LA CITÉ RADIEUSE
Virginie Viard’s Chanel departs from the Parisian runway, setting course for the lively port city of Marseille to present its Cruise 2025 collection. The rooftop of Le Corbusier’s iconic Cité Radieuse, an architectural gem, perfectly captures the essence of the French Riviera and serves as the ideal backdrop for the collection, which fuses modern and vintage elements.
Embodying a spirit of freedom, the Chanel Cruise 2024/25 show unfolds at the MAMO, Centre d’art de la Cité Radieuse in Marseille. This venue mirrors the architectural brilliance of Le Corbusier’s “vertical city,” completed in 1952, with its concrete exterior contrasting the vibrant balcony colors. This influence permeates Virginie Viard’s Cruise 2025 Collection, blending aesthetics with Le Corbusier’s utopian vision through detailed embroidery, diving hoods, sequined jackets, and swimwear.
Amid Marseille’s unpredictable weather, the collection graces the runway, showcasing Chanel’s take on high-low dressing for the French Riviera. Signature Chanel tweed appears, reimagined with Le Corbusier-inspired colors and featuring grid-like designs on cropped jackets and matching skirts, experimenting with layering techniques. This unexpected combination hints at expanding Chanel’s audience, appealing to a younger, fashion-forward demographic without compromising the brand’s timeless elegance.
The collection pays homage to Marseille’s aquatic culture with sea-inspired color palettes, patterns, and textures: crochet skirt sets in grey, teal, and yellow mimic the hues of the ocean floor. Gilded starfish and seashell charms adorn shimmering gold mesh, playful fish motifs, and pearls embellish various pieces, adding timeless sophistication. Swimsuits get a modern twist with hooded styles, captivating the audience.
Chanel embraces the latest coquette trend, infusing femininity with bows, ruffles, and lace, each look exuding a romantic charm that honors the brand’s legacy while reflecting Viard’s contemporary vision.
