While the Chanel Haute Couture spring/summer 2021 collection was presented at its regular haunt of the extravagant Grand Palais, the house went back to digital format to unveil its looks to outsiders this season, which was visualised through a short film directed by Anton Corbijn. With Paris on lockdown, only a select few were present for the filming, including ambassadors and friends of the house Penélope Cruz, Marion Cotillard, Vanessa Paradis, Caroline De Maigret, Alma Jodorowsky and Lily-Rose Depp, who all sat well over six feet apart.
The collection itself was romantic yet modern in style, with models walking en masse down the Great Staircase adorned in feathers, camellias, lace and embroidery crafted by the Maisons d’art. Setting the mood for a summer of celebration, Virginie Viard has us looking forward to a season of al fresco soirees and garden parties thanks to pretty petticoats and tiers of flounced crepe georgette on pale pink dresses with matching ruffled boleros. Equally as graceful, a white daisy lace gown with removable skirt is top of our wish list.
Not to be overlooked, shoes came in the form of two-tone tango pumps with double straps and delicate gold boots with a practical wedge heel that are perfect for dancing.
To close the show, an elegant bride arrives by majestic white horse, showcasing an all-white long dress and train in ecru satin crêpe, embroidered by Lesage with strass and pearl butterflies. “I’m always thinking about what women would like to have in their wardrobe today,” concluded Viard. We definitely wouldn’t mind a little of this Chanel haute couture collection in ours.
