Chanel ready-to-wear collection

Chanel

Company type	Private
Industry	Fashion
Founded	1909 (1909)
Founder	Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel
Headquarters	Paris , France
Products	Ready-to-wear, haute couture, accessories, fragrances

Chanel is a French private enterprise established in 1909 by Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, who initially worked as a milliner. The Chanel ready-to-wear line is presented twice yearly during Paris Fashion Week for the spring-summer and autumn-winter seasons. These showcases target media representatives, retailers, buyers, investors, and consumers and are organized under the auspices of the Chambre Syndicale du Prêt-à-Porter des Couturiers et des Créateurs de Mode, itself part of the Fédération française de la couture, du prêt-à-porter des couturiers et des créateurs de mode. The House of Chanel gained acclaim for freeing women from corsetry in the early 1900s and creating fluid jersey garments, most notably the little black dress. After Chanel’s passing in 1971, Karl Lagerfeld assumed the role of Creative Director from 1983 until his death in 2019. He was succeeded by Virginie Viard, Lagerfeld’s longtime collaborator with expertise in costume design, who debuted her first solo collection in May 2019 with Chanel’s Cruise 2020 Collection.

Chanel Ready-to-Wear Spring 2012 Runway Show

On October 4, 2011, the Chanel Ready-to-Wear Spring 2012 runway event was held at Paris’s Grand Palais. Under Creative Director Karl Lagerfeld’s vision, 84 ensembles were revealed featuring unstructured jackets, cutaway backs, ostrich feather skirts, and sequined dresses presented in a soft, shimmering color scheme ranging from whites and creams to nudes, metallics, then progressing into pinks, corals, and blacks.

Athletic influences appeared through drawstring waists and bomber-style jackets. The collection utilized diverse textiles such as tweed, organza, lace, chiffon, lamé, knitwear, silk, and leather. Drawing subtle inspiration from the 1920s era, details included drop-waists, pearl belts, seaweed-like panniers, boxy tweed jackets, and ruffles reminiscent of sea sponges. Accessories complemented the marine motif with handbags, footwear, and jewelry fashioned to resemble seashells and coral formations.

The show featured large-scale sculptures depicting sea creatures—stingrays, seahorses, sharks, anemones, and coral branches—in finishes that were matte, glossy, or sparkling. Live musical accompaniment was provided by Florence Welch. The runway lineup included prominent models such as Saskia de Brauw, Freja Beha Erichsen, Arizona Muse, Karlie Kloss, Tao Okamoto, Heidi Mount, Fei Fei Sun, Lindsey Wixson, Miranda Kerr, Joan Smalls, Candice Swanepoel, and Liu Wen, with Stella Tennant closing the show. Among those seated front row were celebrities like Uma Thurman, Anna Dello Russo, Alexa Chung, Jared Leto, Vanessa Traina, Ines de la Fressange, Sean Lennon, and Carine Roitfeld.

Fashion analyst Tim Blanks characterized the event as "a magical underwater environment." Lagerfeld elaborated on the inspiration behind the theme: "Nothing is more modern than the shapes found on the ocean floor that have existed for billions of years... a reinterpretation in a highly contemporary and graphic manner—depicting a world untouched by pollution." The collection artfully merged ancient marine forms with cutting-edge design techniques.

Chanel Ready-to-Wear Fall 2012 Runway Show

The Chanel Ready-to-Wear Fall 2012 Fashion Show was held on March 5, 2012, at Paris's Grand Palais. Vogue Runway likened the setting to the Fortress of Solitude. Karl Lagerfeld unveiled 68 fresh ensembles, drawing inspiration that transitioned from the ocean’s depths to the Earth’s core.

This collection emphasized a three-piece ensemble consisting of a jacket, shirt, and trousers. It merged influences from mineralogy with cubist art. Crystal embroidery adorned hems and cuffs, reflecting mineral themes, while color-blocking and sharp geometric accents referenced cubism. Additionally, Maison Lesage contributed embroidered detailing on the models’ eyebrows.

