“To me, Monaco is a matter of feelings above all. That’s Karl, Caroline, Charlotte,” says Virginie Viard. “From very early on, I knew we would hold a show there, and more precisely at the Beach Hotel. Besides, Karl was dreaming about it. From this magnificent venue, one can glimpse his villa, La Vigie. I will never forget the times I spent there: terraces and balconies, big umbrellas, baskets of flowers — so much beauty.” The muse and inspiration behind #CHANELCruise was evident from the get go. However, when it is Chanel, everything — both the expected and the unexpected — are done with a sort of sartorial aplomb that is quiet in restraint, yet indulgent in its detailing.

The location for the show was a sandy runway at Hotel Monte-Carlo Beach, paying homage to a place that has been home to both Coco Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld. Creative designer Viard went on to say in her show notes, “Monaco is inherent to the history of Chanel. We have lived so many happy moments there.” House friends Tilda Swinton and Kristen Stewart showed their support as they lounged on the sand. The collection by itself had a range of inspirations such as the Monte-Carlo ballet and the Grand Prix, as it saw design elements such as jumpsuits, swimsuits, flowy resort dresses, shorts and skirts — apart from the house classics in tweed and a new bag.

The trailer of the collection that was directed by Sofia and Roman Coppola showed girls enjoying their time in the sun. “A sporty atmosphere, but not only. There are lots of tweed or silk jumpsuits lined with light terry cloth. Many sequins and flowers shape embroidered plastrons adorning thinly striped long shirt-dresses with white high collars — a nod to Karl — a sequined midnight blue dress, or backless tops worn over wide-cut trousers,” said the show notes. “Inspired by the Monte-Carlo ballet and the dancers’ pointed shoes, black satin shoes are adorned by thin strass buckles. Bags are shaped like tennis racquets. The flowy and shiny swimming suits are twisted into asymmetrical black skirts or draped dresses.”

While the element of fun and ease were definitely in the right direction for modern-day women who like to keep things stylish and comfortable, Chanel made sure that their trademark chiqueness elevated the classic designs into pieces that effortlessly translate into a Monaco moodboard of the sun, the sea and oodles of oomph.

Pictures: Courtesy of Chanel