Chanel Cruise 2024 (Resort 2024) turned the spotlight on its storied Hollywood connections and unveiled a refreshingly youthful, sporty collection that embodies the effervescent spirit of Los Angeles.
With an A-list front row and a stunning runway presentation, the French fashion house made a dazzling statement as it looked back on its rich legacy and forged ahead with a contemporary flair.
Sixteen years ago, Chanel held its second-ever cruise show in Los Angeles, with models stepping out of a private jet onto a runway that wrapped around a Santa Monica airplane hangar. Fast forward to the present, and the Chanel Cruise 2024 show, held at Paramount Studios, managed to surpass its predecessor in terms of sheer spectacle. The front row was adorned with stars such as Margot Robbie, Kristen Stewart, Riley Keough, Issa Rae and Marion Cotillard, and the evening concluded with a performance by Snoop Dogg.
The Chanel Cruise 2024 collection pays homage to its longstanding relationship with Hollywood. Coco Chanel’s first visit to California was nearly a century ago, in 1931, when she designed clothes for films directed by the likes of George Cukor and Jean Renoir. Karl Lagerfeld continued to strengthen these cinematic ties during his 36-year tenure at Chanel, befriending actresses like Penelope Cruz and Tilda Swinton.
In anticipation of the show, movie billboards promoting it as a “One Night Only” event appeared throughout Los Angeles, emphasizing Chanel’s deep-rooted ties to the city’s dominant culture. Each guest received a personalized mini version of the billboard, hinting that in the world of Chanel, everyone is a star – complete with light-up heel shoes to prove it.
Artistic director Virginie Viard looked to the lively Venice Beach boardwalk for inspiration, focusing on everyday Los Angeles life. “I thought let’s do Jane Fonda, Cindy Crawford – all our heroines“, Viard said. The collection showcased a sporty vibe, featuring leg warmers, wedge heel sneakers, running shorts, swim tanks, and even skateboards – a new direction for Chanel.
Viard’s more feminine, youthful touch has been evident since she took over as artistic director in 2019, and the Chanel Cruise 2024 collection serves as a testament to her creative vision. This new direction is perfectly timed, coinciding with the upcoming press tour for Margot Robbie’s ‘’Barbie’’ film, poised to be the movie of the summer.
Chanel Cruise 2024 was a resplendent celebration of Hollywood and a fresh take on the brand’s iconic style, reminding the world that Chanel remains a beacon of fashion and glamour in the ever-changing landscape of Los Angeles.
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