Chanel 25/26 Cruise collection had just inaugurated summer

As spring gently peeks through, temperatures begin to slowly rise, melting visitors’ gelatos a little faster each day, and lacquered wooden boats turn off their engines to float silently to the rhythm of birdsong just out of the nest, Chanel arrives on the shores of Lake Como to unveil its Cruise 25/26 collection. Soft and colorful, the collection is an invitation to travel, to dolce far niente, and to welcome the sun with a theme inspired by hotel life. Presented at the heart of the Villa d’Este, a sumptuous palace-hotel on this secluded island of beauty, the collection is carefree, danceable, yet versatile, fitting perfectly with the lake’s codes and associated lifestyle, while also working equally well in the city or on the beach, from light crochet sets to its most elegant dresses.

Created by the Maison’s Creative Studio while awaiting Matthieu Blazy’s debut this fall, the collection captures a summery lightness and carefreeness we all crave as warmer days slowly approach. That carefreeness is reflected in short ruffled taffeta ball gowns in pastel colors ranging from peach to pink to blue, evoking the lake’s shimmering hues just meters from the runway. But the soothing palette extends beyond dresses—sunny hues continue into tweed suits, echoing the colors of the Villa, with its ochres, yellows, and oranges. Driven by a joy and desire to dress up and stand out, the collection is intrinsically tied to dance, drawing from multiple inspirations. A subtle disco atmosphere floats over a pantsuit—or evening pajama—made of ultralight tweed covered in multicolored sequins, while a gold damask lurex suit and a black blouse-and-flared-pants set fully embroidered with glittering sequins offer perfect choices for dancing under the stars. The lineup continues with a short strapless black taffeta dress elevated by a floating cape, making us want to waltz until our feet give out.

But dance is not Chanel’s only muse this season: the very essence of Cruise collections is recalled through clear nods to the nautical world. A pair of straight-cut white trousers is paired with an ice-strawberry-colored pea coat, while cardigans, dresses, and polos come in stripes that are sometimes blue and white, sometimes more vibrant. The spirit of the House on rue Cambon is reflected in every detail, from pearl necklaces to minaudières, oversized pool bags, black sunglasses, patent leather mules, and silk scarves tied around the hair, wrist, or ankle. Luxurious and comfortable, the Cruise 2025/26 collection reflects the air of nonchalance, glamour, and harmony that have defined Villa d’Este and Lake Como since the Renaissance, but also of Chanel itself, which continues to rise in our esteem and hearts collection after collection.