CHANEL has released a teaser for its upcoming Cruise 2025/26 show, featuring a short film directed by longtime collaborator Sofia Coppola.
The teaser sets the stage for the collection’s presentation, which will be unveiled this afternoon, Wednesday, 30th of April at 4pm Gulf Standard Time on chanel.com.
The film stars model Ida Heiner and was shot at the Villa d’Este, a historic hotel situated on the shores of Lake Como. The location, described as a “veritable film set”, provides a backdrop of Renaissance architecture and lakeside grandeur. In the teaser, Heiner is seen wearing pieces from the new Cruise collection, including high-waisted shorts, a swimsuit and various accessories. She moves through the marble staircases, ochre-toned terrace and rooms overlooking the lake, capturing the essence of the collection’s mood.
The visual narrative reflects Coppola’s signature style, marked by stillness, light and an atmospheric sense of place. The setting and the cinematography aim to evoke themes of escape, self-reinvention and introspection. The short film, although promotional, adopts a cinematic approach rather than a traditional runway preview.
Coppola, an Oscar-winning filmmaker known for works such as Lost in Translation and Marie Antoinette, has a long-standing relationship with CHANEL. Her work often features elements of nostalgia and dreamlike aesthetics, qualities that align with CHANEL’s identity for the Cruise season.
The teaser acts as an invitation to the full digital presentation of the Cruise 2025/26 collection, continuing CHANEL’s investment in fashion film as a medium. The move also aligns with wider industry trends where digital showcases supplement or replace live runway events, especially in exclusive or logistically complex locations such as Lake Como.
The full film of the show will be released exclusively on CHANEL’s website, allowing global audiences to experience the setting and the collection simultaneously. This strategy not only highlights the designs but also positions the show as a curated experience, merging fashion, film and place.
