“The whole thing felt like it could have been lifted from the iconic films of Luchino Visconti.”
The CHANEL Cruise 2025/26 collection was presented in Lake Como last week, at the mythical Villa d’Este, surrounded by lush gardens that were teeming with magnolias, wisteria, camellias, and oleanders. Staged on the terrace of this legendary hotel, the Maison’s latest Cruise collection captured a carefree elegance and a distinct air of celebration.
Think sequined bags and long strings of beads. Or satin gloves that lent a cinematic touch of old-world glamour — whether short and ruffled or long and lithe. There was a dance-like energy to the collection too, which seemed to invite a spirit of movement. Evening pajamas and a lurex trouser suit shimmered with sequins that called for effortless summer nights and disco era dance parties by the pool.
The whole thing felt like it could have been lifted from the iconic films of Luchino Visconti — who was, incidentally, a great friend of Gabrielle Chanel and a frequent visitor of Lake Como.
But there were daytime elements throughout the collection, too. Elements which one could imagine fitting in perfectly on the banks of Lake Como or the shores of Southern France. Black sunglasses lent a sense of mystery and intrigue. While the iconic CHANEL handbag was given a relaxed twist, rendered in crochet, wicker, and tightly woven raffia textures. My personal favourite? The raffia basket bag that was trimmed with black leather and complete with a quilted pocket, CC turnlock, and chain shoulder straps.
It was je ne sais quoi meets la dolce vita.
below, find a curation of my favourite captures from the cruise collection
The CHANEL Cruise 2025/26 collection was presented in Lake Como last week, at the mythical Villa d’Este, surrounded by lush gardens that were teeming with magnolias, wisteria, camellias, and oleanders. Staged on the terrace of this legendary hotel, the Maison’s latest Cruise collection captured a carefree elegance and a distinct air of celebration.
Think sequined bags and long strings of beads. Or satin gloves that lent a cinematic touch of old-world glamour — whether short and ruffled or long and lithe. There was a dance-like energy to the collection too, which seemed to invite a spirit of movement. Evening pajamas and a lurex trouser suit shimmered with sequins that called for effortless summer nights and disco era dance parties by the pool.
The whole thing felt like it could have been lifted from the iconic films of Luchino Visconti — who was, incidentally, a great friend of Gabrielle Chanel and a frequent visitor of Lake Como.
But there were daytime elements throughout the collection, too. Elements which one could imagine fitting in perfectly on the banks of Lake Como or the shores of Southern France. Black sunglasses lent a sense of mystery and intrigue. While the iconic CHANEL handbag was given a relaxed twist, rendered in crochet, wicker, and tightly woven raffia textures. My personal favourite? The raffia basket bag that was trimmed with black leather and complete with a quilted pocket, CC turnlock, and chain shoulder straps.
It was je ne sais quoi meets la dolce vita.
below, find a curation of my favourite captures from the cruise collection
