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As the fashion world approaches Spring-Summer 2025, there is a palpable sense of excitement. After months of muted colours and heavy fabrics, the arrival of spring brings with it the promise of renewal and lightness. It’s a time when designers present their most hopeful, optimistic visions, and this year, CHANEL has taken that notion to new heights—literally. On the final day of Paris Fashion Week, the Grand Palais again opened its doors to welcome a dazzling CHANEL show, marking the Maison’s return to this historic venue after five years of renovations.

The setting was magical, with a gigantic birdcage taking centre stage, symbolizing the freedom to fly and reinvent oneself—an ethos deeply embedded in the brand’s DNA. Gabrielle Chanel, who famously resisted the confines imposed on her, built her empire by creating her own rules. This spirit of rebellion and freedom echoes through the SS 2025 collection.

From the moment the first model stepped out, it was clear: this show wasn’t just about clothes. It was about movement, fluidity, and lightness. CHANEL had set the stage for a soaring celebration of fashion that felt fresh, exhilarating, and deeply rooted in its heritage while still looking ahead to the future.

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CHANEL and the Grand Palais: A Love Story

The relationship between CHANEL and the Grand Palais is one of the most iconic in the fashion world, woven through decades of unforgettable shows and moments. With its breathtaking glass dome and expansive space, the monumental structure has become synonymous with CHANEL’s grandeur and creative vision. It’s more than just a venue; it’s a place where fashion history is made, season after season. This deep connection was rekindled during the Spring-Summer 2025 show, marking CHANEL’s triumphant return to the Grand Palais after a five-year hiatus due to renovations.

For CHANEL, the Grand Palais is more than a backdrop; it’s an integral part of the storytelling. This year, an enormous birdcage stood at the runway’s centre, an open structure that symbolized physical and creative freedom. This wasn’t a random choice. The birdcage has long been part of the CHANEL mythos, with Gabrielle Chanel keeping a miniature birdcage in her famed apartment at 31 Rue Cambon in Paris. This reference speaks to CHANEL’s ability to blend its heritage with modern storytelling, creating a dialogue between past and present.

The open cage was a metaphor for flight and liberation, reflecting Gabrielle Chanel’s lifelong desire to break free from societal constraints. The show embraced the theme of release and rebirth, much like the brand itself—constantly evolving yet remaining true to its roots. The Grand Palais, restored and radiant, provided the perfect stage for this new chapter. As models glided down the runway, it felt as though CHANEL was not just returning to the Grand Palais but soaring to new creative heights, echoing Maison’s timeless ambition to rise above conventions and create its destiny.

This love story between CHANEL and the Grand Palais is a testament to the brand’s enduring legacy—a marriage of fashion, history, and architecture culminating in a powerful narrative that continues to captivate the world.

CHANEL Spring-Summer 2025: A Celebration of Lightness and Movement

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The CHANEL Spring-Summer 2025 collection was a masterpiece of elegance, fluidity, and poetic symbolism. Inspired by the central birdcage that dominated the Grand Palais runway, the collection embodied themes of freedom, flight, and self-expression. The designs echoed the idea of breaking free from confinement, a nod to Gabrielle Chanel’s philosophy and the essence of CHANEL as a brand.

At first glance, the collection’s lightness and movement were immediately apparent. Capes made from delicate mousseline floated gracefully with every step, offering an ethereal sense of ease. These capes, paired with wide-legged trousers or flowy skirts, created airy and liberated silhouettes—perfect for warm spring days. The sheer fabrics allowed light to pass through, adding a sense of transparency and fragility that contrasted beautifully with the structured elements of the garments.

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One of the standout features of the collection was the use of feathers. Feather prints, multicoloured and vibrantly displayed on trench coats, added a playful yet luxurious touch. In other pieces, real feathers adorned the collars and cuffs of classic CHANEL tweed jackets, transforming them into something exotic and fresh. The iconic CHANEL tweed was reimagined with a lighter, more fluid texture and used to craft shorts, skirts, and capes. This reworking of tweed demonstrated the Maison’s ability to stay true to its heritage while adapting to the modern woman’s desire for ease and comfort.