Vogue UK lauded the collection for its vibrant hues and rich textures, showcasing colors such as petrol green, purple, emerald, amethyst, and sapphire. The runway soundtrack was curated by Michel Gaubert. Prominent models included Kati Nescher (opening), Stella Tennant, Cara Delevingne, and Maria Bradley (closing). Front-row guests featured Alicia Keys, Katy Perry, Poppy Delevingne, and Miroslava Duma.

Tim Blanks characterized the line as innovative, alluring, yet practical. Franca Sozzani, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Italia, remarked on its blend of dreamlike qualities with wearability. Lagerfeld described the designs as reminiscent of a fragmented city skyline, integrating natural inspirations with elements of Czech cubism in both cut and embroidery.

Chanel Ready-to-Wear Spring 2013 Runway Show

On October 1, 2012, Chanel’s Spring 2013 Ready-to-Wear Show took place at the Grand Palais in Paris. The runway was adorned with 13 large wind turbines and solar panels to highlight a message of sustainable energy. Karl Lagerfeld introduced 80 new looks emphasizing comfort and tranquility.

The prominent silhouettes included bolero jackets, A-line skirts and dresses, alongside classic jackets. Lagerfeld incorporated three-dimensional chiffon cut-outs to enhance lightness, volume, and fluidity. Departing from his typical use of braids, buttons, and chains, he opted for pearl embellishments to evoke a fresh and airy vibe. Approaching his 30th year as Chanel’s Creative Director, Lagerfeld struck a balance between innovation and the brand’s heritage through cropped jackets, cocoon shapes, trapeze cuts, bell sleeves, wide-cut jackets, skirt-dresses with embroidered flowers, and organza pinwheels.

Models featured on the runway were Kati Nescher (opening), Yumi Lambert, Lily McMenamy, Stella Tennant, Lindsey Wixson, Cara Delevingne, and Marte Mei van Haaster (closing). The front row welcomed celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Lou Doillon, Caroline de Maigret, Caroline Sieber, Laetitia Casta, Mario Testino, Erin Wasson, Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert, and Carine Roitfeld.

Lagerfeld described the collection as centered on “pearls, pearls, and pearls,” focusing on combining volume with lightness—qualities he noted are rarely found together. Regarding the show’s scale, he emphasized energy over size as its defining characteristic.

Chanel Ready-to-Wear Fall 2013 Runway Show

The Fall 2013 Chanel Ready-to-Wear Show was staged on March 4 at Paris’s Grand Palais to commemorate the brand’s centenary with a spectacle underscoring its global footprint. A giant illuminated globe displaying more than 300 flags—each representing a Chanel boutique—dominated the venue while Karl Lagerfeld revealed 80 new creations set to Daft Punk’s “Around the World.”

The collection featured relaxed oversized jackets, A-line forms, dropped waistlines, asymmetrical hems, and dramatic sleeves. Textiles ranged from tweed and quilted silk to boucle wool, cashmere, and chiffon. The color scheme combined black and white with teal, red, and grey tones enhanced by shimmering tweeds and metallic weaves.

Models such as Ashleigh Good (both opening and closing), Xiao Wen Ju, Marine Deleeuw, Iris van Berne, Josephine Le Tutour, Nadja Bender, Daphne Groeneveld, Meghan Collison, Shu Pei Qin, and Louise Parker graced the runway.

Distinguished guests included Jessica Chastain; Princess Caroline of Hanover; photographers Mario Testino and Patrick Demarchelier; Inès de la Fressange; Caroline Sieber; Amber Kuo; Frank Ocean; Vanessa Paradis; and Yi Zhou.

Actress-model Milla Jovovich praised the lineup for fusing Coco Chanel’s timeless spirit with contemporary aesthetics through flowing coats and enduring silhouettes.

Karl Lagerfeld described the collection as dark yet not melancholic—a cosmopolitan style tailored for an international clientele. He underscored the significance of emerging markets beyond Europe in driving growth for French luxury brands and identified globalization as a central theme symbolized by the display of global flags.

