Summer is the time for the Cruise Collections, an odyssey around the world during which the houses travel to different locations to present their latest collections, a tradition that began in the early 20th century.

Dior

As Christian Dior in 1995, current creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri headed to Scotland, to Drummond Castle, where she presented a cruise collection of punky tartan stripes, leather boots, sleeved and lace dresses with cinched waists, tulle skirts and veils. "It was a chance to follow in Christian's footsteps around the world”.

 

 

Balenciaga

Broadcast live from the Pudong Museum of Art, in China, Demna Gvasalia began with sportswear in collaboration with Under Armour and oversized platforms paired with trench coats, then moved on to dresses, chain bags and faux fur coats. As usual, the runway show ended with ball gowns inspired by the house's archives.

 

 

Louis Vuitton

Nicolas Ghesquière's latest Cruise collection for Louis Vuitton was a tribute to Spain. With the Barcelona’s Park Güel in the background, models walked in wide-brimmed, tilted hats and dresses with ruffles that referenced flamenco dress.

 

 

Chanel

Virgine Viard led the team to Marseille with the goal of expanding the house's cultural influence beyond Rue Cambon in Paris. Instead, the Cité Radieuse saw a youthful collection of white blouses with English embroidery motifs, crocheted mini-dresses and soft, high-heeled sandals. Jewelry with anchor and fish pendants, wetsuit sets and scuba hoods rounded out the look.

 

 

Text: Amura ± Photo: courtesy of brands