It’s undoubtedly hard to forge your own path when you’re following in the footsteps of iconic designers like Coco Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld, but with today’s Cruise show, Chanel’s new creative director Virginie Viard presented a first go, one that’s a little more relaxed—soft, even—with girlish miniskirt suits, button-up tops, bow-adorned dresses, and black and white ballet flats that will definitely land on everyone’s wish.
Inspired by travel, today’s show was staged in Paris’ Grand Palais, a location Chanel has shown in for years. Contrasting Lagerfeld’s Fall 2019 winter wonderland set, Cruise 2020 was a simple train station. Signs around the venue directed to Europe's most beloved vacation destinations Venice, Rome, the Riviera, and more. This season’s Chanel woman has a world to see and she needs looks to match.
The jacket, a staple in Chanel DNA, was reshaped into cargo and parka cuts. Multiple pockets to hold passports, cash, a phone, and other travel needs, perhaps? If I had to guess, these will surely attract a new audience. As will the Chanel print leggings and white Bermuda shorts.
All in all, it was a relatively simple showing from Viard, but only just the beginning.
Nikki Ogunnaike is the senior digital director of Harper's Bazaar, where she oversees a team of editors and writers who cover the culture of style across the website, video, and social media. She has previously held roles at GQ, ELLE, Glamour, InStyle, and Vanity Fair. You may also recognize Nikki from her time as the host of Snapchat’s Online, IRL and IGTV's The Run Through. In her free time Nikki enjoys running half marathons, learning about wine, and watching reality TV without an ounce of shame.
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