Chanel Ready-to-Wear Spring 2014 Runway Show

On September 30, 2013, the Chanel Ready-to-Wear Spring 2014 collection was unveiled at Paris's Grand Palais. Karl Lagerfeld showcased a lineup inspired by Pop Art, drawing clear influences from Andy Warhol, presenting a total of 89 distinct ensembles. The venue was transformed into an art gallery ambiance, adorned with quintessential Chanel motifs such as camellias, pearls, and No.5 perfume bottles.

The runway featured a variety of pieces including cropped sweaters, leather trousers, flared skirts, and oversized tweed jackets. Accessories ranged from backpacks with graffiti aesthetics and canvas shoppers embellished with beadwork to metallic mini purses crafted from leather and plexiglass bags emblazoned with the Chanel logo. The color scheme incorporated shades of white, black, pink, and purple. Lagerfeld described the collection as a satirical take on society's exaggerated reactions to contemporary art, supported visually by an installation of 75 artworks serving as the backdrop.

Among the models were Cara Delevingne, who opened the show, alongside Devon Windsor, Ming Xi, Ieva Laguna, Grace Hartzel, Holly Rose Emery, Grace Mahary, Josephine Skriver, and Lindsey Wixson, who closed the presentation. The audience included notable figures such as Katy Perry, Rita Ora, Kate Upton, Vanessa Paradis, Zoë Kravitz, and Inès de la Fressange.

Regarding the installation design, Lagerfeld noted that he personally oversaw the creation and scaling of the models himself, emphasizing that the concept was rooted in everyday life rather than traditional red-carpet glamour.

Chanel Ready-to-Wear Fall 2014 Runway Show

Held on March 3, 2014, at Paris’s Grand Palais, the Chanel Ready-to-Wear Fall 2014 runway event transformed the space into an expansive supermarket maze covering 139,930 square feet. Each model took approximately 4.5 minutes to navigate this elaborate set. Referred to by Elle magazine as the most luxurious supermarket worldwide, the Chanel Shopping Center displayed branded products ranging from doormats and paint cans to Pringles and bath salts; even guests' seats were ingeniously fashioned from cardboard boxes.

The soundtrack featured remixed tracks by Lady Gaga and Rihanna. At the conclusion of the show, attendees were invited to take free fruits and vegetables from the set-up, resulting in an enthusiastic rush for these giveaways.

The collection highlighted hourglass shapes with pronounced shoulders and layered looks over leggings. Signature elements included corseted waists paired with knee-length skirts and trapeze-style coats. Materials used encompassed tweed, cashmere, jersey knits, silk, leather, and chiffon. The palette ranged from vibrant pinks and oranges to deep burgundy purples and classic blacks. Accessories such as padlock necklaces, quilted headphones, sneakers, and sneaker boots complemented the sporty yet sophisticated aesthetic. The supermarket backdrop served as a commentary on consumer culture.

Following the show, Rihanna commended the youthful layering techniques and color choices alongside the wearable tweed pieces. Alicia Vikander praised Chanel's appeal across different age groups while Keira Knightley admired Karl Lagerfeld’s ongoing innovation and visionary approach.

Cara Delevingne opened this presentation featuring 78 outfits. Other models included Lindsey Wixson, Julia Nobis, Binx Walton, Kati Nescher, Malaika Firth, Stella Tennant, Kendall Jenner, Fei Fei Sun, and Marine Deleeuw. Nastya Sten closed the runway. Among those attending were Keira Knightley, Rihanna, Melanie Griffith, Alicia Vikander, Baptiste Giabiconi, Elisa Sednaoui, among others.

Chanel Ready-to-Wear Spring 2015 Runway Show

On September 30, 2014, the Chanel Ready-to-Wear Spring 2015 collection was unveiled at Paris's Grand Palais. The runway stretched an impressive 130 meters, styled as Boulevard Chanel to evoke a fashion protest atmosphere. Karl Lagerfeld’s creative team constructed a detailed urban setting complete with building fronts, wrought-iron balconies, sidewalks, and reflective puddles. This collection highlighted themes of female empowerment, personal identity, and creative self-expression through versatile mix-and-match ensembles.

