. Their presence testifies to Chanel's timeless appeal and its ability to unite a community of artists and fashion enthusiasts around its creations.
In short, this Cruise 2025/26 show embodies a celebration of Italian elegance, blending cinematic heritage, exceptional craftsmanship, and modernity. Chanel offers a vision of fashion as an art of living, where each silhouette tells a story, between a glorious past and a promising future.
