Chanel touched down in Lake Como for its Cruise 2025/26 collection, transforming the iconic Italian destination into a setting of soft glamour and escape. Framed by Renaissance columns and sun-drenched terraces, the show unfolded like a love letter to the slower rhythms of an Italian summer—an invitation to retreat, reflect, and dress for the moment.
To set the mood, the House released a short film by Sofia Coppola, starring Danish model Ida Heiner. Filmed at the Villa d’Este—a legendary hotel with a guestbook that reads like a who’s who of film, fashion, and art—Heiner moves through marbled halls and lakeside rooms in a tweed co-ord, two-toned Mary Janes, and a raffia bag resting on her shoulder. A quiet outfit change into a swimsuit and kitten heels shifts the tone without altering the mood. Under Coppola’s gaze, time slows—where fashion becomes a memory, and every frame feels like a stolen moment.
With the atmosphere perfectly set, the House’s Creation Studio brought to life a collection that radiated the villa’s signature elegance. Flounced taffeta ball gowns in pastel tones—peach, pink, and blue—mirrored the serene shades of nearby lakes, while the warm, sun-kissed palette of tweed suits echoed the villa’s ochres, yellows, and oranges.
The allure of Villa d’Este extends into its gardens, where magnolias, wisteria, camellias, and oleanders offer a rich source of inspiration. Their influence is evident in the collection’s delicate lacework and floral motifs. Floral embroidery adds texture to a black skirt suit, a breezy flared dress, and a clean white set of cropped trousers with a Spencer jacket.
Elsewhere, hints of cruise wear appear in straight white trousers, a tailored pea coat, and an easy mix of stripes—from the classic navy on the jersey to playful colours on knits.
As the spirit of long summer nights infuses the collection, a black taffeta bustier dress and an ivory blouse with voluminous sleeves, embroidered with beads and rhinestones, capture the essence of evening glamour.
Playful and dynamic, the collection also celebrates the joy of being seen. A disco-tinged energy runs through sequinned evening pyjamas and a low-cut, backless jumpsuit in pink and orange striped lamé, worn beneath a sweeping cape.
Accessories complete the collection, from strings of pearls and minaudières to oversized poolside bags and black sunglasses. Patent leather mules make their statement, while silk foulard scarves—tied in the hair, on the wrist, or around the ankle—add a dash of rebellious elegance.
Swipe through the gallery to see all the celebrities attending the show:
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