It was hard to watch the Chanel Cruise 2025/26 show without immediately wanting to book a one-way ticket to Lake Como. Inspired by the glamour of hotel life, the collection transports you to the legendary Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como - an Italian hideaway that blends luxury and history. This iconic retreat, frequented by celebrities, artists and film stars, sets the stage for a collection that exudes sophistication at every turn.
The atmosphere was set from the start: attendees were seated as though they were at a chic café, awaiting their first aperitivo of the day. The anticipation in the air was palpable as they waited for the collection to be revealed.
The Creation Studio captured the magnetic charm of Villa d’Este, translating it into pieces that feel effortless yet co-ordinated. Short flounced taffeta ball gowns in soft pastel shades of peach, pink, and blue evoke the sparkling waters of the lake, while a warm palette of ochres, yellows, and oranges reflects the sunlit surroundings. Sofia Coppola’s teaser film perfectly encapsulates the mood, offering a dreamy glimpse into this Italian paradise.
At the core of the collection is the sheer pleasure of getting dressed up. A sense of fun runs through the designs, with pieces like a disco-influenced trouser suit and evening pyjamas covered in multicoloured sequins. A gold lurex damask suit, along with a black ensemble featuring a sequin-embroidered blouse and flared trousers, channels understated luxury, while a backless jumpsuit in pink and orange-striped lamé - an iconic Chanel fabric, flows beneath a long cape, striking the perfect balance of elegance and edge.
The collection brings to life the relaxed mystique of a perfect summer evening. A black taffeta bustier dress with an ethereal cape and an ivory blouse with beaded, rhinestone-embroidered braids, paired with white taffeta evening trousers, offer a blend of sophistication and ease. The collection’s cinematic feel calls to mind the films of Luchino Visconti, a close friend of Gabrielle Chanel and a frequent visitor to Lake Como, imbuing the pieces with a sense of classic style.
The Villa d’Este’s stunning gardens also make their mark on the collection, with floral motifs inspired by magnolias, wisteria, camellias, and oleanders. These delicate designs appear on a black skirt suit with a beaded braid, a flared dress embroidered with chiffon flowers, and a white suit made of cropped trousers and a Spencer jacket.
As is typical for a cruise collection, Chanel gives a modern twist to classic pieces: straight-cut white trousers, a strawberry ice cream-coloured pea coat, and blue-and-white striped items like a jersey trouser suit and knitted cardigans; the collection blends the spirit of a summer escape with the precision of Chanel craftsmanship.
Accessories play their part, too. Strings of pearls, oversized poolside bags, long Hollywood-style gloves, and black sunglasses inject glamour into the looks, while patent leather mules and silk foulard scarves tied around the wrist, ankle, or in the hair, add a bold, confident edge to each outfit.
