Chanel presented its Spring/Summer 2025 collection at the newly renovated Grand Palais in Paris. The iconic glass-domed venue, bathed in natural light, provided a fitting backdrop for a collection that balanced tradition with modernity.
Chanel’s creative studio, currently steering the ship in the absence of a named Creative director, drew inspiration from the Grand Palais itself. The collection’s standout pieces featured hand-knit patterns that echoed the building’s Art Deco ironwork, seamlessly blending architectural influence with haute couture craftsmanship.
The centerpiece of the runway presentation was a giant birdcage, a reference to a memorable Chanel fragrance advertisement from 1991. This set piece served not only as a visual spectacle, but also as a metaphor for the current state of the brand – poised to fly, yet momentarily contained.
Lightness and airiness dominated the aesthetic of the collection. Models glided down the runway in ensembles that offered tantalizing glimpses of skin through strategically placed slits and sheer fabrics. Feathers featured prominently, adorning collars and trims with a delicate touch that spoke to the collection’s overall theme of ephemeral beauty.
The studio team demonstrated its ability to keep Chanel’s signature tweeds fresh and relevant. Candy pastels breathed new life into classic silhouettes, while bold moves like swapping skirts for shorts in tweed suits showed a willingness to push boundaries.
Denim made a surprising appearance on the Chanel runway, with luxurious embellishments elevating the everyday fabric. A black denim jacket and jeans combo embellished with shimmering sequins struck the perfect balance between casual cool and high-fashion glamour.
Eveningwear received an equally innovative treatment. The studio team playfully mixed textures and styles, pairing embellished denim with feathered capes and adding flowing chiffon trains to sparkly tweed jumpsuits. These unexpected combinations injected a youthful energy into the collection while maintaining Chanel’s reputation for elegance.
©Photo: Chanel