The Chanel Cruise 2022 collection is Virginie Viard’s strongest case (yet).

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As the holidays flew by and we enter the New Year, it’s remarkably already time to think of our escapes from the winter blues!

And while the pandemic continues to put strain on travel plans, credit cards around the globe can already be heard booking getaways to warm destinations — even if domestically. Because there’s no motivator quite like the unforgettable feeling of your frozen toes going numb in the bitter cold!

With all this in mind there can’t be a better time to hit the *reverse* button and circle back to the Chanel Cruise 2022 collection.

CHANEL Cruise 2022 Collection

The collection first appeared via a virtual runway show on Chanel.com back in May 2021 – which feels like two lifetimes (and variants) ago. The graphic resort-ready-styles cascaded down a meandering runway in Dubai that included a treacherous banister-free staircase that had me clutching my pearls in fear of a model losing her balance. So major kudos to all of them for staying upright!

Gravity and stairs aside, the 66-look Chanel Cruise 2022 collection represented the completion of two full fashion cycles for Virginie Viard as Karl Lagerfeld’s successor. She made her solo debut in Cruise 2020 and it’s no doubt been interesting to see where she stands as creative director following two years at the reigns of arguably the most influential existing French house.

Since Karl Lagerfeld’s passing, we’ve watched Chanel oscillate their way into a new era. And it’s understandably been a bit of a bumpy ride for Virginie Viard as she establishes a foothold while following in the footsteps of one of the most treasured names in fashion.

A PUNK ROMANCE

What was most delightful about the Cruise 2022 collection? Seeing Virginie Viard express her own point of view at a level we haven’t seen before. She followed the long resortwear tradition of referencing warmer days while injecting a playful spirit of pink. A black and white hibiscus print was weaved throughout the collection and models charged the runway in fishnet stockings with a pink hibiscus in hand.

The fusion of dark and light elements works well and it’s great to see Viard bear the weight on her shoulders while embracing a side of Chanel that very much reflects the moment.

There’s also a flirtatiousness to the Cruise 2022 collection that appeals to a younger audience with graphic prints, ankle boots, fringed skirts and a bodycon dress that I think has landed in just about every magazine’s December issue.

It’s clear Viard confidence has grown with each collection and that most definitely is reflected in her work. Her famous predecessors no doubt have made permanent marks on Chanel, but in a world far different than Gabrielle or Karl could have ever predicted — Virginie proves she’s connected to today much more than the past.

And isn’t that what we all want? What we all need and have to do? Move forward.

Enjoy a look at the Cruise 2022 collection below – which is now available in Chanel boutiques.

Shop Chanel Cruise 2022 Collection Looks by Virginie Viard I DreaminLace.com #fashionstyle #fashionshow — Pulling inspiration from the warmer seasons of Provence, Chanel’s Cruise 2022 collection featured a black and white hibiscus print.

Shop Chanel Cruise 2022 Looks by Virginie Viard I DreaminLace.com #fashionstyle #fashionshow — **Chanel Cruise 2022 Gold and Black Pointed Toe Pump**

Discover more of the Cruise 2022 collection on Chanel.com.

Shop the Chanel 2022 Cruise Collection

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