MANIFESTO

#65

MUSE TWENTY FANZINE

An Italian getaway

2025.04.30

Text by Lucrezia Sgualdino

The dreamlike atmosphere of Villa d’Este on Lake Como sets the perfect stage for Chanel to express the effortless elegance of its Cruise 2025/26 collection—a dreamy mood that feels like a real film set.

Chanel pays tribute to the Maison’s history, to its aesthetic and stylistic choices, and to the values that have defined centuries of heritage. It celebrates Italy, life, and fashion. The cinematic reference is clear and explicit, also thanks to the teaser created by Sofia Coppola, which unveiled to the world what would unfold on the shores of Lake Como. Ida Heiner stars in a story of elegance, portrayed as a diva who embodies the beauty of Italy, the pure joy of living, and the scenic landscape surrounding the location. Time seems to stand still in a setting that becomes a dreamy escape, a chance to reinvent oneself and to daydream. The Renaissance villa gives the story a majestic and elegant tone, softened by Sofia Coppola’s feminine and visionary lens, which adds a sense of suspended magic, subtlety, and lightness.

 

Creativity at Chanel has never been entrusted to just one voice, and once again, the Creative Studio perfectly captures the magical nonchalance of the collection’s attitude—the glamour of a carefree and relaxed elegance, expressed through young, fresh, and versatile looks. The show was envisioned for a warm and sunny atmosphere, made of summery and welcoming colours—dreamy, cinematic yet tangible. The Italian dolce vita once again inspires French style—that bold and unmistakable spirit of someone who chooses how to live their own life.

Cruise elements are evident throughout the collection: striped prints, wide straw hats, and colourful silk scarves evoke the essence of travel, for which Cruise collections were originally designed. These details alternate with lace accents, bohemian ruffles, crocheted touches, and soft, flowing satins. The pastel palette blends with the hues of the flowers blooming in the Villa’s gardens: magnolias, wisteria, camellias, rhododendrons, oleanders. Even the delicate floral prints take direct inspiration from this natural setting. The scenery blends seamlessly with the spirit of the collection—in its construction, inspiration, and execution. Touches of black and white add a note of practicality and pragmatism to the overall picture, bringing the viewer back to reality, gently awakening them from the dreamlike state experienced through this magical journey. The life portrayed is calm and serene, intimate and close. The narrative evokes the feeling of a warm summer evening. The majestic surroundings allow for a wide range of looks: light tweed suits, flowing robe-like dresses that graze the ankles, perforated two-pieces, and metallic-finish mini dresses. All of this exists in a lush yet comfortable context—detached from reality in a way, yet captivating, harmonious, and irresistibly charming.

The anticipation created by Sofia Coppola’s teaser—attending the event at Villa d’Este—became both homage and narrative key to the presentation. The wait for an unexpected ending, or an unfolding of unknown events, much like in the plot of a true film. The wait for a transformation, as the Maison prepares for the arrival of its new Creative Director. The wait for renewed tributes to the extraordinary history and heritage of a brand with unparalleled value. This entire vision was also brought to life by actresses close to the Maison. Keira Knightely wore a white silk satin dress with a a reinterpretation of a corset with black bows, while Margaret Qualley opted for a mini dress in iconic tweed interwoven with golden threads. The film world, represented by international celebrities, perfectly embodies the timeless allure that Maison Chanel aims to express within a system in constant evolution. The choice of strong, audacious personalities allows the collections themselves to continue asserting their unique value season after season—as lasting points of reference in contemporary fashion.

keira knightley.

Article and images may be updated.

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