That apartment building, La Cité radieuse, designed by the visionary architect Le Corbusier, is an iconic mid-century landmark and UNESCO World Heritage site.
The building boasts colourful accents and grid pattens that were found in many of Chanel’s Cruise pieces, in particular openwork knits, seaside blues and sun-washed lemon and lime hues.
Chanel designer Virginie Viard’s beach swimwear and breezy white vacation must-haves, offered pleasantly relaxed silhouettes in comparison with the structured shapes the French fashion house often prefers. However the brand’s classic suits were still in attendance just in soft shapes and colours, sometimes worn with hooded sweaters underneath. Along with pretty shorts sets, mod-style mini dresses and sleek onepiece swimsuits, it was enough to inspire us to start totting up summer holiday wish-lists.
Cruise Collections, or resort or holiday collections as they are sometimes also known, launch between the two main ready-to-wear seasons, spring/summer and autumn/winter. They are created with those travelling to a climate other that their own in the mid-season, often designed around getaway outfits.
Chanel’s Cruise show was also a masterclass in how to accessorise that capsule wardrobe, (oversize pearls, jangling chain belts and charm necklaces) and what makeup to embrace too.
To that end: a swish of metallic shimmer over eyes is the lesson we’re walking away with.
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The focus of the makeup look was a mesmerising gaze, defined with metallic tones, reminiscent of the sun’s reflections on water. It combined two shades of Chanel’s shimmering Ombre Essentielle eyeshadow topcoat, Jade Facetté and Blé D’Or Antique, applied to the eyelids and blended towards the temples, completed with a subtle swipe of le Volume De Chanel mascara.
As the location was breezy and brisk on the day, relaxed holiday hair was swept into a chic low, braid. Secured to one-side behind the ear, the braid was pulled forward to drape over the front of the shoulder, almost like an accessory itself. One can imagine after a day by the pool the style would be perfect to unravel into soft beachy waves for dinner and drinks.
