A Triumphant Return: CHANEL at the Grand Palais for the Spring-Summer 2025 Collection

As Major Patron of the Grand Palais, CHANEL has played a significant role in supporting the restoration and refurbishment of this architectural jewel, renowned for hosting some of the most spectacular decors in fashion history. The teaser for the Spring-Summer 2025 Ready-to-Wear collection unfolded in the heart of its iconic Nave. With a confident stride and an air of elegance, model Nigina Sharipova, dressed in a striking black faille jumpsuit with a feathered collar, pushed open the doors of the ‘Gabrielle Chanel’ entrance—recently named in tribute to the House’s legendary founder. She took her seat under the stunning glass roof, setting the tone for the extraordinary show that was about to begin.

Experiencing the CHANEL Spring-Summer 2025 Ready-to-Wear collection at the Grand Palais was nothing short of a personal milestone. As I settled into my seat for my very first CHANEL show in this legendary venue, the anticipation was palpable. The Grand Palais, with its sweeping glass roof and historic charm, was already filled with a sense of grandeur, but CHANEL’s return after years of absence took everything to another level.

At the heart of the space, under the natural light streaming through the glass, stood an enormous birdcage—delicate yet monumental, like something out of a dream. It symbolised the spirit of the show: freedom, movement, and the timeless elegance that CHANEL always brings. The birdcage reminded me of Gabrielle Chanel’s own treasured birdcage, a piece of her personal history, but in this setting, it became something magical, welcoming us all into a new chapter of CHANEL’s story.

As the show began, I was immediately captivated by the lightness and fluidity of the designs. Models floated down the runway with chiffon capes billowing behind them and slit skirts that seemed to glide with the air. Every movement felt effortless, as if the clothes themselves were in motion. Transparent embroidered shirt dresses, wide-cut trousers, and even fringed and sequinned jeans—all came together in a display that felt modern yet ethereal. Each look seemed to carry with it a message of liberation and freedom, much like Gabrielle Chanel’s original vision for women.

But what truly stood out was the subtle power behind every design. This collection was a celebration of women who had defied expectations—women like Colette, the groundbreaking writer and friend of Gabrielle Chanel, and the pioneering aviatrixes of the 20th century. The aviator jackets with soft Peter Pan collars, the sleek black and white flight suits, and the structured suits with tie-shaped inserts—they all seemed to carry a quiet strength, a tribute to those women who had dared to break free and chart their own paths.

Of course, the signature CHANEL elements were present, but they had been transformed into something fresh and exciting. Tweed suits and little black dresses were there, but reimagined in playful pastel pinks and blues. The iconic two-tone shoes, paired with sparkling platform heels, added just the right amount of daring to the looks. Even the architectural lines of the Grand Palais itself were reflected in a black knitted skirt that caught my eye—it mirrored the building’s structure, bringing the space and the collection into a seamless dialogue.

Just when I thought the show had reached its peak, something unexpected happened. Riley Keough, granddaughter of Elvis Presley and daughter of the late Lisa Marie Presley, appeared on the runway. Her entrance took everyone by surprise, but it was her performance that truly left the audience in awe. Singing Prince’s “When Doves Cry,” Riley’s haunting voice filled the Nave, weaving through the space and creating a moment of pure magic. It was the perfect crescendo to a show that had already captured the spirit of flight and freedom.

As her voice soared through the Grand Palais, it felt as though the boundaries between fashion and art, history and the present, had dissolved into one unforgettable moment. Riley’s performance added another layer of depth to the collection, embodying the same themes of liberation and timeless elegance that had been woven throughout the morning.

As the final notes faded and the last model left the runway, I realised that this CHANEL show wasn’t just about fashion—it was about an experience of transformation and empowerment. My first CHANEL show at the Grand Palais had far surpassed my expectations. It was a journey through the brand’s rich history, a celebration of the women who inspire it, and a bold look to the future.

For Numéro Switzerland, this show was a testament to why CHANEL remains at the pinnacle of the fashion world—because it doesn’t just create beautiful clothes; it crafts experiences that linger long after the lights dim and the runway clears.