Chanel stages international cruise show in Dubai

Virginie Viard revisions Chanel’s Resort 2022 collection to present a special show in Dubai.

Chanel unveiled its Cruise 21/22 collection, which took centre stage in Dubai. It has been just the second time the French fashion house has held a show in the city. The fashion collection was first exhibited at the Carrières de Lumières in the village of Les Baux-de-Provence, in southern France in May.

The quarry where the show took place inspired much of the collection for creative director Virginie Viard, who filled in big shoes as she took on her role at the forefront of the Chanel identity.

The collection channelled a simplicity from the 1959 film ‘Testament of Orpheus’. It was made in the vast chambers by multi-media artists, and Gabrielle Chanel, Jean Cocteau. Now the stage in Dubai has woven the atmosphere of the original show with projections of olive branches through draped beige fabrics.

 “The simplicity, the precision and the poetry of Cocteau’s film made me want to create a stunning collection, with a very distinct two-tone, made up of bright white and deep black. Echoing the extreme modernity of Cocteau’s film, I wanted something quite rock. Lots of fringes, in leather, beads and sequins, t-shirts bearing the face of the model Lola Nicon like a rock star, worn with tweed suits trimmed with wide braids, and pointed silver Mary-Janes. A look that recalls as much the modernity of the sixties as that of punk,” said Virginie Viard.

The clothes had youthfulness that was a reflection of Viard’s signature change from Lagerfeld’s formality. There were also elements of colourful designs such as a signature Chanel tweed print jacket and a two-tone silk crepe suit.

Viard also included leather looks, graphics and beads. Fishnet stockings were suited with mini dresses or with a black and white Chanel tweed skirt suit. Capes, kaftan-type dresses, and loose pants suits were seen throughout.

Thousands of guests and celebrities has attended the show, such as Penelope Cruz, who is currently Chanel’s global ambassador. Moreover, the show was followed by a party and a special concert delivered by the American singer John Legend.

Check out the stunning images of the runway show.