Chanel Cruise 2025/26: La Dolce Vita Shines at Lake Como

On April 29, 2025, Chanel transformed Villa d’Este on Lake Como into a runway of cinematic glamour for its Chanel Cruise 2025/26 womenswear collection. Far from Milan’s hustle, the Renaissance palace-turned-luxury hotel set the stage for a dreamy ode to la dolce vita, blending Chanel’s timeless codes with a vibrant, vacation-ready spirit. Crafted by the house’s creation studio ahead of Matthieu Blazy’s debut as artistic director, the collection was a celebration of escapism and unapologetic elegance.

A Cinematic Stage

Lake Como’s Villa d’Este, a magnet for Hollywood icons like Elizabeth Taylor, inspired the show’s nostalgic allure. Chanel’s historic ties to the region—Gabrielle Chanel was a guest of filmmaker Luchino Visconti in the 1930s—infused the event with cinematic resonance. A Sofia Coppola-directed film opened the show, capturing the fantasy of a Lake Como getaway, where guests become their most glamorous selves. The villa’s lush gardens and grand terraces framed a multi-dimensional runway that brought the vision to life.

The Collection: Day-to-Night Glamour

The collection danced between effortless daywear and bold evening looks. Daytime silhouettes embraced sophisticated ease with pastel tweed two-piece sets, featuring high-waisted shorts, cropped lace halters, and peplum blazers that nodded to 1930s elegance with a Gen Z twist. Crochet totes, macramé textures, and a sun-kissed palette of terracotta, wisteria, and camellia hues evoked Lake Como’s blooming landscapes. Standouts included a sequined white robe manteau and a lilac tweed suit sparkling with paillettes.

Eveningwear turned up the drama, channeling disco-era exuberance. Pink and gold lurex maxi dresses, sequined trouser suits, and ruffled taffeta minis dazzled, while a backless lamé jumpsuit with a matching cape stole the show. Black taffeta ball gowns exuded Old Hollywood allure, accessorized with long silk gloves, oversized sunglasses, and quirky cupcake-shaped minaudières. Pearls, sequins, and floral embroideries showcased Chanel’s artisanal mastery.

Star Power and Legacy

The front row glittered with Chanel ambassadors like Keira Knightley in a bow-adorned silk gown, Lupita Nyong’o in a tweed-and-sheer ensemble, and Margaret Qualley rocking a ‘60s-inspired tweed mini. The star-studded affair underscored the collection’s Hollywood vibe. As Chanel transitions to Blazy’s leadership, the show—helmed by the in-house studio—proved the house’s enduring strength, with Bruno Pavlovsky noting, “Chanel stands above any individual designer.”

Cultural Connection

The Lake Como setting tied to Chanel’s recent stake in Mantero, a local silk specialist, highlighting the house’s commitment to craftsmanship. Echoes of Visconti’s Boccaccio ‘70, featuring Chanel-clad Romy Schneider, added a cinematic nod.

The Verdict

Critics hailed the collection as a “love letter to glamour” (Marie Claire), with Vogue praising its imaginative day-to-night range and Harper’s Bazaar lauding its Villa d’Este-inspired splendor. While some ruffled looks demanded confidence, the collection’s joyful escapism resonated in an era craving bold luxury. As Chanel looks to Blazy’s debut, this Cruise show was a radiant reminder of the house’s ability to blend heritage with fantasy, leaving us dreaming of Lake Como’s shores.