Chanel Resort 2026: A Dream of Italian Elegance by the Shores of Lake Como

In the heart of the Italian lakes, where the air is thick with the scent of flowers and the golden light dances off tranquil waters, Chanel’s Resort 2026 collection unfolded like a dream. The stage was set at the iconic Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como, a setting that was as much a character in the show as the collection itself. With Matthieu Blazy’s much-anticipated debut as Chanel’s artistic director looming for the fall/winter ready-to-wear season, this collection marked the end of an era and, in many ways, the beginning of another.

The Villa d'Este, with its 19th-century splendor, served as the perfect backdrop for a collection that masterfully intertwined the elegance of Italian resort life with the timeless refinement of French craftsmanship. This was a tribute not just to the stunning location but to Coco Chanel’s own long-standing ties with Italy—a country she had first fallen for in the 1920s when she visited Venice. In fact, Chanel's relationships with legendary Italian filmmaker Luchino Visconti and his lakeside estates deeply influenced the atmosphere of the show, echoing their shared love of presentation, grandeur, and exacting taste.

And so, in the soft evening light, the audience—gathered around the gardens where wisteria hung heavy in the air—was treated to a collection that felt both cinematic and effortlessly chic, bringing to life the fantasy of an Italian summer retreat through the lens of Chanel’s inimitable style.

A Cinematic Palette of Summer Hues and Luxurious Textures

From the very first look—a soft, robe-style white ensemble that could easily have been worn to an afternoon by the lake—the collection set the tone: laid-back elegance with an undercurrent of Hollywood glamour. The models floated by in fluid fabrics that shimmered as though kissed by the Italian sun. A wave of soft pastels—peach, lavender, and wisteria—evoked the delicate hues of Villa d'Este’s famed gardens, while brighter shades of bougainvillea and camellia added a punch of color to the serene palette.

Blazy’s approach was rooted in a luxurious simplicity, where each piece felt timeless yet modern. A fluid pajama set in matte-gold cloqué reflected the sun’s light with a soft gleam, while a daring backless jumpsuit in bold pink and orange lamé shimmered as it moved, creating an entrance-making statement. Each piece was imbued with Chanel’s signature texture, from macramé and crochet to intricate lace detailing, all rendered in short, svelte silhouettes that channeled a sense of summer lightness, akin to the dresses worn by Romy Schneider in Visconti’s Boccaccio ’70.

The collection also paid homage to Chanel's own archival designs. Look 24, with its high-waisted tweed shorts and soft blazer, gave a contemporary twist to the house's classic styling, while the luxurious black evening gowns—crafted from rustling taffeta and worn with dramatic capes—were reminiscent of 1950s cinema glamour, as if plucked directly from a Visconti film. These moments were not just about fashion; they were about telling stories, evoking emotions, and conjuring the allure of a summer that would last forever.

The Perfect Blend of Italian Craftsmanship and French Chic

Chanel’s deep connection to Italian craftsmanship was palpable in every detail of the collection. Over the past five decades, the house has collaborated with some of Italy’s finest artisan workshops, from leather tanneries in Lombardy to silk producers around Lake Como. These partnerships have allowed Chanel to create some of the most exquisite accessories and haute couture pieces in the world. And in Resort 2026, this expertise was on full display.

The accessories alone were worth the price of admission. Straw bags and woven sun hats exuded an easy, breezy Italian charm, while crystal-embellished evening bags, adorned with a cascade of colorful gems, brought a touch of Chanel's signature glamour to the mix. The pearl necklaces—layered, delicate, and oh-so-chic—added a final touch of opulence, ensuring that no look was without its sparkle.

An Evolving Legacy: The Energy of Matthieu Blazy

As the crowd, filled with a star-studded mix of fashion icons like Sofia Coppola, Keira Knightley, and Lupita Nyong’o, absorbed the collection, Chanel’s President, Bruno Pavlovsky, took a moment to acknowledge the collaborative spirit behind the collection. “Chanel is more than any one designer. What we’ve learned from Karl and Virginie is the importance of continuity and the clarity of Chanel’s style,” he remarked. With Matthieu Blazy set to take the helm later this year, Pavlovsky hinted at the exciting new energy that the new artistic director would bring to the iconic house. The collection, which bridged the past and the future, was a sign of what’s to come: a contemporary, dynamic take on the timeless Chanel aesthetic.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the serene waters of Lake Como, the final look—an ethereal black evening gown—walked down the runway, completing a collection that was as cinematic as it was wearable. This was more than just a fashion show; it was an experience, a narrative woven through fabric and design, a reflection of Chanel’s legacy, and a glimpse into its future.

The evening at Villa d’Este had all the hallmarks of a Chanel dream—where past and present, luxury and ease, Italian elegance and French savoir-faire, collided in a symphony of style. With Matthieu Blazy now stepping into the role of the creative force at Chanel, one thing is certain: the future of the house is destined to be just as dazzling, timeless, and iconic as ever.

As the evening came to a close, the guests drifted away, leaving behind a lingering trace of silk scarves, sparkling accessories, and memories of a summer dream.