Chanel’s Fall-Winter 2020/21 Ready-to-Wear is giving us major eighties nostalgia

There was a definite hint of new romanticism in Virginie Viard’s autumnal collection…

For Chanel’s Fall-Winter 2020/21 Ready-to-Wear collection, Virginie Viard took on the concept of freedom — free without any flourishes — that simply translated through the stripped-back setting of the Grand Palais and was clearly represented in the silhouettes for the seasonal collection.

Looks reflected Gabrielle Chanel’s rebellious, yet sophisticated, spirit as classic tweed skirt suits came with high slits right up the middle, track pants were reimagined in leather, cropped tops were aplenty and crocheted mesh, corsets and bralettes were spotted on the runway, too.

Nevertheless, the Creative Director kept the codes of Chanel and continued with the traditional tweed jackets, long coats, long velvet dresses and with every piece, details were present including jewelled belts, scallop edging, XL pearl accessories and voluminous collarless or double-breasted tailoring.

We couldn’t help but notice a definite hint of new romanticism in the collection too, courtesy of the line-up’s colour palette — think typical Chanel monochrome, with contrasts coming from texture tweed suits, corduroy trousers, lace and fussy ruffled blouses.

An occasional pop of colour came into effect with touches of fuchsia pink, lilac and turquoise, whilst jewellery remained chunky with chain necklaces, dangling earrings and thick bangles – further playing into Viard’s vision of ’80s nostalgia.

As always, not only was there an ode to Gabrielle but too, a nod to Karl Lagerfeld as equestrian-inspired pants (jodhpurs) and seven-league boots were present and remained a tribute to the late designer.

“I love CHANEL so much, this collection could only be a new ode,” explains Viard.