After taking us on a stargazing trip during Paris Fashion Week, the world of Chanel has sailed back to the shores of Lake Como, transforming the legendary, Renaissance-era Villa d’Este into the setting for its new Cruise 2025/26 collection campaign. Unfolding in a series of cinematic vignettes, the imagery, captured by the sensitive lens of photographer Mario Sorrenti, is a direct and glamorous continuation of the show presented earlier this year – a veritable ode to resort chic, hotel life and Hollywood-level escapism.
The campaign, featuring models Alix Bouthors, Ida Heiner and Xu Wei, embodies the elegant, carefree spirit of a dream holiday. It channels the mood of the Villa d’Este itself, a historical playground for cinema legends from Greta Garbo to Elizabeth Taylor, and a location that inspired director Sofia Coppola’s own short film accompanying the original show.
The collection operates in two distinct, yet harmonious, movements, covering the lightness of day and the sparkle of night.
The daytime wardrobe begins with a notable softness and insouciance. Chanel’s codes are playfully reinterpreted for sun-drenched afternoons: a classic ecru tweed coat is belted casually, resembling a chic dressing gown draped over a swimsuit. The iconic Camellia, a House emblem, adorns a pale yellow denim ensemble, subtly studded with pink beads to catch the light.
Nautical cues are present but refined: stripes, running either white on navy or terracotta on a cotton polo, punctuate afternoons by the water. The classic two-tone aesthetic is softened into fluid pieces, such as a relaxed tunic and trousers in white and navy silk, perfect for boat trips on the lake. The Chanel silk satin scarves, seen styled throughout the campaign, are reissued from the archives of Mantero, the storied Italian silk specialist that has partnered with the House for over 50 years.

As the Italian light fades, the collection shifts seamlessly into glamour and celebration. The evening silhouettes become more precious, built on a structure of dramatic contrast between iridescent whites and pure blacks.
Precious materials come to the fore: a short black and white lace dress is designed to capture the low light of a summer evening, while a striking leather dress reveals the back and shoulders with a sculptural, confident poise. These pieces reflect the ‘joie de vivre’ and Hollywood charm that was so palpable during the original Villa d’Este runway presentation back in April.
The visual score is intensified by the accessories, which are, as always, synonymous with a high-end getaway. The models are grounded in elegant patent leather mules and shielded by oversized black sunglasses. For practical luxury, there are large, woven raffia totes designed for poolside lounging, contrasted with miniature Chanel 25 bags rendered in an incandescent, sun-drenched yellow.
The Cruise 2025/26 collection is now available in boutiques. Discover more here.
photography. courtesy of Mario Sorrenti for Chanel
words. Gennaro Costanzo



































