As Chanel’s models – including US Dutch Palestinian Gigi Hadid and British Moroccan Nora Attal – took their sashay down the Paris runway, guests could practically hear the faint splashes from the pools of the villa Noailles. The show was attended by the likes of British actress Emilia Clarke, US comedian Chris Rock and French Algerian actress and Chanel ambassador, Lyna Khoudri. This historic cubist space in the south of France, once graced by luminaries like Luis Buñuel, Man Ray, Dalí – and also Karl Lagerfeld – has for almost a century been a beacon for art. “Sophistication juxtaposed with informality, the ever-present tweed, sporty touches, and delicate lace: I aimed for a harmonious blend of contrasts,” Viard said. Using the sunlit flora and tranquil pool of the villa as a muse, her collection leaned away from Lagerfeld’s signature high-glam aesthetic, presenting a panorama of comfort, chicness – and gasp, relatability. The parade began with multi-coloured tweed dressing gowns, their luxurious threads catching the light as models moved. Easygoing, low-slung outfits that evoked an air of carefree leisure faintly contrasted with detailed geometric designs gracing several pieces. Lace trimmings whispered of femininity and delicate craftsmanship, while sporty accents gave the ensembles a touch of the everyday. This was a confident Viard, four years since taking the creative helm of the storied maison, making low key designs that seemed as if they had nothing to prove. The point of this collection lay not in dramatic novelty but in its accessibility. The use of mid-size models, for instance, was a relatable gesture that speaks volumes of Viard’s intent to make Chanel resonate with a broader audience, according to the Associated Press.