First showcased at the Carrières des Lumières in the south of France earlier in May, Chanel’s cruise 2022 collection was unveiled before an appreciative audience in Dubai on 2 November. The French maison is well known for its destination cruise shows in far-flung locations, and this was its first international event since the pandemic put a pause on travel. Besides the show itself, the brand had a host of other activities up its sleeve, including a surprise piano performance, and a Style Talk.
In May 2014, Karl Lagerfeld transported guests to a reclaimed island off the coast of Dubai, with them arriving on boat to view the cruise 2015 collection. This time around, the brand welcomed house ambassadors Penélope Cruz, Caroline de Maigret and Soo Joo Park, as well as friends and guests of the maison such as Egyptian actress Tara Emad, to Dubai’s Creek Harbour district for the replica show.
Against a backdrop of olive branches projected onto a set draped in beige fabric, a callback to the setting of the first show, models clad in monochromatic ensembles with punk-rock flourishes came down the runway. Virginie Viard was inspired by the friendship between Gabrielle Chanel and poet, playwright and filmmaker, Jean Cocteau; as well as the latter’s film, Testament of Orpheus.
Post-show, guests moved on to the after-party. There, they were treated to DJ sets by Wladimir Schall, Soo Joo Park and Kungs; as well as a surprise performance by John Legend and Moroccan-Canadian singer-songwriter, Faouzia.
The next day, Chanel ambassadors Caroline de Maigret, Soo Joo Park and in-house model Amanda Sanchez came together for a Style Talk, moderated by journalist Alice Cavanagh. The trio had previously hosted another edition in 2019, after the Paris – New York Métiers d’art collection presentation in Seoul. In front of an audience of journalists and VIP clients, the group discussed their impressions of the cruise 2022 collection, sharing their favourite pieces and personal styling tips.
Dressed in a silk jacket over a striped bathing suit paired with high-waisted trousers, Caroline de Maigret delved deeper into the inspiration behind the cruise collection. The French model and music producer also enlightened the audience as to the significance of the collection’s first show location in the village of Les Baux-de-Provence.
Brazilian-Parisienne in-house model Amanda Sanchez discussed her daily life, and how she navigates the creative process in a loose-fitting crêpe jacket and trouser combination.
Finally, South Korean model Soo Joo Park discussed her relationship with the brand as its global ambassador, and shared her styling tips. Dressed in a black fishnet number with jewelled straps layered over a white dress, her look was in keeping with the monochromatic colour palette and punk-rock influence seen on the runway, and the perfect example of how to style the different pieces in the collection.
