Lights, camera, action! The grandeur of Chanel’s Cruise 2023/2024 collection unfolded under the Hollywood sky at Paramount Studios, transforming the evening into a star-laden spectacle.
The star-studded guest list included such names as Margot Robbie, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Kristen Stewart. The evening was further amplified by the tunes of Snoop Dogg, the aroma of food trucks, and the kinetic energy of roller skaters. As Lucy Boynton remarked, the blending of fashion and cinema within the studio lot was indeed magical.
Hollywood’s finest graced the event, with Chanel ambassadors Kristen Stewart, Marion Cotillard, and Margot Robbie leading the pack. Joining them were a host of luminaries, including Issa Rae, Rashida Jones, Paris Hilton, Camila Morrone, Kris Jenner, Rose Byrne, Lil Nas X, and many more. Despite the ongoing writer’s strike in Hollywood, the event proceeded as the venue was deemed a neutral territory.
A lively California boardwalk-styled gala welcomed the illustrious crowd, buzzing with food trucks and roller skaters. Tracee Ellis Ross, Rashida Jones, Elle Fanning, Iris Apatow, H.E.R., and Christina Milian, among others, exchanged warm greetings, compliments, and candid moments.
Influencer Marianna Hewitt was seen capturing the glamour on her phone, including a dazzling Sofia Richie, donned in Chanel for her recent nuptials. Richie playfully flaunted her outfit for Hewitt’s camera, proudly declaring, “I’m obviously in Chanel.”
As the attendees settled in their seats, the Paramount lot near the water tower morphed into a roller rink runway, under the shadow of a gigantic screen displaying a hypnotic film of models amidst monochromatic shots of palm trees and open sky.
Cruise 2023/24 Collection: A Stunning Display of Chanel’s Signature Elegance
The Cruise 2023/24 collection dazzled the crowd with Chanel’s signature styles giving a modern twist with sparkling rhinestones, sequins, and vibrant color combinations. Drawing inspiration from various eras, the collection embodied the glamour of the 1920s and 30s, along with the lively rhythm of the 1970s and 80s. It was an elegant fusion of history and contemporary trends, filling the runway with smiles and a sense of anticipation.
The fashion show was a visual treat, presenting playful takes on Chanel aesthetics like rhinestone-embellished mini-shorts, sequined jumpsuits, embroidered bustier tank tops, and luxurious loungewear. The collection balanced the glamour of Hollywood stars and the joy of sports and aerobics, as Chanel’s creative director Virginie Viard noted, showcasing a blend of dreams and wearable fashion.
Highlights of the collection included the metallic robes and twenties-style eveningwear, beautifully timed for the upcoming Cannes Film Festival. The show also featured pieces in various shades of pink and gold, evoking the golden era of cinema, California sunshine, and illustrious actresses under the spotlight.
The collection included a variety of fun motifs, from palm trees to disco balls, roller skates to sunsets, adorning pieces with rhinestones, ombré shading, and metallic leathers. As Viard expressed, the collection was designed to bring forth a breath of fresh air, a journey into a fantasy world that’s light-hearted and joyful.
Chanel’s Cruise 2023/24 Post-show
Post-show, Snoop Dogg took center stage, turning up the energy and bringing the crowd to its feet. Marion Cotillard swayed to the beat, Champagne in hand, rapping along to Snoop Dogg’s hits. Snoop Dogg’s performance, his debut at a fashion show, further elevated the night, with Anderson. Paak joins him on stage for a surprise performance.
Chanel has a history of choosing breathtaking locations for their resort collections, and this marks the second time they’ve selected the captivating landscapes of the West Coast. The inaugural occasion was back for the Cruise 2007/08 show, held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. That event remains etched in our memories, with models stunningly disembarking from jets adorned with the unmistakable Chanel logo.
It’s worth noting that Chanel doesn’t confine itself to familiar surroundings when it comes to showcasing its resort collections. They are renowned for transporting fashion to the most unexpected and exotic locales. An exquisite example of this is the Cruise 2022/23 runway show, which was orchestrated against the stunning backdrop of Monte-Carlo Beach in Monaco, and was later recreated under the vibrant sun of Miami Beach just last November.
Every Chanel event is more than just a fashion show – it’s a unique experience, a journey that transcends geographical boundaries, transporting fashion enthusiasts into a world of unparalleled luxury and elegance.
As the evening proceeded, the captivating show with a star-studded guest list drew to a grand conclusion. Snoop Dogg, the legendary rapper, took the stage to raucous applause. Marion Cotillard, a glass of champagne in hand, bobbed along to the beats of “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang,” completely immersed in the euphoria of the moment.
