Chanel Unveils 2020-2021 Cruise Collection: ‘Balade en Méditerranée’

The first digital fashion show since the industry came to a standstill as a result of the coronavirus pandemic was always going to have its challenges. The past month has also re-ignited long-simmering conversations in luxury about race, inclusivity, and fashion's role in "a world pockmarked by pain," as Vanessa Friedman put it in the New York Times. Chanel is the first major label to take the plunge and today presented its Cruise Collection for 2020-2021, which was originally going to be staged in Capri. "We had to adapt: not only did we decide to use fabrics that we already had, but the collection, more generally, evolved," creative director Virginie Viard said. The designer put a premium on easy-to-wear and multipurpose garments, like skirts that can be worn as strapless dresses or jackets that can be elegantly tossed over bikinis—in other words, clothing that liberates movement. Pictured here, the entire Balade en Méditerranée collection.