The Chanel Resort 2021 collection, launched virtually on the label’s digital platform with a seven-minute video by Julien Pujol, was inspired by those who escaped to the Italian and the French Riviera in the ’60s.

Initially I had Capri in mind, where the show was supposed to take place, but didn’t happen in the end because of lockdown,” said Virginie Viard, “So we had to adapt: not only did we decide to use fabrics that we already had, but the collection, more generally, evolved towards a trip around the Mediterranean… The islands, the scent of the eucalyptus, the pink shades of the bougainvillea.”

The Chanel Resort 2021 collection was made up of easy-to-wear, multipurpose styles that could easily transform — long skirts that can become strapless dress, ground-grazing jackets in black chiffon that can be worn over a triangle bikini by day or with an embroidered bandeau for night, sheer lamé dresses that can be paired with crêpe shorts or a casual blazer.

The silhouettes were liberating with flared pants and handkerchief-hemmed skirts making several appearances, as did a high-slit maxi skirt. Denim was present in the form of wide-legged bottoms that feature panels of cotton fabric printed with a floral logo motif and as capri shorts styled with a silk scarf as a belt.

Models sported strappy, Greek-inspired flat sandals, double CC slides and leather peep-toe ballet flats. Tight chains accented bare midriffs and mini quilted bags acting as necklaces illuminate chests.

The collection of refined simplicity will be available in stores in November 2020.