The designs featured a variety of forms including double-breasted blazers, utility-style field jackets, flared pants, polo tops paired with track pants, box-pleated skirts, and elegant evening dresses. Materials ranged from knits and silk to lace, chiffon, tweed, and leather.

The finale showcased protest placards bearing slogans like "Tweed is Better Than tweet," "Be Your Own Stylist," "Make Fashion Not War," "Free Freedom," "Ladies First," "Women's Rights Are More Than Alright," and "History is Her Story." The soundtrack accompanying the show was Chaka Khan’s empowering anthem "I'm Every Woman."

Cara Delevingne led the presentation with a megaphone, introducing 86 distinct looks. The lineup of models included Melina Gesto, Josephine Le Tutour, Sanne Vloet, Charlotte Free, Daphne Groeneveld, Georgia May Jagger, Sam Rollinson, Lexi Boling, Valery Kaufman, Taylor Hill, Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Joan Smalls, and Gisele Bündchen. Lindsey Wixson concluded the show with a feminist-themed march. Among the audience were notable figures such as Anna Mouglalis, Baz Luhrmann, Catherine Martin, Julie Delpy, Alma Jodorowsky, Elisa Sednaoui, Laura Neiva, Alexa Chung, Caroline Sieber, Yi Zhou, Razane Jammal, and Kris Jenner.

In an interview with Tim Blanks from Style.com, Lagerfeld expressed his intention to present garments as everyday streetwear—pieces designed for mixing and matching rather than traditional runway statements. Stefano Tonchi of W Magazine lauded the collection as a poignant social critique capturing current cultural sentiments.

Chanel Ready-to-Wear Fall 2015 Runway Show

The Chanel Ready-to-Wear Fall 2015 collection was presented on March 10, 2015, at the Grand Palais in Paris under the title "French Collection." The space was transformed into Brasserie Gabrielle—a Left Bank café ambiance featuring polished wood surfaces, leather seating, brass accents, and an oval bar centerpiece. The collection focused on layering with items such as blouses layered under cardigans and sweater dresses; oversized anoraks; leather joggers; lace leggings; pencil skirts; tweed suits; cap-toe slingbacks; origami-inspired quilted puff coats; and sheer cocktail dresses. The production included actors portraying waiters and baristas serving coffee and croissants. Models entered via a revolving door before settling into banquette seating.

Cara Delevingne both opened and closed this show which included 98 outfits. Other prominent models featured were Mica Arganaraz, Kendall Jenner, Joan Smalls, Grace Mahary, Sasha Luss, Taylor Hill, and Lily Donaldson. Attendees counted Stella Tennant, Florence Welch, Inès de la Fressange, Carmen Kass, Patrick Demarchelier, Alma Jodorowsky, and Marie-Ange Casta among their ranks.

Style.com characterized the event as Lagerfeld’s tribute to Paris: “This was for the attitude, for the femininity, for the spirit of Chanel... a renewed sexiness from another era made contemporary,” he stated. Caroline de Maigret reflected on Lagerfeld’s deep connection to French culture through this collection: “The French brasserie moves me... like my cultural roots coming out.” Lou Doillon remarked on the authentic café atmosphere combined with 1960s-inspired tweeds and silhouettes.

Lagerfeld further explained that despite prevalent criticisms of France abroad, his goal was to highlight genuine French cultural elements deserving celebration. He also emphasized that fashion design is an ongoing conversation that demands continuous innovation to maintain relevance within the industry.

Chanel Ready-to-Wear Spring 2016 Runway Show

On October 6, 2015, the Chanel Ready-to-Wear Spring 2016 collection was unveiled at the Grand Palais in Paris, which had been creatively transformed into an airport terminal. The set featured elements such as double C-branded luggage carts and airline personnel, with a departures board listing future events in cities like Shanghai, Salzburg, New York, London, and Rome under the theme "Chanel Airlines Terminal."

