Chanel Cruises Into 2026 With A Collection Inspired By Old Hollywood Grandeur
When Chanel takes over an iconic hotel for its Cruise collection – it’s smooth
sailing all the way…
Chanel debuted its Cruise 2025/26 collection on the sun-dappled shores of Lake Como, at the legendary Villa d’Este. Drawing inspiration from Luchino Visconti and Romy Schneider (who wore Gabrielle Chanel’s creations in the 1962 classic Boccaccio ’70), the collection was a cinematic homage to Italy, unveiled in a setting steeped in old-world glamour. Once (and still) frequented by royalty, artists and aristocrats alike, in 1873, the 16th-century villa was transformed into a grand hotel, later becoming a discreet haven for Hollywood royalty such as Robert De Niro, Elizabeth Taylor, and Woody Allen. The Chanel show was no exception, with a guest list as glittering as in decades past – Keira Knightley, Margaret Qualley, Anna Mouglalis, Caroline de Maigret and Tara Emad all in attendance.
Among the new wave of Chanel ambassadors is 27-year-old Ananya Panday, the house’s first-ever Indian face and a rising force in global cinema. With 27 million social media followers, Ananya brings both star power and a fresh cultural resonance to the storied maison. Reflecting on the Cruise 2025/26 presentation, she shared: “What stood out most to me was the intimate connection to Gabrielle Chanel’s life. I learned that each show draws from her personal history, and this one in particular transported us to her time with the Italian filmmaker Luchino Visconti at his family estate here in Lake Como. To be in the same place where their creative exchange once happened – it added such depth and emotion to the experience.” Italian actress and fellow Chanel ambassador Valentina Bellè was equally captivated by the setting: “The show at Villa d’Este felt like a luminous ode to the Italian summer – vibrant sequined tweeds, fluid silhouettes, and an effortless elegance that perfectly embodied la dolce vita. I’m so proud to be a friend of the house. Chanel continues to tell Gabrielle’s story with such reverence and refinement. Every event they create is more than a fashion moment – it’s an immersion into her world, her spirit, her legacy. And what a world she imagined for herself… it was nothing less than extraordinary.”
The Cruise codes were out in full force – Capri trouser cuts, CC-chic headscarves, and head-to-toe tweed day-suits made a stylish circuit around the villa, gliding past guests with the effortless nonchalance the maison is famously known for. Chanel HQ described the collection as ‘guided by the joy of getting dressed up to be noticed’ and this was evident with a distinct nod to the Disco era, with trouser-suits and evening pyjamas holding fashionable fort. A pink and orange lamé backless jumpsuit – complete with a cape and fastened at the neck with an iridescent camellia drew a smattering of applause, as did the ruffled skirts (both long and abbreviated), styled with matching gloves for nights by the lake. The venue itself, particularly its lush grounds, served as inspiration for the collection. Camellias, wisteria, and magnolias informed the motifs, lacework, and beaded braids that wove their way throughout the designs. Accessories ranged from modern minaudières to oversized pool bags and shiny mules – a collector’s dream. Among them, the quilted, pearl-lined pouch stood out as a forever classic for connoisseurs.
As the show came to a close, Valentina captured the sentiment perfectly: “It truly was
a moment of pride and awe. Chanel’s elegance blended seamlessly with the lake’s timeless beauty, creating a truly magical atmosphere.” A sentiment we wholeheartedly share.
From the Harper’s Bazaar November 2025 issue