Chanel Took Us on a Monaco Odyssey for its Cruise 22/23 Collection
From minaudières in the shape of slot machines to Formula 1 overalls, Virginie Viard’s Cruise 2023 collection was a love letter to Monaco.
Presented in the heart of the French Riviera, creative director Virginia Viard presented a collection for Cruise 2022/23 in honour of her predecessor and mentor, Karl Lagerfeld, with a cohesive series of looks and a repertoire of nostalgic references that captured a great summer spirit.
This city was not chosen at random; for this occasion, the Maison chose this location because of the special relationship with the royal family and Karl Lagerfeld’s love for the Monegasque summer.
Gabrielle Chanel first visited Monaco in 1910, and in 1988 Viard’s predecessor, Karl Lagerfeld, bought a summer house in the principality. In addition, Viard has many happy memories with Lagerfeld at his home, and they all infused a sense of nostalgia into the presentation.
Monte-Carlo’s iconic institutions, such as the Casino and the Grand Prix, also added a playful and interesting mix to the parade.
The iconic colours of the brand, such as black, white and pink, are the main protagonists of this collection in which we find the perfect allies for a dream vacation with that chic touch. In addition, a retro touch that we naturally associate with Monaco: shorts, T-shirts embroidered with flowers, swimsuits with graphic prints and white sweaters.
Of course, the brand’s signature tweed was also mixed in.
“A sporty mood, but not only. There are many tweed or silk jumpsuits lined with light terry. Lots of sequins and flowers shape embroidered plastrons adorning long, thin striped shirt dresses with white high collars – a nod to Karl – a sequined midnight blue dress, or backless tops worn over wide-cut pants,” said creative director Virginie Viard when speaking to the press about the collection.
“The first time I saw Caroline was on the beach in Monaco. She was wearing a draped black dress, very thin stockings and heels. Monaco is inherent to the history of CHANEL. We have lived many happy moments there,” she recalled.
She also said, “From very early on, I knew we would do a fashion show there, and more so at the Beach Hotel. Besides, Karl dreamed about it. From this magnificent place, you can glimpse his villa, La Vigie. I will never forget the moments I spent there: terraces and balconies, large umbrellas, flower baskets, so much beauty,”.
Virginie Viard presented a chic and fresh collection, Riviera style, wanting to express all her affection and gratitude for Karl’s legacy. And she knew how to do it. She knew how to turn Karl’s heritage, his most personal memories and his inner style into a beautiful collection. Also noteworthy is the presence of sequins and embroidery in the form of flowers adorning long striped dresses with high collars, a nod to Karl.
Take a closer look at the rest of this incredible collection.