The lineup included classic tweed ensembles, pencil skirts, jackets with dropped shoulders, and knitted skirts. Accessories ranged from quilted carry-on bags and velcro sandals to driving gloves and aviator sunglasses. The color scheme incorporated white, black, silver, pink, and powder blue hues. Fabrics used spanned wool, leather, denim, lurex, PVC, sequins, crystals, silk, chiffon, and tulle.

Edie Campbell opened the presentation among a total of 95 looks. Other runway participants included Lexi Boling, Lauren de Graaf, Josephine Le Tutour, Greta Varlese, Lineisy Montero, Chiara Scelsi, and Kendall Jenner; Mica Arganaraz closed the show.

The audience featured notable figures such as Janelle Monáe, Vanessa Paradis, Jean-Paul Goude, Lily-Rose Depp, Cara Delevingne, Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert, Liu Wen, Maria Sharapova, Lewis Hamilton, Inès de la Fressange, Marine Vacth, Virginie Ledoyen, Clotilde Hesme, and Céline Sallette.

Karl Lagerfeld described the concept as designing "the perfect airport," aiming to evoke an idealized travel experience free from usual inconveniences. Michel Gaubert commented on the show’s cheerful airport ambiance. Audrey Marnay highlighted the innovative use of fresh prints and elongated skirts. Lagerfeld emphasized the playful reinterpretation of Chanel’s iconic suits—minimalist designs without buttons or pockets—drawing inspiration from airplane forms.

Chanel Ready-to-Wear Fall 2016 Runway Show

Held on March 8, 2016 at Paris's Grand Palais, the Chanel Ready-to-Wear Fall 2016 show departed from previous seasons’ elaborate stage designs by featuring a 600-meter-long runway that allowed all 3,000 attendees to enjoy an exclusive front-row perspective. Vogue UK characterized the collection as embodying Chanel for a contemporary generation.

Incorporating elevated streetwear influences, the silhouettes embraced utilitarian luxury with deconstructed and frayed details. The collection presented slimmer cuts including suits, cropped jackets, metallic skirts, and trench coats. Accessories were oversized and dramatic—jeweled belt buckles complemented long knitted gloves and layered pearl necklaces. The color palette blended white, grey, black, silver with accents of fuchsia and red. Textiles ranged from tweed and jacquard to lamé, chiffon, organza, and lace.

Mica Arganaraz opened the showcase featuring 93 looks. Other models included Edie Campbell, Selena Forrest, Julia Bergshoeff, Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, and Kendall Jenner; Ondria Hardin concluded the runway presentation. Distinguished guests comprised Isabelle Huppert, Jada Pinkett Smith, Pharrell Williams, Stella Tennant, Anna Wintour, Wendy Murdoch, and Halsey.

Pharrell Williams commended the production’s scale and choreography likening it to "synchronized swimming," noting the difficulty of models walking nearly half a mile along the runway. Karl Lagerfeld explained that the design aimed to grant every attendee a front-row experience while accommodating a dynamic lifestyle through swift movement across the expansive catwalk.

Chanel Ready-to-Wear Spring 2017 Runway Presentation

Titled "Intimate Technology" to honor advancements in digital innovation, the Chanel Ready-to-Wear Spring 2017 runway event was held on October 4, 2016, at the Grand Palais in Paris. The venue was transformed into a massive mainframe computer, complete with sounds of clicking, whirring, and flashing circuit boards. This "Chanel Data Center" environment featured robotic attendants called CocoBots dressed in Chanel suits who greeted the audience.

Vogue Italia portrayed the futuristic, sci-fi atmosphere using a color scheme reminiscent of server rooms—white, blue, purple, green, pink, and black. The materials showcased ranged from cotton, lace, silk, tweed, leather to lurex. The designs emphasized oversized and layered shapes: puffed jackets combined with chiffon dresses printed with techno and laser optic motifs; tweed jackets layered over lace dresses created striking contrasts. Lagerfeld merged contemporary metallic tweeds with delicate pieces like slips, camisoles, lace shorts, and bed jackets. Accessories included metallic ballet flats, crystal belts, fluorescent LED handbags spelling out Chanel, clutches resembling circuit boards, and sideways-worn baseball caps.

