The Monte-Carlo Hotel was the perfect setting for Chanel’s Cruise 2022/23 runway show to take place.
Last week, Chanel presented its Cruise 2022-23 collection by the sea at Monte-Carlo’s Beach Hotel. A significant place in the history of the Maison. Virginie Viard, the creative director, was inspired by the place itself, by her personal memories there and by Karl Lagerfeld himself and his vacation villa in Monaco.
In 1988 Viard’s predecessor, Karl Lagerfeld, bought a summer house in the principality. Viard has so many happy memories with Lagerfeld in that house that it brought a sense of nostalgia to the show.
Monte-Carlo’s iconic institutions, such as the Casino and the Grand Prix, also added a playful and interesting mix to the presentation.
The collection included mechanic’s overalls, mini machine bags and pilot’s helmet bags.
Casual wear had traces of opulent sophistication: think the hot pink jacket and shorts ensembles, graphic shirt dresses paired with flashy outerwear, and lightweight tweed overalls paired with high heels and baseball caps.
The collection also included staples such as flowing maxi dresses, shirt dresses and tennis rackets. “A sporty vibe, but not only. There are lots of 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.
“For me, Monaco is about feelings above all else. That’s Karl, Caroline, Charlotte,” he also expressed. “I knew very early on that we were going to do a show there, at the Beach Hotel. Besides, Karl was dreaming about it. From this magnificent location, you can glimpse his villa, La Vigie. I will never forget the moments I spent there: terraces and balconies, big umbrellas, flower baskets, so much beauty.”
Virginie Viard presented a fresh and chic collection, Riviera style, expressing her affection and gratitude for Karl’s legacy. She was able to turn Karl’s heritage, his style and his most personal memories into an incredible collection. A collection from the heart.
See some of the highlights of the show below.