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Another striking element was the introduction of voluminous skirts with high slits, allowing for graceful movement with every step. Paired with the lightness of the materials, these designs conveyed a sense of freedom—both in style and spirit. The collection was also marked by a softer colour palette than CHANEL’s traditional black and white, with pastel tones of pink, lavender, and pale blue dominating the runway. These hues added to the collection’s springtime freshness and sense of renewal.

Flowing blouses adorned with delicate pleats and layers of ruffles gave the garments a romantic feel, while broad, fluid trousers emphasized a relaxed, effortless style. This balance of structured tailoring and flowing forms created a harmonious collection that felt timeless and modern, chic yet comfortable.

Accessories were equally striking. Oversized, bold sunglasses trimmed with feathers and exotic accents added an element of whimsy and sophistication. They were a playful nod to birds’ plumage, reinforcing the theme of flight and freedom. Footwear stayed minimal, with elegant sandals that allowed the garments to take centre stage.

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In the closing moments, Riley Keough, perched on a swing, gave the collection its final symbol of freedom and fun, swaying above the audience in perfect harmony with the delicate fabrics and graceful designs on the runway. This collection wasn’t just about fashion—it was about taking flight metaphorically and literally. CHANEL once again proved its ability to inspire and elevate the everyday into something truly extraordinary.

CHANEL Spring-Summer 2025: The Stars Shine at the Fashion Show

No CHANEL fashion show would be complete without a glittering front row filled with some of the world’s most recognizable faces, and the Spring-Summer 2025 runway was no exception. CHANEL’s allure continues to captivate a star-studded audience, and this season’s show at the Grand Palais attracted an extraordinary group of ambassadors, actresses, musicians, and influencers who perfectly embodied the brand’s spirit.

Leading the celebrity charge was JENNIE, the global sensation from BLACKPINK, whose partnership with CHANEL has only deepened over the years. Known for her impeccable style and magnetic presence, JENNIE’s attendance alone drew waves of excitement, but she was far from the only star to dazzle at the show. Lupita Nyong’o, the new ambassador of CHANEL, debuted in this role at the event. Her radiant appearance was a statement, symbolizing the brand’s commitment to celebrating powerful, diverse women. Lupita’s natural elegance and strong personality seamlessly aligned with CHANEL’s independence and bold femininity values.

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Actresses Margaret Qualley and Vanessa Paradis, long-time friends of the Maison, brought their unique allure to the show. Margaret, known for her ethereal beauty and effortless grace, mirrored the collection’s delicate, flowing fabrics. At the same time, Vanessa Paradis, a legend in her own right and a symbolic figure in CHANEL’s legacy, watched on as Riley Keough played a central role in the collection’s final act. Seeing Vanessa in the audience was a nostalgic reminder of her iconic role in Jean-Paul Goude’s 1991 CHANEL ad, where she famously played a bird in a gilded cage. This role has now come full circle with the imagery of this show.

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Among the other high-profile attendees were Angèle, Charlotte Casiraghi, and Whitney Peak, each representing different facets of CHANEL’s multifaceted appeal. Angèle’s chic and modern style brought a fresh perspective to the event, while Charlotte Casiraghi’s timeless sophistication reinforced her deep connection to the brand. Whitney Peak, one of CHANEL’s rising stars, embodied the brand’s vision of the future with her youthful energy and modern take on classic CHANEL pieces.

The guest list extended beyond actresses and musicians to include some of fashion’s most influential personalities. Riley Keough’s final performance on the central swing, suspended above the runway, was a poignant and elegant metaphor for the freedom and movement CHANEL showcased throughout the collection. Her performance, paired with the presence of her mother, Vanessa Paradis, symbolized the continuation of CHANEL’s legacy across generations.

The front row also included global influencers and icons such as Chinese actress Ning Chang and Ananya Panday from India, showcasing CHANEL’s worldwide reach and appeal. Fashion notables like Caroline de Maigret and Becca also graced the event, adding their signature sophistication and edge to the atmosphere. In a beautiful tribute to cinema, Greta Gerwig, the celebrated director of Barbie and a noted CHANEL muse, joined the front row, highlighting the intersection between fashion, art, and cinema.

This impressive lineup of stars underscored CHANEL’s cultural influence and reflected Maison’s unique ability to unite global icons from diverse backgrounds. Whether they represent Hollywood, the music industry, or the fashion world, the stars at the CHANEL Spring-Summer 2025 show were a testament to the brand’s enduring legacy of elegance, sophistication, and modernity. They brought an extra layer of glamour to an already unforgettable event, reminding us that CHANEL is not just about clothing—it’s about culture, influence, and the power to shape the future of fashion.

CHANEL Spring-Summer 2025: A Symphony of Freedom and Emotion

Music has always played a crucial role in creating the atmosphere of a CHANEL fashion show, and the Spring-Summer 2025 runway was no exception. This season, the Maison elevated the experience even further, intertwining the theme of freedom and lightness with a stunning musical performance that left the audience in awe. It wasn’t just a soundtrack; it was a pivotal part of the show’s narrative, enhancing the emotional resonance of the collection and adding depth to the visual spectacle.

The most breathtaking moment of the entire show came when Riley Keough, granddaughter of Elvis Presley and a modern-day icon in her own right, took centre stage on a swing suspended above the runway. Her delicate yet powerful performance was not just a visual delight but a poignant symbol of the show’s theme of flight and liberation. As Riley swayed above the audience, she sang a hauntingly beautiful melody that filled the vast space of the Grand Palais, her voice echoing through the historic venue with an ethereal grace. The choice to have her perform on a swing, reminiscent of a bird in flight, was a direct metaphor for the freedom and weightlessness CHANEL aimed to capture in its SS 2025 collection.

The imagery of a woman swinging freely above the runway was a clear nod to one of CHANEL’s most iconic moments: the 1991 Jean-Paul Goude advertisement featuring Vanessa Paradis—seated in the audience for this show. In the ad, Paradis famously played a bird in a golden cage. Over three decades later, her daughter Riley brought this symbolism back to life with a modern twist, reinforcing the continuity of CHANEL’s narrative through generations. It was a beautiful homage to the past while looking firmly at the future, an essential balance that CHANEL masters effortlessly.

The soundtrack of the show, carefully curated to enhance the collection’s mood, was a seamless blend of soft, melodic tunes and more upbeat rhythms, reflecting the diverse tones of the garments on display. The gentle notes paired perfectly with the flowing fabrics, capes, and wide-legged trousers, while the upbeat crescendos mirrored the more structured and dynamic pieces, such as the feather-embellished tweed jackets and trench coats. The music flowed like the garments, light and breezy, yet with an undercurrent of strength and boldness.

Riley Keough’s final performance served as a dramatic closing act and encapsulated the sense of empowerment and individuality that CHANEL strives to evoke in every collection. Her voice and presence, combined with the garments’ intricate designs, feathers, and delicate pastels, created a dreamlike and deeply emotional atmosphere. This blend of music and fashion transformed the runway into a multi-sensory experience, leaving the audience not just watching but feeling the essence of CHANEL’s SS 2025 collection.

With its layered harmonies and evocative melodies, the music became a voice for the collection’s theme of freedom—freedom of movement, expression, and style. It brought the ethereal, floating designs to life and allowed the audience to engage with the collection on a deeper, more emotional level. In the end, the music did more than complement the garments; it elevated the entire show into an unforgettable performance where fashion, art, and music fused seamlessly into one.

To Conclude,
The CHANEL Spring-Summer 2025 show at the Grand Palais was more than just a fashion presentation—it celebrated freedom, movement, and heritage. With its ethereal designs, symbol-laden birdcage, and dynamic musical performances, the collection captured the essence of lightness and liberation, themes that echo throughout CHANEL’s storied history. The garments themselves, from feather-adorned tweed jackets to flowing capes and delicate pastels, embodied a sense of ease and grace suited for the modern woman seeking elegance and freedom.

Yet, as the collection soared, the absence of a single creative head following Virginie Viard’s departure left an open question: who will lead CHANEL into its next era? The Maison, renowned for reinventing itself while staying true to its core, is at a pivotal moment. The symbolic return to the Grand Palais signals a renewal, but the direction of CHANEL’s future remains to be seen. Who will take up the mantle and continue to craft this legacy of innovation, elegance, and timelessness?

As we look forward to CHANEL’s future, one thing is clear: the brand’s commitment to creativity and liberation, which Gabrielle Chanel embodied, will continue to guide CHANEL forward, shaping new horizons and pushing the boundaries of fashion with every step.

José Amorim
The author sourced the information for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted, and reproduction rights are not available. Images are for illustration purposes only.