The 60s are back with florals, feathers, fringes, fishnets, and flaps.
All images sourced from: chanel.com
Chanel’s current artistic director Virginie Viard showcased a rock-chic haute-couture collection that’s like no other. Viard drew inspiration from the 60s to create a refined rock 'n roll glamour that’s neither hipster nor punk. This is a theme of reinvention which is a combination of a new-wave of pop-punk style that combines the old in with the new. Viard paid tribute to the extraordinary filmmaker Jean Cocteau’s evocative film Testament Of Orpheus from 1960, who was a dear friend of Coco Chanel.
The virtual fashion show was staged in the film’s setting, in the south of France, specifically the Carrières de Lumières (which translates to “Quarries Of Light”) in Les Baux-de-Provence. The location consists of caves in every angle. The added dimensions and shadows are the perfect combination of dark and light that perfectly matches the show’s theme of black and white. Viard preferred a contrast of femininity, fragility, and purity with white next to a strong, rebellious black.
A quarter of the Cruise 2021/2022 Collection is sustainably made from GOTS and GTS certified materials. Subtle and sophisticated, Chanel’s ethos is to always empower women through comfortable,. elegant clothes that float, if not, fly with movement. This collection is not only classic but also contemporary as well. There is an element of powerful juxtaposition in tweed jackets, and lace blousons with chains and leather. The idea of color-blocking and clashing prints makes for a stellar combination, evoking a surreal experience that transports you to another time and place.
Each item is meticulously sewn and stitched, from the buttons to the beads used on the new minimalist Boucle Jackets. Viard, like Karl Lagerfeld, inherited the same tailoring method and classic design from Coco Chanel - the epitome of quiet luxury. The jackets are timeless investment pieces that will last for years to come. Classic, hand-crafted items to be worn repeatedly truly define simplicity, while easily transitioning from morning wear to the evening wear.
There is always something special about the cruise collection that gives one a sense of travel. The hair is minimal, ranging from side-parted straight hair to airy, curly hair. The makeup is a heavy cat eye, simple light blush, and subtle lip gloss. The clothes and accessories pack a punch with rock 'n roll graphic t-shirts interlaced with sequins, silver studded flap bags, and pointed black and gold Mary Janes.
The accessories are unique, from the earrings and lip rings to the bracelets and necklaces. For instance, the dichotomy of a black and white pearl necklace paired with a crescent moon is both edgy and moody. The 'CC' star blue crystal-embellished necklace is stellar. There are a variety of flap bags in black and white to choose from, as well as boxy to vanity bag styles. Not to mention the quilted black flap bag with gold hardware. Then there is the one pale peach flap bag.
In total, The Chanel Cruise 2022 Collection consists of 66 looks. There is the tweed jacket with the matching top, and mini skirt in black and white with an evil eye design made with silver and gold trim, and navy blue in the middle is silent glam and hipster all rolled into one. The hand embroidered top and flare pants must have taken hours to make, evident by the craftsmanship and detail in the design. The clothes all truly come alive with sleek designs of doves, lions, and stars, which symbolize liberty.
The fabrics feel good and look good, inspiring freedom to dream and to live. The bouffant hair with the soft pink tweed jacket with matching pink tweed miniskirt is very Jackie Onassis. The wavy hair with bangs paired with the black velvet dresses, and lace capes all are reminiscent of Stevie Nicks. All of the volume and the drama add a cool factor that transcends time and space. Chanel is timeless elegance personified.
Randa El Meleigy is a copywriter based in Cairo, Egypt. A graduate of The American University in Egypt with a Bachelor of Arts in English & Comparative Literature, she specializes in the realm of beauty and fashion. You can find her at @randaashraf_.