The show opened with model Amanda Sanchez presenting 86 ensembles set to Donna Summer’s "I Feel Love." The runway featured models such as Teddy Quinlivan, Greta Varlese, Josephine Le Tutour, Jasmine Tookes, Romee Strijd, Jing Wen, Vittoria Ceretti, Taylor Hill, Lia Pavlova, Sarah Brannon, and Odette Pavlova. Cris Herrmann closed the presentation. Among the guests were Anna Dello Russo, Carla Bruni Sarkozy, Francis Bean Cobain, Courtney Love, Inès de la Fressange, Lily-Rose Depp, Usher, Cecile Cassel, Diane Rouxel, Gaspard Ulliel, and Thylane Blondeau.

Lily-Rose Depp commended the collection’s oversized coats and reverse jackets that showcased Chanel’s signature chain detail. Caroline de Maigret highlighted the blend of heritage and technology through innovative textiles and designs inspired by computer cables. Nana Komatsu favored the vibrant tweed suits paired with streetwear-style caps. Gaspard Ulliel described the collection as a youthful reinterpretation of classic Chanel elements by Karl Lagerfeld. Anna Mouglalis appreciated how the interplay of light and color on stage enhanced the collection’s mix of delicacy, modernity, and tradition.

Chanel Ready-to-Wear Fall 2017 Runway Presentation

On March 7, 2017, Karl Lagerfeld unveiled the Chanel Ready-to-Wear Fall 2017 collection at Paris’s Grand Palais. The show featured a space exploration theme culminating in a dramatic finale where a 35-meter Chanel-branded rocket appeared to launch off the runway to Elton John’s "Rocket Man." The concept drew inspiration from French astronaut Thomas Pesquet and his missions with the European Space Agency (ESA), reflecting an aerospace motif.

The Los Angeles Times described the collection as a luxurious takeoff into outer space. Key pieces included boxy tweed jackets paired with Bermuda shorts, silver leather ensembles, foil-quilted capes, glittering boots, and collars adorned with diamanté stones. Accessories featured jewel-encrusted ear warmers and arm warmers alongside silver backpacks and rocket-shaped minaudières. The color palette centered on black, silver, white, grey, and blue while fabrics ranged from tweed and leather to shearling, wool, silk, lurex, chiffon, and jersey embellished with crystals and sequins.

The runway showcased 96 outfits beginning with Cara Taylor and concluding with Ondria Hardin. Other models walking included Birgit Kos, Camille Hurel, Catherine McNeil, Frederikke Sofie, Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Josephine Le Tutour, and Arizona Muse. Attendees comprised Lily-Rose Depp, Lottie Moss, Pharrell Williams, Cara Delevingne, Vanessa Paradis, Lily Allen, Sofia Coppola, and Amandla Stenberg.

Tim Blanks of Business of Fashion observed Lagerfeld’s evolution from previous shows in Tokyo and Cuba leading up to this cosmic-themed finale. Celebrities such as Rita Ora praised Lagerfeld for capturing youthful vibrancy combined with contemporary sparkle. Inès de La Fressange emphasized his visionary mindset and deliberate move away from nostalgic references.

Chanel Ready-to-Wear Spring 2018 Runway Show

On October 3, 2017, the Chanel Ready-to-Wear Spring 2018 collection was unveiled at Paris's Grand Palais. Vogue portrayed the stage design as an indoor rendition of the Gorges du Verdon, embodying themes of hopefulness, artisanal craftsmanship, and progressive fashion.

