Chanel Cruise 2025/2026 Brought Cinematic Romance To Lake Como

Against the setting Italian sun on a balmy hot April day, Chanel held its cruise 2025/26 collection at the stunning venue of Villa D’Este on Lake Como. This historic hotel—a venue for many weddings, engagements, movies and shows—was transformed into a picturesque veranda reminiscent of La Dolce Vita. An aristocratic villa, it was built in 1568 by Pellegrino Tibaldi before being converted into a hotel in 1873, and becoming a hotspot for European high society.

Today, this palace of soul and chic, with its lakeside setting nestled between sky and mountains, became a veritable film set. Guests and clients of Chanel blended seamlessly together with the models, like a pretty confectionery shop of pastel frou frou and layers of sun-torched millefeuille, cementing the relevance of Chanel to the highest of fashion society.

Related article: Happy Clothes: Fashion Returns To Maximalism

When the first model walked out in large sunnies, a beach bag, a beautiful tweed cream bathrobe and dripping in jewels, it set the scene of the young Hollywood set. Models, like starlets, walked out in the softest iterations of summer dressing—think crochet sets, gossamer lace dresses, and beige suede sets trimmed with the most luscious jewels. 

Related article: All The Must-Know Celebrity Campaigns Of 2025

Summer essentials for a disco party permeated the collection—imagine an Aperol spritz in hand while twirling on the dance floor in crochet sets, pink and gold lame dresses, printed chiffon cocktail dresses and neon pinks. Delicate floral motifs and embroidered chiffon flowers on the candy-coloured separates took reference from the abundant gardens of Villa D’Este. Tweed suits in a sun-kissed colour palette echoed the ochre tones of the villa.

Related article: All The Fashion News You Need To Know Right Now

Unexpected taffeta black dresses, black leather separates and black lace lent a mysterious note and gave a stylistic nod to Italian neorealism. Textured denim and knitted track suits allowed an ease to the collection and are a definite must for chic jet setters. Mini bags, gold arm bands, easy slip-ons with silk ties, heeled mules and strappy gold chain patent sandals grounded the collection with the promise of a delicate One! Two! across the gardens of this fabulous villa where a Chanel dream just came true.