Chanel unveiled its 2022 Cruise collection today from Monte Carlo, and it’s an homage to its former creative director Karl Lagerfeld, who was a muse for the collection. Filmmakers Sofia and Roman Coppola created the teaser trailer before the collection launched, bringing summer glam to those in attendance.
“To me, Monaco is a matter of feelings above all. That’s Karl, Caroline, Charlotte,” states Virginie Viard in house notes. “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.”
The Mediterranean Sea, Formula 1, yachts, grand edifices, foreign cars parked across from the Casino de Monte-Carlo, and luxury- this is what comes to mind when many think of the renowned principality. Relaxed red and white pants suits, and jumpsuits occupy the collection. But Viard added gold pieces that offer evening glam to looks. With pieces fit for warm beach holidays, you can feel the Lagerfeld influences. The glistening swim suits are twisted into asymmetrical black skirts or draped dresses notes the house.
There are strong inspirations of the Monte-Carlo ballet and their point shoes and black satin shoes include a thin strass buckle. Viard remembers the first time she saw Princess Caroline of Monaco and drew inspirations from her encounter in the collection. “The first time I saw Caroline was on the beach in Monaco. She was wearing a draped black dress, very thin tights and heels,” remembers the chief director.
“A sporty atmosphere, but not only. There are lots of tweed or silk jumpsuits lined with light terry cloth. Many sequins and flowers shape embroidered plastrons adorning thinly striped long shirt-dresses with white high collars–a nod to Karl–a sequined midnight blue dress, or backless tops worn over wide-cut trousers,” shares Viard.
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