Karl Lagerfeld presented an array of plastic outerwear including coats and capes, alongside fringed tweed and lurex fabrics enhanced with crystal embellishments. The lineup featured plastic boots, hats, and protective accessories layered atop tweed suits and dresses that incorporated futuristic elements. The designs evoked a fusion of 1960s futurism with echoes from the 1980s, drawing parallels to André Courrèges and Paco Rabanne. Donna Summer’s track "I Feel Love" set the mood for the show. The materials spanned tweed, macramé, chiffon, PVC, denim, georgette, silk, and leather. Colors ranged from ivory and straw to navy, black, turquoise, emerald, and pink.

Each season Lagerfeld transforms the Grand Palais into a distinct thematic space; this time it was transformed into an outdoor sanctuary featuring towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, rugged rocks, artificial lagoons, and sculptural panels measuring 50 feet high by 275 feet wide.

The presentation comprised 89 ensembles, with Kaia Gerber opening and Grace Elizabeth closing the show. Hair and makeup were styled by Sam McKnight with sleek ponytails complemented by Tom Pecheux’s blue eyeshadow inspired by the 1980s paired with red lipstick. Among the distinguished guests were Alice Dellal, Anna Mouglalis, Inès de la Fressange, Miroslava Duma, Monica Bellucci, Patrick Demarchelier, and Cindy Crawford.

Chanel Ready-to-Wear Fall 2018 Runway Show

Presented on March 6, 2018, at the Grand Palais in Paris, the Chanel Ready-to-Wear Fall 2018 runway featured a woodland-inspired set adorned with leaves, branches, and moss that carpeted the catwalk. This created a wistful ambiance reminiscent of 1980s elegance. Women's Wear Daily noted Lagerfeld’s installation of twenty-one oak and poplar trees to craft a naturalistic "Chanel forest" environment.

The collection included 81 outfits and was opened by Grace Elizabeth and concluded by Luna Bijl. Outerwear was prominent with tweed jackets, plush fur coats, and quilted puffers leading up to twelve black lace gowns closing the show. Hemlines varied from mini to ankle length. The palette encompassed blacks, greys, rust tones, deep greens, cobalt blue, burgundy hues, gold accents, and ivory shades. Fabrics ranged from tweed and lamé to mohair, jacquard, velvet, leather, fur, satin, and lace. The silhouettes were predominantly streamlined featuring elongated jackets, A-line coats, and voluminous skirts.

Among those attending were Carla Bruni, Carolina de Maigret, Marc Jacobs, Karen Elson, Keira Knightley, Lara Stone, Lily Allen, Liu Wen, Soo Joo Park, Stella Tennant, and Yasmine Le Bon.

Chanel Ready-to-Wear Spring 2019 Runway Show

The Chanel Ready-to-Wear Spring 2019 collection debuted on October 2, 2018 at Paris’s Grand Palais. Referred to as “C-side” by Vogue Runway, the set showcased a tropical beach scene complete with a tiki hut and miniature boardwalk. This marked a departure from previous seasons’ forest and waterfall motifs toward a coastal theme featuring sand dunes, turf patches resembling waves, and lifeguard stations. Sustainability was emphasized through water recycling via municipal systems and repurposing sand for construction use. The design concept drew inspiration from Karl Lagerfeld's childhood vacations on Sylt island.

Lagerfeld described the setting as “the beach of one of my favorite places,” highlighting its pristine natural beauty along the North Sea coast. After the show concluded, model Poppy Delevingne praised the pastel hues alongside tweeds combined with raffia hats and sandals for evoking an elegant seaside holiday vibe.

The collection consisted of 82 pastel-toned ensembles in mint green, yellow shades, white tones and pinks that referenced late 1980s to early 1990s fashion trends including oversized blazers paired with bike shorts. Accessories featured playful beach ball-shaped minaudières alongside terrycloth handbags; models carried two crossbody bags simultaneously. Embroidered details and whimsical prints adorned logo-emblazoned tweed vests as well as caftans and tunics.

Models walking this season included Luna Bijl, Anna Ewers, Kaia Gerber, Carolina Thaler, Hiandra Martinez, Adwoa Aboah, Hoyeon Jung and Adut Akech. Distinguished guests included Pharrell Williams; Christa Theret; Emmanuelle Alt; Pamela Anderson; Poppy Delevingne; and Vanessa Paradis.

