The Spring-Summer 2025 Ready-to-Wear collection

Back in the birthplace of the brand itself, the Parisian sunlight poured into the Grand Palais, ready to present the Chanel Spring/Summer 2025 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Before the arrival of Chanel's newest creative director, Matthieu Blazy, the brand presented its first ready-to-wear collection without a director. At the center of the show stood a white birdcage, about a 1991 ad for Chanel's Coco fragrance, featuring Vanessa Paradis swinging within a giant birdcage. The architecture of the Palais acted as inspiration as it was mirrored in the collection as well, featuring geometric grid patterns hand-knit into the tweed. A sense of freedom and airiness was achieved through the brand's creative direction at the time, as embodied in the studio's use of feathery motifs and signature skirt suits. Its use of aviator jackets, Peter Pan collars, and flight suits symbolized the brand's liberation, as it soared throughout the aviary-inspired collection. Alongside the skirt slits and the fluttery chiffon layering, the collection featured an endless show of platform shoes. Texturally, it constantly contrasted, from the sturdier tweed to the airier chiffon layering. They kept the clothing fresh, sometimes trading out its classic black and white combination for brighter pastels. There was no shortage of feathered collars trimming alongside the flight suits and silk pieces with feather prints. Modeled with the silk pieces were silver chain belts adorned with an intricate silver feather and encrusted with diamond detailing. Besides the signature tweed suits, bright crochet dresses and some darker, longer lace skirts appeared, keeping the collection refreshing. The rebellious spirit of Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel was channeled through a few more surprising looks, such as the sequin-embellished denim jacket and jeans. The handbags were mainly quilted with gold hardware, featuring the newer bucket bag and the classic Chanel flap. The more eye-catching pieces were those that continued the aviary theme, such as a feathered, crescent-shaped bag and miniature gold and silver birdcages. The show's final moments were brought to a close by the brand ambassador, Riley Keough, as she sang a beautiful rendition of "When Doves Cry" by Prince. The collection served as an ode to the brand's timelessness, utilizing the usual Chanel elements while also focusing on the house's freedom and potential for future growth. From the brand's inception, it has been known for breaking boundaries, which has enabled it to rise to the top of the fashion world. This collection pays homage to Chanel's journey in the skies.