“Are you all having the time of your lives tonight?” he enthusiastically asked the ecstatic crowd. “Let’s elevate the energy, the Chanel way,” he continued, acknowledging his family among the sea of guests. He introduced the audience to his first fashion show experience, promising to bring the unique essence of his neighborhood to this glamorous fashion event. As he dove into his hit song “The Next Episode,” the crowd was consumed by a palpable excitement.
In a stunning surprise, Anderson Paak joined Snoop Dogg on stage to perform “Smokin Out the Window.” Anderson Paak couldn’t contain his excitement, “Do you realize how special this moment is?” he asked the audience. He teasingly called out for Bruno Mars, only to reveal, “He’s not here. My bad.”
This marked the second time Chanel opted for the West Coast for its resort collection, the previous one being the Cruise 2007/08 show in Santa Monica. The fashion house has an exciting history of showcasing its collections in exotic, far-flung locations, such as Monte-Carlo Beach in Monaco and Miami Beach.
Chanel’s Cruise 2023/24 runway show lived up to its reputation, with the production value rivaling any blockbuster film. It’s no surprise considering Chanel’s deep connections with Hollywood, contributing iconic pieces to memorable film moments, including Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Barbie movie and this year’s Cannes Film Festival opening night film, Maïwenn’s Jeanne du Barry.
Chanel’s storied association with Hollywood goes beyond the red carpet. The fashion house’s ties with the film industry trace back to founder Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s collaboration with Samuel Goldwyn on costumes for United Artists films in the 1930s. Over the years, Chanel has continued to entwine itself with the world of cinema through various partnerships, advertisements, and arts patronage.
Fast forward to now, Chanel has been making waves in Hollywood. Just this month, Chanel played a significant role as a sponsor of the Met Gala’s Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty– themed soirée. Following this, the label turned its attention to the West Coast with promotional art scattered around the city, teasing its runway show with celebrity names and enigmatic messaging that read “One Night Only.”
Before the show, attendees received a bedazzled collector’s pouch and T-shirt exclusively designed for the Chanel’s Cruise 2023/24 show, alongside personalized invitations that featured each guest’s name beside Robbie, Cotillard, and other celebrity headliners.
Unveiling of Chanel’s Largest U.S. Boutique at the Cruise 2023/24
Keeping up with the high-profile unveiling, Chanel introduced its largest boutique in the United States on May 5. Nestled on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, the Peter Marino-designed four-story building is home to a 30,000-square-foot space. The boutique showcases Chanel’s ready-to-wear collection on the ground floor, hinting that the new resort designs will soon be displayed for the public’s private viewing.
Lucy Boynton, filled with anticipation, couldn’t help but express her excitement about the illuminated footwear. “I can’t stop talking about the light-up shoes,” she confessed. “I would wear them everywhere — paired with those vibrant seventies outfits. There’s no place I wouldn’t wear light-up shoes — especially if they’re by Chanel.”
Thus, Chanel’s Cruise 2023/24 show marked yet another milestone in the brand’s illustrious history. The event, a stunning confluence of fashion, music, and cinema, was a testament to Chanel’s enduring relevance and its ability to adapt and evolve with the changing times.
As the final model strutted down the runway, the crowd erupted into applause, capturing the collective admiration and awe for the fashion spectacle they had just witnessed. The show was a true celebration of fashion, as well as a tribute to Chanel’s rich history and legacy.
Lively discussions filled the venue as attendees began to dissect the collection, appreciating the intricate details, the craftsmanship, and the creativity infused into every design. Critics and fashion enthusiasts alike lauded the show as a triumphant blend of classic Chanel aesthetics and contemporary style elements. The dazzling light-up shoes, a particular crowd favorite, were seen as a bold and innovative touch, marking a playful departure from Chanel’s usual sophisticated elegance.
As the guests began to trickle out, the venue buzzed with energy and excitement. Many were already looking forward to Chanel’s next collection, their expectations heightened by the spectacle they had just witnessed. And as always, the fashion world waited with bated breath, eager to see what Chanel would bring next to the global stage.
Backstage, Snoop Dogg and Anderson Paak, fresh off their electrifying performance, reveled in the euphoria of the successful event. “It was an honor to be part of this amazing show,” Snoop Dogg said, sharing his excitement at performing at a Chanel event. Anderson. Paak echoed his sentiments, expressing his admiration for the iconic brand and its ability to effortlessly blend the worlds of fashion and music.
As the night came to an end, it was evident that Chanel’s Cruise 2023/24 show was more than just a showcase of a new collection. It was an experience, a celebration, and a reflection of the brand’s unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining fashion norms.
True to its slogan, “One Night Only,” the show was indeed a once-in-a-lifetime experience, leaving an indelible mark on the memories of everyone present. The echoes of the applause and the beats of Snoop Dogg’s performance continued to reverberate long after the event concluded, a testament to the powerful impact of the show. The world of fashion, once again, had been captivated by the magic of Chanel.
