If you’re on the fashion side of social media, then you know that earlier this week, celebrities, Chanel ambassadors, and friends of the House all trekked to LA for the Chanel Cruise 2023/34 show. The show itself was held at Hollywood’s legendary Paramount Studios melding the worlds of fashion, sport, and cinema. Oozing the energetic spirit of the 1970s and 80s plus the glamour of the 1920s and 30s, the collection as a whole is an eclectic mix of silhouettes. From chic separates to rhinestoned hot pants and tiny denim shorts to eveningwear that feels quintessentially Chanel, the Cruise 2024 is Virginie Viard’s imaginative exploration of Chanel’s historic codes.
“The idea is to offer a breath of fresh air, a voyage, a light-hearted and happy fantasy” – Virginie Viard
Colorful Totes, Sequined Flaps, and More
As for the bags, a variety of silhouettes were presented, with some models showing off the double bagged look, juxtaposing colorful flap bags with ombré iterations of the Deauville. Coco-logoed sequined flaps add a touch of glamour alongside stunning metallic leathers presented throughout. A hint of novelty, one model was spotted carrying a minaudière in the shape of a vehicle – a true ode to Karl Lagerfeld, the king of novelty. The multi-colored palette is bold and vibrant but is meant to be balanced by Chanel’s more traditional tones of muted pastels and emblematic white and black. Take a look below at bags from the runway, images courtesy of Chanel.
It looks like I’m in the minority here, but I feel like it’s pretty tacky overall. There’s something about the bags that appear cheap. I do like some pieces. Sad to know that Chanel quality is poor now, although I guess it saves my wallet.
People have been claiming that Chanel quality is “poor” for the past 30 years… yet the brand has never had such a strong following.
I love all the pretty colors!!
This is what Chanel has become, a (expensive) gimmick. What is their demographic? By the look of the clothes it appears to be 10-18y/o? This is all very childish, rainbows, metallics, they are only missing a unicorn. They just throw some rainbow through their signature pieces and call it fashion. Seriously, would any chic stylish professional woman aged 30+ (who Chanel should be marketing towards) actually wear any of this? It is very juvenile and lazy. They are appeasing a demographic who cant afford to buy this. Yes, I understand, the 90’s are back along with neon and ankle warmers but why be so literal Chanel? Did you run out of ideas? **OK RANT OVER**
Chanel’s style, old and new, never seems to jive with me and my colleagues BUT as a 30+ professional I can say that rainbow or metallic colors can definitely work in our professional environment. More often than not what we wear in my office and clients’/vendors’ offices are pretty muted, but then someone has bright red shoes or a colorful belt or an ombre bag etc. No, none of my colleagues would wear any of these looks head-to-toe, but the problem wouldn’t be the color per se.
I do, however, most definitely agree with your statement that Chanel seems to just throw color onto the exact same thing again and again, OR try something way too out of their usual style (the mesh tshirt dress? what?) every single time I see any runway by them. My mind is blown on why someone would waste tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands on Chanel personally. Even if I loved them to death I think I’d be done building a collection from them in about 4 seasons max.
Ed, I am sure some pieces can work depending on the professional setting but I just don’t see this hitting their demographic, it’s like they aren’t even trying, which is insulting to everyone who actually loves Chanel.
Is your rant because they dared to use colour in this collection?
Laura, this is not “daring”, nor fashion forward, something Chanel used to be known for. The rant is because I am sick of seeing Chanel half ass things and jack up the prices, using their “fan base” like ATMs, thinking that were too stupid to see what they’re really doing. Where is the design? Where is the creativity? Where is the COUTURE? This reminds me all too much of their $1000 Advent calendar – next runway will we see the models covered in CC stickers and fridge magnets? As the top execs laugh at us all the way to the bank. It would be one thing if the quality of Chanel was still high caliber impeccable but they’ve even went lax on that. It’s just frustrating and insulting ***Shrug***
It seems to me they are doing exactly that. Not only Chanel but I see this frequently with other brands as well. Maybe they are aiming young generations (aka rich kids) without few to no knowledge in fashion that would buy anything as long as it would get them social media engagement. I love the colours though, but I would not spend money on what will last max a couple of years.
The colors im in love with! Chanel knows me too well my weakness ombre rainbow pastel. Wish that deauville tote came in the small size (similar to the PST one). The big size seems heavy considering its all leather. I love that tweed coat but the rest looks like it is targeting the juvenile/teenager crowd similar to the last collection (AW collection i think where there were lots of pink and plaid colors).
What a great collection! I think I love (almost) everything!
I’m upvoting you for the amazing username
HAHA Thank you!
Lots to like here. The colours are fabulous. The ombre is my cup of tea.
The ombre dress is love!
A Chanel flap backpack?
Cher from Clueless would love this collection. Especially the last look. Chanel is competing with Gucci’s whimsy, but Gucci does color much better in RTW. This collection, aside from the VW bus minaudiere, is a travesty.
All so cute! Some of these gives me Barbie vibes, too. Love the VW Bus clutch, can’t imagine the cost for it if Chanel is hiding the price.
I love CHANEL everything! I think this collection is inspiring, fresh, I love all the color! I want it all!!! I’ve been buying CHANEL for 40 years now, it’s all worth it! There’s only 1 CHANEL let’s appreciate what goes into this brand! respect the heritage, the art, the dream 👌
Long live CHANEL ❤️
CHANEL 2024 Fabulous!
Firewoman 🔥