After a two year hiatus which saw real-life runways go digital and come to life through video presentations, fashion's Cruise collection extravaganzas are finally back in all their glory – and Chanel has kicked off the season with a spectacular show in Monte Carlo.
Set within the iconic Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel, Chanel's Cruise 2023 show saw the full length of the beach and pier turned into a runway, with some 400 stars, fashion insiders and friends of the brand peppering the coastline on white sun loungers and in chic cabanas.
Everyone from Princess Caroline of Monaco and Vanessa Paradis to Kristen Stewart was in attendance, as models filed down the pebbled runway to showcase Virginie Viard's latest, high-fashion creations.
Beyond the timeless glamour and ultra-exclusivity that Monaco is renowned for, Chanel's collection took inspiration from the Principality's biggest event: the Formula 1 racing circuit. Think driver's jumpsuits in elegant silks and sequins, graphic checkerboard patterns rendered in tweed, and even the occasional Chanel-branded baseball cap and helmet (which we're already clamouring to own).
The iconic Monte Carlo Casino enjoyed a Chanel cameo too, in the form of a miniature slot-machine bag, while other fun, summery references included bags resembling beach balls, tennis racquets, poker chips and an ice box (albeit in signature Chanel quilted leather – far more stylish). Footwear, on the other hand, was inspired by the Monte-Carlo ballet dancers' pointe shoes and reflected in black satin slippers adorned with thin strass buckles.
The overall vibe was languorous, carefree summer days spent being painfully chic between the beach, pool, boat and tennis courts – just as it should be.
The French brand enjoys a long and illustrious history with the Principality, captured beautifully by Sofia and Roman Coppola in a pre-show trailer featuring archival images of Gabrielle Chanel in situ, campaigns shot by Karl Lagerfeld, and memories of everyone from Grace Kelly to Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington enjoying their time on the French Riviera decked head-to-toe in Chanel.
'To me, Monaco is a matter of feelings above all. That’s Karl, Caroline, Charlotte,' says Viard. 'From very early on, I knew we would hold a show there, and more precisely at the Beach Hotel. Besides, Karl was dreaming about it. From this magnificent venue, one can glimpse his villa, La Vigie. I will never forget the times I spent there: terraces and balconies, big umbrellas, baskets of flowers – so much beauty.'
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