The Chanel Cruise 2025/26 Collection Kicks Off Cruise Season at Lake Como’s Villa d’Este

This week, Chanel unveiled its Cruise 2025/26 collection — officially kicking off Cruise season (personally, my favorite time in the industry). Held at the iconic Villa d’Este on Lake Como, Italy, Chanel transformed the historic palace hotel into a stage for a vibrant celebration of Italian glamour and carefree elegance. Directed by the Chanel Creation Studio and teased through a dreamy film by Sofia Coppola, the collection captures the nonchalance and cinematic allure of a luxurious lakeside retreat, blending the House’s codes with the romantic essence of this storied destination.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Chanel

Set against the lush gardens and opulent interiors of Villa d’Este, a haven for celebrities and artists since the Renaissance, the collection channels the joy of dressing up for a glamorous Italian getaway. The sun-kissed palette—peach, pink, blue, ochre, yellow, and orange—mirrors the villa’s warm hues and Lake Como’s serene waters. Short, flounced taffeta ball gowns in pastel shades evoke the lake’s gentle ripples, while tweed suits, a Chanel signature, shimmer with a summery vibrancy. The collection’s contemplative yet playful spirit invites wearers to luxuriate in the art of being noticed, inspired by the hotel’s legacy of effortless sophistication.

The Creation Studio infuses the collection with dance-inspired energy, reimagining classic silhouettes with a modern, disco-inflected vibe. A lightweight tweed trouser suit swathed in multicolored sequins and a gold lurex damask suit exudes a supple, Studio 54-esque charm, while a low-cut, backless jumpsuit in pink and orange striped lamé, paired with a flowing cape, radiates bold, sunlit glamour. Evening pajamas and a black ensemble of a sequin-embroidered blouse and flared trousers capture the ease of summer nights, evoking the cinematic world of Luchino Visconti, a close friend of Gabrielle Chanel and frequent Lake Como visitor.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Chanel

The Villa d’Este’s magnificent gardens, blooming with magnolias, wisteria, camellias, and oleanders, inspire delicate lacework and floral embroidery across the collection. A black skirt suit adorned with beaded braids, a flared dress with chiffon flower stripes, and a white suit with cropped trousers and a Spencer jacket showcases these botanical motifs. Classic cruise codes also anchor the lineup: strawberry ice cream-colored pea coats, blue and white striped jersey trousersuits, and vibrant knitted cardigans and polos nod to Chanel’s nautical heritage, blending timeless elegance with contemporary flair.

Chanel’s iconic accessories elevate the collection’s luxurious nonchalance. Strings of pearls, minaudières, and oversized poolside bags complement Hollywood-style long gloves and black sunglasses. Silk foulard scarves, tied playfully in the hair, around the wrist, or on sandals, add a versatile, chic touch. Patent leather mules ground the looks with understated sophistication, ensuring every detail embodies the Villa d’Este’s harmonious glamour.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Chanel

Presented just months before Matthieu Blazy’s debut as Chanel’s creative director in October 2025, the Cruise 2025/26 collection, crafted entirely by the Chanel atelier, honors the House’s deep connection to Italy. From Gabrielle Chanel’s visits to Venice in 1920 to her collaborations with Visconti, Italy has long shaped the brand’s narrative. As Bruno Pavlovsky, Chanel’s president of fashion, noted, “Chanel is half French and half Italian,” with significant production, including 100% of its shoes, rooted in Italy.

The show at Villa d’Este, a 16th-century royal residence turned luxury hotel, was a fitting tribute to this legacy. Posts on X buzzed with excitement, with fans praising the collection’s “cute pieces” and its Italian accent, directed by Coppola’s evocative vision. The collection’s blend of classic tweed, camellias, and pearls with youthful miniskirts and cropped shirts also resonated with Gen Z, signaling Chanel’s appeal to a new generation.

Chanel’s Cruise 2025/26 collection is a masterful ode to Lake Como’s timeless allure, weaving the Villa d’Este’s glamour, the joy of hotel life, and Italy’s art de vivre into every stitch. Luxurious yet approachable, vibrant yet contemplative, it invites wearers to embrace the elegance of a summer escape. As Chanel continues to bridge its French heritage with Italian craftsmanship, this collection stands as a radiant testament to the House’s ability to captivate and inspire, season after season.

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