A collection inspired by cosmopolitan beach lifestyle of Monte-Carlo, Virginie Viard’s most personal memories with Karl’s Lagerfeld, Princess Caroline and Princess Charlotte.

Luxury fashion brand Chanel presented its 2022-23 Resort Collection at the Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel. The creative director, Virginie Viard, wanted to re-create classic Chanel moments in a Mediterranean style.

Inspired by the cosmopolitan beach lifestyle of Monte-Carlo and CHANEL’s history along the Cote d’Azur, the collection revealed sophisticated silhouettes where beachside sportswear echoes a modern glamour.

For this Cruise 2022-23, Virginie was inspired by the place itself, her personal memories while spending time there with Karl Lagerfeld in the monied, minuscule principality where he maintained an apartment and leased the extraordinary Belle Epoque villa La Vigie. It was on the terraces of this villa that Viard remembered Lagerfeld shooting Linda and Christy in the iconic sequin scuba jackets form Spring 1991 collection. “That was very funny,” she recalled, “I adore La Vigie. At the end I was here every year: for the Bal de la Rose, with Karl, (Princesses) Caroline, Charlotte, for shootings… We would always go to Rampoldi, Karl’s favourite restaurant.”

Those memories of Princess Caroline and her equally beauteous daughter Princess Charlotte that infused the spirit of the collection. The iconic Monte-Carlo institutions such as the Casino and the Grand Prix also added a playful and interesting mix to the show.

Viard presented her Resort collection, featuring featured mechanic jumpsuits, machine mini-bags and driver helmet handbags. She dressed her girls in a racing driver’s all-in-ones and mechanic’s overalls, although these were sequined and, perhaps, designed as trompe l’oeil jacket and pant combinations.    

Moreover, the collection also included staples, such as flowing maxi dresses, shirt dresses, and tennis rackets. Of course the brand’s signature tweed was also mixed. “A sporty atmosphere, but not only. There are lots of tweed or silk jumpsuits lined with light terry cloth. Many sequins and flowers shape embroidered plastrons adorning thinly striped long shirt-dresses with white high collars – a nod to Karl –, a sequined midnight blue dress, or backless tops worn over wide-cut trousers.” said the Creative Director Virginie Viard talking to the press about the collection.     

“The first time I saw Caroline was on the beach in Monaco. She was wearing a draped black dress, very thin tights and heels. Monaco is inherent to the history of CHANEL. We have lived so many happy moments there,” she recalled.

She also said, “To me, Monaco is a matter of feelings above all. That’s Karl, Caroline, and Charlotte. From very early on, I knew we would hold a show there, and more precisely at the Beach Hotel.”

And sharing one of her most personal memory, “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,” So, the show journeyed over to the Beach Hotel and its cinematic beauty.

Virginie Viard launched a new Riviera-inspired collection where she could express all her love and gratitude for Karl’s legacy. And she obviously knew what and how to do it! She was able to turn Kar’s legacy, her most personal memories and inner style into a beautiful collection. This is an emotional family story with heart!

See some of the looks from the show: