Chanel’s creative director Virginia Viard has gone a long way over the past year. You may still remember her last year’s Spring 2020 collection packed with drab suits, traditional tweeds and neutral shades, painfully lacking in spark and zest. However, Spring 2021 is a completely different story. The French designer did a full 180 and came up with a wedding collection instead.
Although last year brought nothing but coronavirus and dark thoughts to many, Virginia Viard seems to remain positive, even projecting that attitude to her newest Channel collection.
The inspiration drawn from the wedding atmosphere and passion for life is obvious at first sight and lends this collection some of the youthful, timeless spirit that Chanel sometimes lacks. Casting convention aside, the designer went mostly for a relaxed, boho look, complemented with an elegant touch and some traditional menswear elements. The outcome is a chic collection catering to the bridesmaid, mother and grandmother of the bride and, of course, the bride herself.
This snow-white crêpe gown covered in rhinestones and pearls became the highlight of the whole show. Can you hear the wedding bells?
Whereas in the last years‘ collection a sign of spring mood was hard to find, this year there’s plenty to choose from. Did you think flowers in your hair or flower crowns were a dated look? Chanel will have you think again. Same goes for the everlasting lace, florals, bows and ruffles, which are not going anywhere anytime soon. Dramatic volume isn’t your thing? This season, stop shying away from it and embrace it instead.
No Chanel collection could do without the iconic tweeds. This year you may choose from delicate, cream-coloured suits and romantic style dresses. For the bling lovers, there’s a combo of a luxurious, silver sequined jacket with loose-fitting tweed pants.
So, where do you stand? Did Chanel convince you of its qualities right from the start of this year? See more Spring 2021 haute couture collection pictures in the gallery at the end of the article!
As some of you might know already, my view of Chanel is more or less skeptical, since I feel like their looks will take me straight into spinster territory. This haute couture collection is, however, a pleasant surprise, finally bringing a fresh, youthful touch and a healthy dose of creativity.
Yet still I have to criticize some of these pieces for making me look like I’m several years older (as usual) and clueless about fashion, hopelessly struggling for attractivity and style.
This look makes me crave cotton candy – and not just any old cotton candy! Only the top shelf stuff would do, since this ruffled pastel pink creation is so sweet it could make even the biggest badass around into a proper Barbie doll. Sure, this amount of sweet innocence is not everyone’s cup of tea; I, for one, believe that enjoying a little princess dress up now and then can’t hurt.
No offence, but this look makes me feel like I’m attending my late husbands‘ funeral and I’m not even sure whether I’m mourning or not. So if there’s anyone who wants to give the awkward widow look a go, be my guest – I’ll gladly pass this shapeless, formless piece to you.
This tweed suit is such a delight to look at! Not only it’s elegant and stylish, but the colour combination brings about that warm feeling of spring with a clear message of „positive vibes only“. Whether you’re 30 or 50, this piece is a clear must-have!
This creation is nothing but a tacky, campy mess. The train looks like it’s meant to hide a big booty, but since no one with less than a perfect body would ever wear a dress like this, I really don’t know why it has to be there. Kitschy sequins and giant glittery polka dots just take it to nightmare level.
All I see in this picture is Carrie Bradshaw – the star of Sex and the City would simply love this tulle skirt! I believe she would even be fine with that slightly extravagant shirt, as it brings out the creative idea behind this whole fine look splendidly.
Overall I’d say Chanel is finally trying to keep up with the current trends, and in many cases, it works. But if you’re looking for something truly sophisticated and timeless, look elsewhere – that traditional, conservative Chanel style is here to stay.