Setting the Scene

Hosted at the historic Hotel Villa d’Este, the event resonated with the charm of Italian dolce vita. This presentation not only highlighted a new collection designed by the Studio de Création but also marked Matthieu Blazy’s debut as Chanel’s artistic director, with his ready-to-wear portfolio set to be revealed in Paris this October.

Historical Connections

Coco Chanel’s relationship with Italy dates back to 1920, when she first visited Venice, influenced by the city’s opulent atmosphere. Throughout the 1930s, she maintained ties with Italian cinema and design, particularly through her friendship with the filmmaker Luchino Visconti at his villa on Lake Como. Both shared an appreciation for exquisite presentation, combining luxury with effortless elegance.

Collection Highlights

The cruise collection is characterized by an easygoing sophistication, featuring a palette inspired by the Villa d’Este’s terracotta and the soft colors of wisteria in its gardens.

• A standout pairing of ensembles begins with a beach-ready robe manteau followed by a graceful satin evening gown.
• Daywear options include a fluid pajama set in matte gold and a daring backless jumpsuit accented with a coordinating cape.
• A lilac tweed suit embellished with sequined details offers a classic touch, while macramé and crochet enrich the silhouettes, reminiscent of Romy Schneider’s elegance.
• The collection concluded with striking black evening gowns crafted from taffeta, exuding a dramatic allure.

Acknowledgments and Future Directions

Chanel President Bruno Pavlovsky recognized the collaborative success of the Studio de Création team, who have been cultivated under the mentorship of Karl Lagerfeld and Virginie Viard. He noted, “Matthieu Blazy will be working with part of that same team. From October, he’ll be involved in every decision. But Chanel stands above all—above any individual designer.”

Pavlovsky further emphasized the necessity for designers to ensure the evolution of Chanel’s identity while maintaining its core silhouettes. “We want Matthieu to bring his energy, his vision, and his spark to the house,” he said.