Chanel Spring Summer 2024 Ready-to-Wear. Story by Kate Granger / RUNWAY MAGAZINE. Photo Courtesy: Chanel.
Nestled atop the picturesque heights of Hyères in the South of France, the historic Villa Noailles has long been a sanctuary of modernist artistry and boundless creative expression. For over a century, this architectural gem has played host to a vibrant tapestry of visionaries, and on the occasion of the Spring-Summer 2024 Ready-to-Wear show, Chanel pays homage to its enduring connection with this unique haven of creativity.
Virginie Viard, the Creative Director of Chanel, eloquently describes this collection as “an ode to freedom and movement,” a narrative that draws inspiration from the Villa Noailles’ enchanting gardens. With the Mediterranean waves just a stone’s throw away, the modernist villa, conceived by Charles and Marie-Laure de Noailles and brought to life by architect Robert Mallet-Stevens in 1923, basks in the radiant glow of the sun. Its terraced gardens, a harmonious blend of geometric design and lush foliage, provide an oasis of unbridled freedom.
The Spring-Summer 2024 Ready-to-Wear collection is set against this backdrop of natural beauty, and it radiates with an exhilarating vitality. Light and color take center stage, with an array of geometric patterns, asymmetrical contrasts, patchworks, lines, checks, and stripes adorning the garments. It’s a collection that exudes its unique vision of elegance and nonchalance, qualities cherished by Chanel’s artistic director.
In this collection, you’ll find indoor bathrobes in a kaleidoscope of colors, black or pink tweed jackets, and striped terrycloth jackets that celebrate relaxed luxury. Neoprene suits, lace dresses, and pants come to life with vibrant floral patterns. The spirit of joy and carefree living is contagious in short dresses, sun-pleated tops, striped Bermuda shorts, and open-breasted double-breasted jackets with hands casually tucked in pockets.
Virginie Viard sought to merge sophistication with relaxation, combining tweed, sportswear, and lace to create a harmonious blend of opposites. The stunning backdrop of Villa Noailles, with its exceptional setting, served as the perfect canvas for this artistic endeavor.
The collection seamlessly transitions from swimsuits to organza nighties, sportswear, and evening dresses, all bathed in the same warm, sunny aura. Garments break free from conventional constraints, featuring low waistlines and flat heels. Suits are lightweight and flexible, devoid of shoulder pads or heavy lining. Jackets-vests, cardigans worn as dresses, pants with pockets, knots, and pleats add to the sense of movement and freedom.
In this captivating collection, we witness yet another stunning variation of the chequerboard pattern, reminiscent of the classic damier design. The interplay of big, bold, and colorful squares with the smaller, elegant black and white ones creates a dynamic visual contrast that truly speaks to the artistry behind this collection. It’s a testament to the designer’s ability to take a timeless pattern and infuse it with new life, showcasing their creativity and innovation in the world of fashion. This addition further underscores the depth and richness of this remarkable collection, making it a must-have for fashion enthusiasts.
A certain sensuousness pervades the pieces, particularly the black organza dresses, shirts, petticoats, and bras, whose transparency encourages playful layering. A nod to the remarkable Marie-Laure de Noailles and the iconic Gabrielle Chanel is evident in the black sunglasses adorned with elegant gold chains.
The Spring-Summer 2024 Ready-to-Wear collection from Chanel is a celebration of joy, sport, elegance, and carefree living. It beckons you to embrace life in the great outdoors, offering a delightful fusion of freedom and refinement. In this collection, Chanel once again proves its ability to push the boundaries of fashion while remaining steadfastly rooted in timeless elegance.
See All Looks Chanel Spring Summer 2024 Ready-to-Wear
