Soaking up the Sun with Chanel in Monte-Carlo

“To me, Monaco is a matter of feelings above all. That’s Karl, Caroline, Charlotte,” said Chanel Creative Director Virginie Viard. “From very early on, I knew we would hold a show there, and more precisely at the Beach Hotel. Besides, Karl was dreaming about it. From this magnificent venue, one can glimpse his villa, La Vigie. I will never forget the times I spent there: terraces and balconies, big umbrellas, baskets of flowers—so much beauty.”

Airy silhouettes and sportswear inspirations lent themselves to a nonchalant chic, underscoring the anticipation of a carefree season through playful prints, pops of color, and fun details like the occasional ruffle, shimmer, or graphic. A selection of red, navy, pink, shiny metallics, and black and white painted shapes including dresses with long, flowing hemlines, loose trousers, comfortably-fitting miniskirts or shorts, moto-inspired outerwear, and the occasional dressed up t-shirt. Nods to the Monaco Grand Prix were also prevalent—though perfectly charming—seen in graphics of racecars, waving flag prints, and all-over checks. 

Casual attire bore traces of affluent sophistication, perfect for a trip to the racetrack or brunch—think hot pink jacket-and-shorts sets, graphic shirt dresses paired with statement outerwear, and lightweight tweed work suits, styled with high heels and baseball caps. Meanwhile, more elevated looks ideal for candlelit dinners and evenings on the town included pieces like a long sequined dress coat in navy, a trousers-and-blouse look with a silky bow tied at the neck, and a suite of gauzy dresses that played with opposing textures. Looks were styled thoughtfully with printed scarves tied around ponytails, colorful cuff bracelets, several iterations of the iconic double-C belt buckle, handbags shaped like tennis rackets, and footwear looking to ballet slippers.

The designs were also captured on video by Sophia and Roman Coppola. Featuring names like Lyna Khoudri, Blesnya Minher, Mariam de Vinzelle, Vivienne Rohner, and Blesnya Minher, the film work brings viewers full circle with its inclusion of archival images of founder Gabrielle Chanel on the French Riviera and various house campaigns from the past, which were also shot in Monaco.