POPSUGAR Australia
Fashion
Every Thought I Had on Chanel's Spring 2022 Collection, the Height of Fashion Nostalgia

Every Thought I Had on Chanel's Spring 2022 Collection, the Height of Fashion Nostalgia

6 October, 2021

by jamila stewart

Getty / Stephane Cardinale / Stephane Cardinale - Corbis

The Chanel of fashion’s past has returned, and I’m not sure who asked for it (just kidding – only me, a millennial, and all of Gen Z), but we can all revel in the results. While a handful of designers had already hopped aboard the train of channeling vintage, namely the early aughts, Chanel had, up until now, remained steadfast in a more contemporary direction. Unbeknownst to us, it was all a lead-up to the Chanel’s Spring ’22 collection unexpectedly becoming the pinnacle of sartorial nostalgia.

With fan-favorite faces such as Adut Akech and Jill Kortleve taking the runway, each section of the 72-look presentation takes viewers on a wild ride of surprises, making it a viable contender for one of the most exciting collections of the season. First, there was swim, which I’d argue we need more of, but absence *does* create fondness (if that’s any reconciliation for those itching to stock up on Chanel bikinis). The show opened with a one-piece swimsuit featuring a notably high cut at the hips and a dramatically low cut at the neck – way to reel in the ’90s. From hot pants, to biker jumpsuits, to halter necks, to low-rise maxi skirts with hip cut outs, the first nine looks are chock full of throwback goodness. But alas, there’s more.

As the show progresses, we see Creative Director Virgina Viard play with a number of ideas: a more contemporary section that lends itself well to a summer yacht tour, an exploration of the ’60s in 2021, a few looks that simply scream “Barbie,” an elevated take on knits (and again, hot pants), and a masterclass on how to make overalls cool again.

Not many runway collections feel like there’s “something for everybody,” and yet, Chanel Spring ’22 effectively does. Of course though, there’s people like me who want just about everything (but fine, I’ll settle for window shopping from my iPhone). Ready to drool? Scroll ahead for a few thoughts on some of the best looks of the show – I’m just here to say what we’re all thinking.