To those who consider and experience fashion as an important part of culture, it is clear that talking about it is like talking about a plethoric amalgam of movements and references. Fashion is not really about fashion per se, but more about a multilayered narrative of life itself. But above all, when it comes to CHANEL, the main source of influence is undisputedly cinema and its various aesthetic and social aspects. For CHANEL’s Spring 2021 RTW collection, Virginie Viard decided to explore the vast cinematic universe the brand has always been a huge part of. And she did so brilliantly.

A grand, CHANEL branded sign, evoking the iconic Hollywood sign in the Santa Monica mountains was the predominant visual element of the set, implying that what was about to follow could be an endless high fashion audition for a movie or just a peek into the stylish world of actresses. Having in mind Gabrielle Chanel’s contribution to the image and styling of some of the most emblematic films of the 20th century (from Tonight or Never to Last Year at Marienbad), Virginie Viard created a collection that combines the coolness of L.A. with the effortless Parisian chic.

Structured, oversized suit jackets channeling an 80s vibe, extensive layering, typographic patterns, playful shorts, romantic gowns with bows, skinny fit metallic tracksuits, wide leg pants, glossy cardigans, digital prints and many more exquisite pieces result in an “haute casual” mood board that seems more radical than anything else Viard has done to date. While tweeds embrace laces and satin intertwines with tulle it becomes obvious that creative combinations and provocative experiments constitute the new normal. Virginie Viard reimagines the CHANEL woman as a versatile creature who knows no boundaries and looks effortlessly beautiful in a quirky way.