Chanel reinvents the French Riviera on Lake Como

Villa d’Este, on the shores of Lake Como, was transformed into a chic theater for Chanel’s new 2025-2026 cruise collection. This is the last act signed by the in-house studio before the long-awaited arrival of Matthieu Blazy, who will take over in October.

An invitation to dance (even still)

From the very first notes of The Rip-Off Artist’s jazzy remix of Sway, the tone was set: you don’t look at this show, you feel it. In this vegetal setting of magnolias, wisterias and camellias, elegance evoked both the vintage Côte d’Azur and the cinematic loves of a fantasized Visconti. Everything here spoke of summer, desire, distant memories – and a certain French art de vivre.

A wardrobe designed for the Riviera (and beyond)

The collection conjures up all the archetypes of seaside chic, with the Chanel touch in the background. Pop marinières, straw bags, metallic cocktail dresses, crochet mini-dresses and ankle scarves are all here. References cross the decades. From evening tweed suits to patent leather clogs, oversized black glasses and layered pearl braids.

Special mention at the opening: Ida Heiner, muse of Sofia Coppola’s short film for the occasion. She wore a silk “bathrobe” dress and a towel delicately tucked into her maxi bag. The glamour of a day after a party, captured without artifice.

A final signature before the Chanel era changes

More than just a fashion show, this cruise was also a hushed farewell to the Chanel of the in-between era. Through postcards, literary booklets distributed to guests and silk gifts, the house evokes a suspended era. Just before Matthieu Blazy prints a new one.

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