Vibrant and contemplative, the CHANEL Cruise 2025/26 collection is an invitation to luxuriate in an Italian getaway, with a theme inspired by hotel life. A retreat on Lake Como, an islet of beauty sheltered from the outside world, the Villa d’Este is a sumptuous palace hotel frequented by celebrities, artists and film stars.
The Creation Studio captures this magical insouciance and glamour, bringing to life its carefree elegance and celebration with short flounced taffeta ball gowns in pastel colours – peach, pink and blue, recalling the nearby lake. The sun-kissed colour palette, right up to the tweed suits, echoes that of the Villa, with its ochres, yellows and oranges. A dreamy atmosphere encapsulated by Sofia Coppola in the show’s teaser film.
Guided by the joy of getting dressed up to be noticed, the collection is also imbued with a more dance-inspired aspect. A supple disco vibe takes over a trouser suit – or evening pyjamas – with a very lightweight tweed swathed in multicoloured sequins. The collection features a gold lurex damask trouser suit and a black ensemble composed of a blouse and flared trousers embroidered entirely in shimmering sequins. Sunny and glamorous, a low-cut, backless jumpsuit in pink and orange striped lamé – an iconic material for CHANEL – slips under a long cape.
Easy-going life and beautiful summer evenings are evoked with a short black taffeta bustier dress, accentuated by an ethereal cape. The braid embroidered with beads and rhinestones of an ivory blouse with voluminous sleeves illuminates a pair of white taffeta evening trousers. A cinematic atmosphere envelops a long taffeta ball gown and an ivory suit. The films of Luchino Visconti – a great friend of Gabrielle Chanel and a regular visitor to Lake Como – aren’t too far away…
The splendour of the Villa d’Este is equally reflected in the magnificence of its grounds, both by day and night. The magnolias, wisteria, camellias, rhododendrons and oleanders in the gardens inspire the lacework. Delicate floral motifs appear on a black skirt suit embellished with a beaded braid, on a flared dress embroidered with stripes of chiffon flowers, and on a white suit composed of cropped trousers and a Spencer.
The collection also draws on certain cruise codes: straight-cut white trousers and pea coat (strawberry ice cream-coloured), blue and white stripes (jersey trouser suit) and coloured stripes (knitted cardigan, dress and polo shirt).
Strings of pearls, minaudières and big poolside bags, Hollywood movie star long gloves, black sunglasses, patent leather mules and silk foulard scarves tied in the hair, around the wrist or the ankle on sandals, contribute to a timeless allure, a bold attitude.
Luxurious and comfortable, the Cruise 2025/26 collection reflects the atmosphere of nonchalance, glamour and harmony that has made the Villa d’Este and Lake Como famous ever since the Renaissance.
CHANEL CHANEL CRUISE CHANEL CRUISE 2025/2026