Chanel shows are quite the experience - for many industry insiders, the first Chanel show here, held 12 years in 2013 at the Loewen Cluster in Dempsey Hill - remains a landmark event in Singapore’s fashion history.
Fast forward to this year, and fashion watchers have been waiting with bated breath since the announcement in May this year that the maison would be reprising its cinema-inspired Cruise 2025/2026 collection here at the historic Raffles Hotel (it was originally showcased on April 29 in Lake Como’s splashy Villa d’Este).
BUT FIRST, A TALK WITH QUEEN TILDA
Suitably, the day kicked off early in the morning with a talk anchored by movie star and Chanel ambassador Tilda Swinton. The legendary actress, 65, shared many pearls of wisdom, urging those in the audience to break away from the idea of placing the individual above all else.
“Some people might have a point of connection, but the idea of building your own brand on social media, or your own byline – that’s what irks me. I don’t know how many of you are here today, or which generations you represent, but younger generations seem to have lost touch with something I grew up in: a collective field. That’s what’s kept me going for 40 years. This is my 40th year making films.
If I stand for anything, it’s fellowship. I’ve worked with people for decades and I’m still working with them. Younger generations are often encouraged, by their gallery, record label, or whoever has influence, to believe – especially if it’s your first album, first film, first collection, first book, or first show – that you can go solo, that you are a brand, and must identify as an individual... Fellowship is what makes the world go round. I’ve seen this firsthand in my privileged position as a global ambassador for arts and culture with Chanel, travelling the world and meeting people like you...
I’m not sure when it went wrong, but I was hardwired to find people who want to work in the way I love. I may be one of the last people on the planet who doesn’t indulge in social media. I imagine those of you who do can explain how it gives the illusion that you’re on your own, even though it’s meant to connect us,” says Swinton. “If you think your name is more important than anything else, maybe you need some help.”
Swinton was joined by Bruno Pavlovsky, Chanel’s Fashion President, as well as producer and former Vogue China editor-in-chief Margaret Zhang, Vulture’s Clifford Loh, and author Amanda Lee Koe, with Monocle’s Tyler Brule moderating, to unpack how local art, fashion, and design are quietly shaping the world stage. 420 students took notes, asked questions, and witnessed firsthand how Singapore’s creative scene can and has gone global.
ON TO THE SHOW!
Silk scarves tied in hair, around wrists, or even ankles added the kind of finishing touch that makes you want to take down notes.
Yep the moment was finally here. Approximately 1,000 guests - comprising of a whole host of local and internal celebrities, clients, and the media - gathered for the show, of which there were two sessions: one at 2.30pm and the other at 6pm, both held at the courtyard of Raffles Hotel.
Did someone say cinematic glamour?
For a Chanel collection inspired by the history and the art of cinema, Raffles Hotel was a perfect fit; after all, the 138-year-old institution has long been intertwined with cinema, hosting Hollywood royalty of every kind from Charlie Chaplin to Elizabeth Taylor and serving as a backdrop for film premieres - including former Chanel czar Karl Lagerfeld’s short film Once Upon A Time…. when he was in Singapore for the 2013 show.
Privately, there were worries - especially for those attending the afternoon session - that it would be boiling, especially given our tropical setting. But those were silly fears; Chanel leaves nothing to chance. The models walked along the corridors of the hotel, and the maison provided chic pleated fans to every attendee, ensuring that we could all watch the show in comfort.
Memorabilia from the show!
The collection itself was made for summer: breezy fabrics, sun-washed pastels, and shimmering details evoked a holiday-ready vibe. Think lightweight tweeds, fluid pajama sets in matte-gold cloqué, and playful backless jumpsuits in pink-and-orange stripes, layered under dramatic capes. Sequins, macramé, and delicate lace added texture without weighing it down, while short ball gowns and pleated silhouettes kept things airy and easygoing. There were also plenty of options for after-hours shimmer - classically chic LBDs paired with long opera gloves (these have been making a comeback - just see the Spring Summer 2026 shows...).
But this being the Cruise collection (Coco Chanel has in fact often been said to be the designer who invented the cruise collection concept to get her customers dreaming about that vacay life), the collection felt like the most effortless take on glamour.
She’s a glamour girl with an edge.
Think: Lurex trouser suits, pink-and-orange lame stripes, and short pastel ball gowns that looked part princess, part party. It’s fancy, but it moves, made for the kind of girl who takes a boat to brunch. Of course, the Chanel signatures were all there — tweed, pearls, camellias — but the vibe was looser, sunnier, more fun, and perfectly attuned to Singapore’s balmy weather. It’s Chanel, but she’s on vacation, glass of spritz in hand.
She’s ready to vacay.
With the perfect bag (a mini suede 25) to match, of course.
We spotted some familiar faces, such as Singapore model Jessica Goh, walking in the show too, which added to the impression that the country is a place of possibilities, a message reinforced by Chanel’s president Bruno Pavlovsky earlier in the day during the panel talk.
Singapore model Jessica Goh was part of the Chanel cast.
Post-show, Chanel’s guests were treated to a performance by Raye - the British jazz queen behind hits like Escapism - a surprise to be sure, but one that was eagerly lapped up, as well as sets by Indonesian musician Rio Sidik and the always-in-demand Singapore DJ Nicolette Yip.
Chanel knows how to treat their guests, flying in British chanteuse Raye to serenade the crowd post-show.
All in all, Chanel’s Cruise 2025/26 in Singapore was exactly the mix of glamour, ease, and cinematic fantasy you’d expect from the maison — but with a local twist. Between Tilda Swinton dropping wisdom bombs, Jessica Goh strutting for the maison, and a surprise Raye set to cap it all off, it was a day that reminded everyone that Singapore’s creative scene isn’t just keeping up — it’s shaping the global stage in ways big and small.
Ahead, some of our favourite pieces from the Chanel show that’s completely taken over our brainspace:
