We may have had a few pretty epic sunsets in the UK over recent weeks, but last night it fell to Chanel to truly kick off summer in style.
While those of you with your finger on the fashion pulse may rightly have February and September marked in your diaries as the major runway months, a selection of the bigger fashion houses also treat us to their ‘cruise collection’ showcases - often also referred to as ‘resort wear’ - in-between seasons.
Of course, few do it better than Chanel.
Instagram content
Taking to the pebbled beach of Monte Carlo, the iconic French fashion house put on a beautiful beachside catwalk show and whisked away a select few guests to witness the brand's new Formula 1-tinged vision.
“To me, Monaco is a matter of feelings above all,” said Virginie Viard, who was appointed artistic director at Chanel in 2019 following the death of Karl Lagerfeld.
“From very early on, I knew we would hold a show there, and more precisely at the Beach Hotel. Besides, Karl was dreaming about it. From this magnificent venue, one can glimpse his villa, La Vigie. I will never forget the times I spent there: terraces and balconies, big umbrellas, baskets of flowers - so much beauty.”
“Monaco is inherent to the history of Chanel. We have lived so many happy moments there.”
But what were the major sartorial takeaways? Here are the seven trends that we predict will be everywhere this summer (and beyond)…
1. FORMAL FUSION
While it is, of course, no surprise to see an edit of beautifully-cut tweed suits hit the Chanel runway, what was less expected was the casual styling that accompanied the iconic look. Chunky trainers were a refreshing update to the look, while fun, sportswear-inspired crossbody bags and bold jewellery statements injected the collection with a light-hearted sense of humour.
2. A DARK SUMMER
When you think of a summer wardrobe your brain likely conjures up visions of bright colour, fun prints and lightweight fabrics, but there's no denying that black is fast-becoming the shade of the season. Wear it across everything from dresses and blouses to shoes and even jewellery. Head-to-toe, there's nothing chicer right now.
3. UNDERWEAR OUTERWEAR
Visible flashes of underwear is one of spring/summer 2022's biggest trends, but while underwear has become a perfectly acceptable form of outerwear for many of us this season - including for designers such as Tom Ford, Fendi, Jonathan Simkhai, Ganni, Michael Kors, 16Arlington and Nensi Dojaka - there was no telling whether Chanel was on board. Thankfully the Cruise show confirmed it, via this open-shirt/exposed bralette moment.
4. SHEER DRAMA
While tights were once reserved for girls' school uniforms during the winter, they've experienced something of a re-brand over recent years as they've made their way into fashion circles via bright colours, clever embellishment and intricate detailing. This season, however, the classic sheer black tight is bringing all the drama we need. Wear it with super short shorts - or even a bodysuit, if you're feeling brave - to keep the look light and summery.
5. ELEVATED SWIMWEAR
There was once a time when packing for your holiday consisted of throwing a couple of swimsuits and some casual evening dresses into a suitcase. Now, however, our daytime looks are as much of a ‘thing’ as our dinner ones, with embellished one-pieces, flattering cover-ups and opulent accessories taking centre stage. Opt for a simple oversized shirt and a super chic belt for an easy way to guarantee beachside elegance.
6. CONSIDERED TOUSLING
Many of us love the idea of ‘casual, beachy hair’, but many of us have also realised that achieving such ‘effortless’ waves is, frankly, not effortless at all. Thankfully Chanel is giving us permission to give up the pretence and opt for a more considered take on tousling, with ‘neat waves’ a much more straight-forward look to achieve. Time to leave that tired old salt spray at home.
7. OTT ACCESSORIES
If you thought summer was the time to minimalise your accessory offering, think again. Forget 'taking one thing off' just before you leave the house, according to Chanel's latest runway you're going to want to add at least one more piece. If our jewellery box were bursting with items such as these earrings, you wouldn't have to tell us twice.
For more from Glamour UK's Fashion Editor Charlie Teather, follow her on Instagram @charlieteather.
.jpg)
