When Karl Lagerfeld passed away in February, he left big shoes for his successor to fill up. Although Virginie Viard was no stranger to the brand as she had worked alongside Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel for over 30 years, the Chanel Cruise 2020 collection was her first solo collection for the house. It is worthy of note that this would be the first time a woman would be leading the brand since Chanel herself.
For the presentation of the Chanel Cruise 2020 collection, Virginie turned the Grand Palais into a pristine train station, dubbed “Destination Chanel.” While Karl had a penchant for beautiful runway sets with over the top decor, Virginie went for a minimal look. It was reported that before Karl passed away, he discussed with Virginie the idea of a Beaux Arts-style train station. The idea was meticulously brought to life as a Saint Tropez platform complete with platforms and Le Riviera, an elegant “train car” café serving a light breakfast before the show commenced.
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The collection featured over 75 looks and as usual, there was a mix of tweed, flirty florals and romantic ruffles. Relaxed wide-legged trousers, Victorian-style poplin blouses with firm collars, Soft-coloured tweed jackets with trench coats in neutral hues and printed leggings also made it to the Chanel Cruise 2020 collection.
The designs came in shades of black, white, grey, blue, red, pink and more with details like bows and belts in pops of colours that brought the looks even more alive. Virginie paid homage to Karl with brightly coloured fingerless gloves which were a part of his signature looks.
Virginie also introduced a wide range of handbags in which she played with classic elements of Chanel bags, albeit with modern takes, including a mini bag made entirely from Chanel’s iconic woven chain link straps and a quilted water bottle carrier bag. The bags and shoes came in bold, bright hues that would definitely get you noticed as the star of at your vacation spot.
She may have paid home to Karl but Virginie’s design vision aligns with that which Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel had for her eponymous brand.
Check out select pieces from the impressive collection…
Photo credit: Vogue.com
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