Chanel Ready-to-Wear Fall 2019 Runway Presentation

On March 5, 2019, the Chanel Ready-to-Wear Fall 2019 runway event was hosted at Paris's Grand Palais, transformed into a snowy alpine retreat reminiscent of a miniature Gstaad, as described by Cathy Horyn. The atmosphere was notably solemn, honoring the memory of Karl Lagerfeld, the brand’s longtime Creative Director who passed away on February 19, 2019. Lagerfeld had steered Chanel since 1983 through numerous cultural and technological evolutions. The show commenced with a moment of silence accompanied by an audio excerpt from one of Lagerfeld's podcasts.

The venue was reimagined as Chalet Gardenia, a wintry mountain lodge complete with ringing bells. The color scheme featured shades of black, white, tan, fuchsia, teal, and deep orange. Textures included houndstooth, tweed, striped prints, and fair isle motifs. The silhouettes ranged from chiffon gowns and leather trousers to jumpsuits, capes, high-waisted pants, and puffer jackets adorned with fur accents, feathers, and snowflake details. The soundtrack featured David Bowie’s "Heroes."

The lineup opened with Cara Delevingne showcasing the first of 72 ensembles, while Luna Bijl closed the presentation. Models such as Camille Hurel, Mica Argañaraz, Carolina Thaler, Anok Yai, Jing Wen, Selena Forrest, Soo Joo Park, Anna Ewers, Kaia Gerber, and Penélope Cruz also walked the runway. The audience of approximately 2,600 included celebrities like Ashley Benson, Caroline de Maigret, Claudia Schiffer, Karen Elson, Monica Bellucci, Janelle Monáe, Naomi Campbell, Marion Cotillard, and Kristen Stewart, who participated in a standing ovation. The press materials featured a self-portrait illustration by Lagerfeld alongside Gabrielle Chanel with the caption “The beat goes on...”.

Chanel Ready-to-Wear Spring 2020 Runway Presentation

On October 1, 2019, the Chanel Ready-to-Wear Spring 2020 collection was unveiled at the Grand Palais in Paris. This marked Virginie Viard’s debut ready-to-wear collection following the passing of Karl Lagerfeld earlier that year. The show depicted a Parisian rooftop scene where classic tweeds were reinvented into playsuits, coatdresses, bell-shaped skirts, mini shorts, and sequined jackets. Signature design features included ruffled collars, balloon sleeves, and voluminous skirts supported by petticoats. Accessories ranged from two-tone embellished sandals to oversized silk and tweed handbags; jewelry highlights included pearl brooches and crystal necklaces. Evening wear consisted of tiered chiffon, organza, and feathered dresses in hues of red, orange, pink, blue, black, and white.

Critics praised Viard for maintaining Chanel’s iconic tweed tradition and Lagerfeld’s theatrical production style while injecting her own youthful charm—evident in pieces like tweed rompers and metallic shorts paired with camellia-adorned jackets.

Bruno Pavlovsky, Chanel’s President of Fashion, highlighted Viard’s profound understanding of the brand cultivated over three decades alongside Lagerfeld combined with her fresh creative vision. Vogue remarked on her inspirations drawn from French New Wave cinema of the 1950s–60s era, referencing Brand Ambassador Kristen Stewart’s film Seberg and Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless. The front row welcomed prominent guests including Virginie Ledoyen, Caroline de Maigret, Isabelle Adjani, musician Sting, and rapper Cardi B.

The brand emphasized diversity in casting with Maike Inga opening the show featuring 83 looks and Rianne van Rompaey closing it. Additional models included Sacha Quenby, Anna Ewers, Gigi Hadid, and Kaia Gerber.

Hubert Barrere, Artistic Director at Lesage, described Viard’s direction as “simpler” and “less elaborate,” emphasizing texture and adaptability inspired by Parisian zinc rooftops and street lighting—an aesthetic reflecting Chanel’s heritage while evoking contemporary luxury.