Virginie Viard looks to the laidback allure of a Mediterranean holiday

The video for Chanel’s Cruise 2021 collection, which is available now at its Suria KLCC boutique, is bound to get you dreaming of warm sands, sunset yachts and sangrias. The highlights are undoubtedly the pieces, which are equal parts casual and sophisticated, with a twist of bohemian chic and vintage vibes. With an eye towards giving the cosmopolitan traveller a sense of versatility, comfort and freedom, Virginie Viard conceived pieces that are easily mixed and matched and layered on, with lightweight cardigans, bandeau tops, crop tops, shorts, split skirts, wide legged pants, chiffon outfits, jersey bikinis and denim outfits. She says, “Everything can be worn in different ways.”

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Black (a symbol of power and rebellion) and white (for purity and innocence) is a dominating palette, emblematic to the house of Chanel. For comfort, Viard chose breathable honeycomb fabric, cotton tweed or supple lambskin, while swimsuits are worn as bodysuits.

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Viard steered clear of heavy evening dresses and instead opted for chic simplicity. There’s one black halterneck that’s reminiscent of the iconic white dress worn by Marilyn Monroe, and another in a shimmery lamé fabric that is just perfect for a dressy affair. Bandeau or bikini tops are worn under sheer chiffon for a look that is young and playful while a touch of pink add colour. Belts, cuffs and strappy sandals complete the look.

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Challenged by the lockdown, Viard adapted by using fabrics that they already had in stock and even pulled accessories from previous collections to add to this resort line, such as the wicker basket bag and the visor-sunnies. No complaints here; in fact, it’s a wonderful approach to sustainability.

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The collection is all about lightness, simplicity and relaxation—circling towards “a trip around the Mediterranean… The islands, the scent of the eucalyptus, the pink shades of the bougainvillea,” as Viard describes in a release. Made for travelling light, it’s a destination wardrobe that can easily be thrown into “a little suitcase on wheels, a shopper and an embroidered handbag."

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