“There’s nothing sexier than wearing the clothes of the person you love,” said CHANEL’s creative director Virginie Viard while explaining the inspiration behind the brand’s latest collection. For Fall 2022 Ready to Wear, the designer drew on Gabrielle Chanel’s long history with tweed: her relationship with the Duke of Westminster -whose wardrobe gave her the material she needed to reinvent the female style of the 20th century-, her walks through the Scottish countryside and, of course, her nonconforming creativity resulted in an aesthetic prototype that is coming back to life through a modern tribute.

A 1960’s preppiness along with a distinctive 1920’s elegance permeate the collection in a marvelously stylish way. From psychedelic pinks, purples and greens to earthier country hues, Viard’s color palette evokes a nostalgic sense of the retro English spirit. Cardigans, sweaters, below-the-knee skirts, leather pants, oversize jackets and sequined minidresses attest to a plethoric yet consistent vision of everyday fashion. A profusion of coats, as well as skirt suits, trousers in black velvet, tight skirts worn with long socks and mini stiletto heels or even thigh-high rubber boots perfectly showcase how masculine and feminine traits can be combined harmoniously, in a way that makes sense both aesthetically and functionally.

References to British aristocracy blend with mental fragments of pop culture from the swinging ‘60s (Virginie Viard’s inspiration was heavily influenced by the colorful record covers of that era), and deliver a cohesive collection based on heritage and looking towards the future.