If there was ever a place where fashion and fantasy could meet, it would be Lake Como—and CHANEL knew it. For the unveiling of its Cruise 2025/26 collection, the iconic French house chose the gardens of Villa d’Este, one of Italy’s most storied lakeside estates, as the setting for a show that felt equal parts cinematic, effortless, and irresistibly chic.
Held at golden hour on April 29, the atmosphere was nothing short of enchanting. Picture guests lounging at café-style tables on the terrace, framed by wisteria-covered arches and the soft shimmer of the lake beyond. It wasn’t just a fashion show—it was a moment of escape, suspended somewhere between past and present, reality and dream.
Light, Movement, and a Touch of Summer Sparkle
The Cruise 2025/26 collection was a love letter to travel and transformation. With soft tailoring, breezy silhouettes, and flashes of sequin and shimmer, the looks captured the carefree confidence of a woman on holiday—one who knows how to pack light, live fully, and sparkle just enough.
There were metallic jumpsuits with dramatic capes, sheer tulle dresses, sailor-inspired striped jackets, and soft tweed suiting reinvented with summery flair. The palette was fresh and romantic: think apricot, sky blue, dusty bougainvillea, and soft lilac—colors that looked right at home against the villa’s terracotta walls and blooming gardens.
One standout theme? Movement. Flowing fabrics and light layering gave the collection a sense of freedom—as if each look was meant to catch the breeze, not just the spotlight.
A Front Row Full of CHANEL Muses
True to CHANEL tradition, the guest list was as elegant as the runway itself. Adding star power to the show were House ambassadors who each brought their own distinct sense of CHANEL charm. Keira Knightley, a long-time muse of the brand, attended with her signature understated elegance. Lily-Rose Depp brought French-girl nonchalance with a touch of Hollywood cool, while Margaret Qualley’s playful, romantic spirit aligned beautifully with the setting. Liu Wen added grace in tailored pastels, Nana Komatsu appeared fresh from her recent High Jewellery campaign, and Lyna Khoudri stood out with her effortless blend of youth and confidence. Global superstar Jennie of BLACKPINK rounded out the front row with her signature blend of K-pop influence and CHANEL polish.
Their presence made the evening feel intimate and grand all at once—a reflection of the many women CHANEL speaks to.
Storytelling in Every Look
At its core, a CHANEL Cruise collection is all about storytelling—and this season, it told the tale of a woman reimagined through travel. The kind of woman who starts the day with espresso by the lake and ends it dancing under the stars, wrapped in silk and sequins.
Inspired by the relaxed elegance of holiday dressing, the pieces balanced the classic codes of the House with a modern, free-spirited twist. Gold lamé and soft chiffon mingled with sheer layering and unexpected color pops, creating a wardrobe made for glamour that doesn’t try too hard.
A Moment of Transition, Handled with Grace
The Cruise 2025/26 show also came at a delicate time of transition for CHANEL. With the upcoming appointment of a new creative director, this collection was led by the CHANEL Creation Studio—a team tasked with continuing the Maison’s legacy while embracing a fresh chapter.
And they did so beautifully. The collection honored the brand’s heritage while pointing subtly toward the future: confident, light, and quietly powerful.
Glamour by the Lake, CHANEL Style
More than just a runway, the show was a celebration of timeless elegance—something CHANEL continues to redefine with every collection. Whether you were there in person or catching glimpses from afar, the spirit of the Cruise 2025/26 collection felt clear: fashion should be liberating, beautiful, and joyfully bold.
It was a reminder that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to pause, take in the view, and embrace the art of dressing well—wherever your journey takes you.
Photo courtesy of CHANEL / via official CHANEL channels
