Paris Fashion Week SS24 Highlights: Chanel in full bloom

While many influential brands have presented spring/summer collections featuring a swathe of all-black outfits – Gucci, Dior and Dolce and Gabbana to name a few – Chanel creative director Virginie Viard offered a lighter take on the season.

Against a catwalk backdrop of huge, bright blooms, the designer sent out a cascade of boucle skirt suits (the Chanel classic of course) in bubblegum pink check and deckchair stripes.

(Christophe Ena/AP/PA)

Viard, who joined the luxury brand in 2019, said she was inspired by Villa Noailles, the modernist house built in the 1920s in the hills above Hyeres, in the south of France, by arts patrons Charles and Marie-Laure de Noailles.

Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel apparently socialised with the arty couple and shared the same forward-thinking approach to design.

(Christophe Ena/AP/PA)

The 1920s inspiration was evident in the nautical black and white stripes on mini dresses and tunics teamed with long beaded necklaces.

The coastal connection came out with beach-ready boxer-style shorts, strappy tops, swimsuits and even flip-flops (increasingly seen on the catwalks of late).

(Christophe Ena/AP/PA)

There were softer silhouettes for evening – floaty, sheer black dresses ranged from babydoll to ankle-length and came with ruffle or bow details.

Floor-length gowns and palazzo trousers were emblazoned with the famous double-C monogram.

(Christophe Ena/AP/PA)

A recurring square check pattern – seen on a beautiful blue halterneck top and several tailored pieces – was reminiscent of the windows and gardens at Villa Noailles.

Triangular elements of the garden were reflected in chevron trims, graphic jewellery and a prism-shaped mini bag.

(Christophe Ena/AP/PA)

Confirming that the ballet slipper renaissance is far from over, models wore minimalist black and white flats as well as sparkly styles topped with black bows.

A wide range of cross-body handbags – from micro purses to boxy camera bags – will give high-end shoppers plenty of options for accessorising their spring outfits.