Last night, Chanel showed its first collection not designed by Karl Lagerfeld. Since the designer passed in February, Virginie Viard has taken over the helm of Chanel. For cruise 2020, it’s clear that both Karl Lagerfeld and Coco Chanel were on her mind.
The show took place — as usual — in the Grand Palais, this time decked out to look like a train station and train car called Destination Chanel. The show started with a few 1930s-inspired outfits, modernized with heavy gold Chanel hardware and slouchy, almost rumpled, tailoring. As the looks rolled on, Karl’s influence became more apparent. A Chanel miniskirt suit, a model with white hair wearing a black gown with a white starched collar, and bright, colorful tweed all harkened back to iconic Lagerfeld collections. But there was more chiffon and softer dresses that seemed to signify what this new era of Chanel might be like.
Aboard the Destination Chanel were Lily-Rose Depp, Kiera Knightley, Claudia Schiffer, and Ali McGraw. Between the gaggle of celebrity fans, model Vittoria Ceretti opening the show, and the designs, there were familiar faces all around.
