CHANEL
CRUISE 2024/25 – MARSEILLE
CARNET DE VOYAGE
Text and photos by Federica Trotta Mureau
This “Carnet de Voyage” captures a journey delving into the very essence of creativity, an odyssey through realms where art, history, and fashion intertwine in an eternal embrace. It presents a lively narrative of the three days spent alongside the Chanel Italia team during the remarkable Cruise 2024/25 event of the brand.
Our journey began with a captivating dinner held at the splendid Château Borély, nestled in Marseille. Amidst the time-worn walls of the castle, amidst sips of champagne and captivating conversations, we found ourselves enraptured by the splendors of the surrounding architecture and the awe-inspiring vistas of the gardens and fountains. Exploring the internal museum, dedicated to decorative arts, ceramics, and fashion, immersed us in a realm of beauty and enduring history, boasting a permanent collection of artworks spanning centuries of human ingenuity.
The next day unfolded as a journey into the enigmatic and captivating universe of tarot, set within a quintessential Marseille abode. Here, the tarot master wove tales behind the cards adorning the table, unveiling secrets and concealed perspectives to us participants. Then came the much-anticipated moment: the unveiling of the Chanel Cruise 2024/25 collection. Emotions surged as we crossed the threshold of Le Corbusier’s ‘La Cité Radieuse,’ an imposing palace providing the perfect stage for the enchanting runway presentation. Virginie Viard’s creations sprang to life akin to an underwater reverie, seamlessly blending architectural motifs with marine inspirations, transporting us to a realm of grace and enigma.
Still imbued with the emotion of the showcase and the allure of the locale, we proceeded towards the grand soirée, immersing ourselves in the enchanting ambiance of this extraordinary affair.
Regrettably, every journey reaches its conclusion, and the final day led us to the Galerie du 19 M in Marseille. This captivating locale pays tribute to the virtues of tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation, acting as a nexus where the arts converge and intertwine. Here, we had the privilege of admiring a collective exhibition amplifying the voices of artistic professions and the Métiers d’Art scene of Maison Chanel. It marked a moment of communion and inspiration, a culminating stop enriching our journey with a profound sense of gratitude and wonder in the face of the beauty and ingenuity that define the world of Chanel.
CHATEAU BORELY – 01/05/2025, Marseille
The Château Borély is a historic residence located in Marseille, France, with a rich and fascinating history. Built in the 18th century, the castle originally served as a country residence for the Borély family, a local aristocratic family.
The Château Borély
Over the centuries, Château Borély has undergone various transformations and changes of ownership. During the 19th century, it was expanded and renovated to reflect the neoclassical architectural style popular at that time. Subsequently, it passed through various hands and had different uses, including as a private residence, a hospice, and a venue for cultural institutions.
Throughout the 20th century, the castle experienced periods of abandonment and restoration. In recent decades, it has been restored and opened to the public as a cultural destination. Today, Château Borély houses a museum of decorative arts, hosts temporary art exhibitions, and holds other cultural events. Its elegant architecture and extensive gardens make it a popular destination for visitors wishing to immerse themselves in the history and beauty of Marseille.
TAROT EXPERIENCE – 02/05/2025, Marseille
Gabrielle Chanel was superstitious; her cards and her numbers were, first and foremost, 5, but also 19, 21, 22, and 18… These were some of the numbers that Coco Chanel considered talismans, marking important milestones in her life, and she used them to name some of her most exclusive olfactory creations.
They were also porte-bonheur rich in meaning and mystery. Mademoiselle’s connection with numerology was almost mystical, accompanying her throughout her life, beyond the esoteric realm. Numerology, the study of the possible mystical connection between numbers and objects, events, or people, was a practice that, like astrology or divination, attracted many members of Coco Chanel‘s extensive and eclectic circle of friends and acquaintances.
CHANEL CRUISE 2024/25 – 02/05/2025, Marseille
CHANEL / Le Corbusier, Unité d’habitation, Marseille © F.L.C. / ADAGP, Paris, 2024
The Chanel Cruise 2024/25 runway extravaganza, staged at the MAMO, Centre d’art de La Cité Radieuse in Marseille, whisked spectators away on a mesmerizing journey into an aquatic daydream, bathed in the shimmering glow of sunlight. Creative maestro Virginie Viard conceived a collection that exudes a feeling of liberation and weightlessness, adorning the garments with intricate embroidery, scuba hoods, and glistening sequins. Selecting Marseille as the venue allowed Viard to tap into the city’s dynamic essence, positioning it as a wellspring of emotional inspiration.
CHANEL / Le Corbusier, Unité d’habitation, Marseille © F.L.C. / ADAGP, Paris, 2024
The contemporary pulse of Marseille, characterized by its maritime identity and bustling port, left its imprint on both the design ethos and the ambience of the affair.
Opting for Le Corbusier‘s iconic Cité Radieuse as the show’s backdrop imbued the event with added significance, invoking the pioneering spirit and creative latitude of the architect. Viard deftly reimagined architectural and cultural motifs of Marseille in her designs, forging a symbiotic link between fashion and the surrounding urban landscape. Intricate touches such as the incorporation of fishermen’s nets into swimsuits and the color palette inspired by the cityscape underscore this seamless integration of fashion and environment.
CHANEL / Le Corbusier, Unité d’habitation, Marseille © F.L.C. / ADAGP, Paris, 2024
The post-show festivities at the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations provided a platform to further revel in Mediterranean culture, with the presence of local artisans and musicians. The soirée encapsulated the effervescent and vivacious spirit of Marseille, reaffirming the city’s status as a wellspring of inspiration for the worlds of fashion and art alike.
LA CITÉ RADIEUSE – 02/05/2025, Marseille
The Cité Radieuse, designed by architect Le Corbusier and completed in 1952, stands as an iconic masterpiece of modern architecture in Marseille, France. This groundbreaking residential complex was conceived to embody principles of vertical urbanization and self-sufficient communities.
It’s imposing structure boasts a distinctive design featuring modular living units and communal spaces, such as a theater, a swimming pool, and shops. Renowned for its boldness and functionality, the Cité Radieuse has become a global symbol of architectural and social innovation, drawing visitors from far and wide to marvel at its visionary approach to urban living.
GALERIE DU 19M – 03/05/2025, Marseille
This captivating locale pays tribute to the virtues of tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation, acting as a nexus where the arts converge and intertwine. Here, we had the privilege of admiring a collective exhibition amplifying the voices of artistic professions and the Métiers d’Art scene of Maison Chanel.
