Chanel Sets the Tone with its 2025/26 Cruise Collection at Villa d'Este
Yacht voyage embarks on Lake Como by Chanel
The Italian lakeside town of Cernobbio on Lake Como was abuzz this April as Chanel unveiled its mesmerizing 2025/26 cruise collection at the resplendent Villa d'Este. This grand event marked a stunning blend of timeless elegance, riveting modernity, and an undeniable je ne sais quoi that can only be described as cinematic glamour, swept up in the magic of Italy's "la dolce vita."
A Brief History of Villa d'Este
A gem nestled on the shores of Lake Como, Villa d'Este stands as a testament to opulence and regeneration. With roots stretching back to the 16th century, the villa has welcomed an exclusive cast of princesses, sultans, and tsars, offering them cultivated tranquility amidst its lush gardens and stunning architecture. Alfred Hitchcock, the legendary film director, even graced the villa in 1925, filming his debut motion picture on the estate grounds. In August 2025, none other than Andrea Bocelli will take the stage at Villa d'Este for a concert not to be missed.
Design, Revitalized
This remarkable event at Villa d'Este saw Chanel's iconic designs infused with a newfound playfulness and casual charm, laying the groundwork for a collection inspired by the allure of hotel life and the magic of Italian summers. Classic Chanel codes dazzled as they danced with a raw, vacation-inspired aesthetic that accentuated the beauty of dressing up simply for the joy of it.
Short taffeta dresses, trimmed with flowing capes, and tweed suits dyed in vibrant, sunset hues captivated the audience, evoking the surrounding architecture and landscape. Traditional cruise collection staples, such as white trousers, backless jumpsuits, and flattering pea coats, donned a fresh, revitalized edge.
Cruising into the Future
As we eagerly await the artistic directorial debut of Matthieu Blazy of Bottega Veneta fame in October 2025, Chanel's Cruise 2025/26 collection offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future. These designs herald the continuation of elegance paired with modernity, celebrating the essence of Chanel that first dazzled the world when Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel released her first cruise collection in 1919.
In a Nutshell
- Location: Villa d'Este, Lake Como, Italy
- Design Inspiration: Hotel Life + Italian Cinematic Glamour
- Signature Pieces: Short taffeta dresses, tweed suits in vibrant shades, and cruise collection staples
- Looking Ahead: A continuation of timeless elegance under Chanel's evolving creative leadership
The thrilling fusion of heritage and modernity seen in Chanel's 2025/26 Cruise Collection at Villa d'Este is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression, setting a lofty standard for future fashion events!
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Will HosieHailing from London, and a fixture on the global fashion scene, Will Hosie serves as our platform's Lifestyle Editor. As a contributor to A Rabbit's Foot and Semaine, and the editor of the Substack @gauchemagazine, Will is determined to bring you the most exciting, thought-provoking, and irresistibly stylish trends from around the world—all in a honest, unfiltered voice. So sit back, relax, and let the champagne flow as we navigate the captivating fashion landscape together! Stanely Tucci should've taken home that Oscar for his fantastically exquisite portrayal of Nigel in The Devil Wears Prada.
The breathtaking event at Villa d'Este showcased Chanel's adaptable designs, transitioning from timeless elegance to a playful, vacation-inspired aesthetic in the fashion-and-beauty realm. Furthermore, the villa's rich history and aesthetic inspired a line of home-and-garden products that exude the same allure and cinematic glamour, encapsulating the essence of the villa's 'la dolce vita' lifestyle.
