It’s been fourteen years since Chanel has been in Miami; in 2008, the late Karl Lagerfeld presented a Chanel show in Miami Beach. Under the inspired guidance of the fashion’s Kaiser, the French house has pioneered regarding the concept of exotic shows, especially for the cruise collections. Chanel has actually travelled to present collections in Singapore, Scotland, and Cuba, powering the trend of the destination show.

Then, the pandemic happened, putting even the mere thought of travelling on hold. But this year, Chanel’s fashionable crowd was glad to start packing again: Last month, the Maison’s cruise collection for 2023 was presented in sun-drenched Miami, at the famous Faena Hotel. Sofia and Roman Coppola directed a short film to promote the show, famous Chanel ambassadors Marion Cotillard, Lily Rose-Depp and Pharrell Williams were present and utterly chic, and live performances by Nile Rodgers and Chic upped the spirits of a crowd enjoying a summery scenery embellished with red and white-striped umbrellas and chaise-loungers.

And then, there were the clothes. Originally presented last May in Monte Carlo, the collection proved it can handle spring and summer on any continent and coast, since it is just the right amount athletic and perfectly Chanel. It also proved there is “a lot of commonality between Monaco and Miami”, as stated by Bruno Pavlovsky, president of Chanel's fashion activities and director of the Fédération de la Haute Couture. Because it’s not only the sea that connects the two destinations: Miami has held its first F1 Grand Prix this year, which creates a new connection with Monaco.

And which definitely sheds a different light on the clothes: Dresses with starter flag patterns, the Chanel tweed take on the red Formula 1 jumpsuit - already gloriously worn by Kristen Stewart in Cannes -, helmet-shaped bags, crochet racing gloves, checkered bathing suits - but also, feminine skirt suits worn with sneakers, as well as glittered flowy gowns, held the promise of an effortlessly chic summer.

All in all, Virginie Viard delivered an outgoing collection, as Cruise should be, sporty enough to be wearable and as elegant as it takes, in order to make you feel you are getting ready to visit Monaco – or Miami. Where do we go next, Chanel?