Chanel’s latest Cruise 2025/26 collection made waves at the iconic Villa d’Este on Lake Como, merging cinematic glamour with effortless summer elegance. This article explores how the setting, design, and atmosphere came together to create a show that celebrates the joy of dressing up.
A Cinematic Stage Set for Style
The majestic Villa d’Este, perched on the glistening shores of Lake Como, set the stage for Chanel’s Cruise 2025/26 collection, presented amidst a haze of Italian elegance and cinematic splendour. The location, steeped in history and synonymous with jet-set glamour, was more than just a backdrop; it became the soul of the show. Revered for its manicured gardens, Baroque interiors, and its status as a sanctuary for global A-listers, the villa perfectly captured the spirit of Chanel’s latest offering: an ode to the joy of dressing up and the art of leisure itself.
A Collection of Leisure and Glamour
Chanel’s Cruise 2025/26 collection, designed by the brand’s Creation Studio, presented a fusion of sophisticated elegance and playful charm. Drawing inspiration from the carefree spirit of disco and dance, the collection embraced the joy of movement, freedom, and flowing fabrics. Multicoloured sequins adorned classic tweed suits, shimmering under the sun as models glided down the runway in a perfect balance of opulence and modernity.
The low-back lamé jumpsuit, swathed in long, dramatic capes, showcased sartorial freedom. These pieces were not just made to be worn, but to be experienced, evoking the energy of a glamorous night out or a sunset cocktail on the terrace of an exclusive villa. Short, flounced taffeta ball gowns in pastel hues of peach, pink, and lavender fluttered in the breeze, creating a playful yet luxurious feel. These gowns symbolised the epitome of youthful exuberance, a contrast to the more structured, tailored pieces that grounded the collection.
The accessories were just as important in highlighting this vision of summer holiday glamour. Oversized poolside bags, movie-star long gloves, and cascades of pearls evoked a sense of vintage elegance, while exaggerated black sunglasses added an air of mystery. Among the standout accessories was a mini handbag resembling a pink soft-serve ice cream cone, complete with glittering sprinkles and a vanilla-hued chain strap. This whimsical piece added a touch of fun and fantasy, reinforcing the collection’s carefree, escapist spirit.
Floral Inspirations and Pastel Palettes
Chanel’s artistic vision was beautifully enhanced by the lush surroundings of Villa d’Este. The villa’s gardens, home to magnolias, wisteria, camellias, rhododendrons, and oleanders, inspired delicate floral motifs throughout the collection. These botanical elements were reinterpreted as chiffon embroidery and beaded lacework, adding texture and movement to the garments. The natural beauty of Lake Como was reflected in the collection’s pastel colour palettes, with warm peach, soft pink, and lavender hues gracing the runway, capturing the beauty of the sun setting over the lake.
The runway was framed by the villa’s iconic stone archways, which mirrored the collection’s colour palette, creating a harmonious blend between fashion and nature. This seamless integration between the two elements underscored the collection’s essence – a celebration of beauty, tranquillity, and the romance of an Italian summer.
Celebrity Attendees and Ambassadors
The Chanel Cruise 2025/26 show was graced by an illustrious guest list, with A-list celebrities and brand ambassadors adding to the glamour of the event. Keira Knightley, a long-time Chanel muse, turned heads in an elegant white gown adorned with oversized black satin bows. Her chic bob haircut added a modern touch to her classic ensemble. Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o, alongside actresses Margaret Qualley and Nana Komatsu, showcased the collection’s themes of timeless elegance and youthful sophistication.
Filmmaker Sofia Coppola, a long-time friend of Chanel, captured the essence of the show through a teaser film, adding a cinematic quality to the entire experience. The collection’s playful mood was expertly translated onto the screen, capturing the spirit of escape and reinvention, which has always been synonymous with both Chanel and the Villa d’Este.
The Influence of Chanel Cruise 2025/26 on Australian Fashion
As Chanel’s Cruise 2025/26 collection makes waves across global fashion markets, its influence is poised to be felt strongly in Australia. The emphasis on leisurewear, with its blend of sophistication and casual elegance, will resonate deeply with Australian fashion sensibilities, which have long embraced the relaxed, resort-inspired style of coastal living. The playful use of pastel hues, floral motifs, and the infusion of disco energy could herald a new era for Australian fashion, where the art of dressing up is celebrated just as much as the laid-back beach culture.
Australian designers may find inspiration in Chanel’s fusion of high glamour with wearable pieces, creating collections that are ideal for glamorous yet practical holiday wardrobes. Additionally, the love affair with luxury accessories like oversized sunglasses, statement bags, and eye-catching jewellery is likely to see a resurgence in the Australian fashion scene, where bold, stand-out pieces are always in demand.
More importantly, Chanel’s celebration of dressing up for the sake of enjoyment, rather than necessity, is sure to inspire a new wave of fashion-conscious Australians to embrace extravagant, yet effortless dressing. Whether for an afternoon garden party or an evening soiree by the beach, the notion of dressing to be noticed and to celebrate life could reignite a fresh sense of sartorial expression in Australia’s fashion culture.
Written By: Chloe Golchini
Published: 1st of May 2025