On the subject of the recently unveiled CHANEL Cruise 2020/2021 collection Balade en Méditerranée, Creative Director Virginie Viard noted “Initially I had Capri in mind, where the show was supposed to take place, but that didn’t happen in the end because of lockdown. So we had to adapt: not only did we decide to use fabrics that we already had, but the collection, more generally, evolved towards a trip around the Mediterranean…the islands, the scent of the eucalyptus, the pink shades of the bougainvillea.” While the collection might have debuted on the internet rather than under the hazy sun of Capri, the collection is no less captivating.
Mixing the languorous glamour of the Riviera as if viewed through the lens of the legendary Slim Aarons with the refined elegance so emblematic of the House of CHANEL, the collection is an absolute triumph. Uncomplicated yet elevated, the pieces were conceived with travel in mind and “…can be carried in a little suitcase on wheels, a shopper and an embroidered handbag.” One cannot help but imagine the legendary actresses of the 1960s like Bardot and Birkin donning any one of the looks from this stunning collection.
A color palette of mostly black and white is punctuated with vibrant pops of Bougainvillea pink, rich violet, and a striking salmon tone that seems to mimic the warm sun. Subtle pops of navy and red add the perfect nautical touch. The classic marinière, beloved and popularized by Mademoiselle Chanel and a staple in CHANEL collections, is reinterpreted for the modern woman as a chic little sleeved crop top paired with a coordinating skirt. Another CHANEL classic, the tweed suit, is left unlined for more fluidity. The pieces of the CHANEL Cruise 2020/2021 collection are beautifully multipurpose. Long skirts can be pulled up to become strapless dresses, while duster style coats in delicate black chiffon or fine knit can be worn for day over swimwear, and at night with an embroidered bandeau top and jeans.
As for accessories, always a highlight of a CHANEL collection, I’ll be sharing a detailed look at the beautiful pieces of the Cruise 2020/2021 collection on Friday.
For those interested in viewing the collection in person, it will arrive November in boutiques.
