Chanel is still without a creative director, following the abrupt departure of Virginie Viard in June. Rumors remain rife within the industry that Bottega Veneta’s Matthieu Blazy is set to be announced as Viard’s replacement. Today, on December 3, the house of Chanel ventured to Hangzhou, China to present its Métiers d’art collection for Pre-Fall 2025. More than 1000 guests lined the runway (including brand ambassador Lupita Nyong’o), as models emerged from backstage and out onto the runway at nightfall. Staged adjacent to the majestic waters of the West Lake, the Chanel design studio team blended traditional Chinese garment detailing with a 70s Western flare. The Chanel Pre-Fall 2025 collection was ultimately inspired by the treasured Coromandel screens in the iconic Rue Cambon apartment of Mademoiselle Gabrielle Chanel (one even features the city of Hangzhou and its famous lake).

Watch below the Chanel Pre-Fall 2025 show:

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“CHANEL IS TRULY DEAD!” [chanelh]

“It was technically ‘better taste’ than whatever Virginia Viard was doing toward the end of her tenure. However, somehow this collection left me with the distinct feeling that the magic at Chanel has completely evaporated into thin air. Those opening looks were funerary in feeling.” [Frederic01]!”

“So boring, dull, and lifeless.” [bennyboy]

“Looking at the collection, Chanel clearly needs a creative director that will push this brand in a fresh, new direction. Most of the looks do not stand for fashion excitement.” [MModa]

“It’s a shame because I do think Chanel have a strong design team. However, they are all trying to outshine each other, rather than to conceptualize the show as one.” [tourbillions]

“Those white tiered plisse pants are the worst thing in this show. Followed by the pear-shaped jacket – it should’ve been cut. The black lace dress with the cutouts should’ve been cut too. Those two belted numbers in gold and navy could’ve gone too.” [Nimsay]

See all the looks from the Chanel Pre-Fall 2025 collection and join the conversation, here.

The post Forum Members Review the Hangzhou-Staged Chanel Pre-Fall 2025 Collection appeared first on theFashionSpot.

French Vogue might be a shadow of its former self, but the magazine still commands our attention here at theFashionSpot – for better or worse. Covers of the once-great magazine throughout 2024 have been somewhat of a flop, with not even the likes of Sophie Marceau, Céline Dion, Gigi Hadid, and Kendall Jenner having managed to win us over as cover stars. Loli Bahia is called upon to help round out the year, gracing the December 2024/January 2025 cover of Vogue France. The French beauty (and firm industry favorite) poses before the lens of Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott in the rather chic cover photograph. The photographic duo teamed up with stylist Alastair McKimm, who selected a tweed look from the Chanel Spring 2025 collection for Bahia to showcase in the high-glam cover shot.

Loli Bahia on the Cover of Vogue France December 2024/January 2025:

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“Now that looks like a French Vogue cover!” immediately heralded crmsn.

“I like the cover, simple but effective,” kokobombon approved.

“I am… SOLD. Love how French, chic, and polished this is. There’s a warmth from the lighting which I can appreciate this time of year, and it’s all working. Perhaps a hint of expression from Loli Bahia wouldn’t have gone amiss but I’m not complaining. Obsessed with the Robert Palmer-esque makeup look, the voluminous blunt bob, the Chanel, and the font,” praised vogue28.

Also a fan was forum member Srdjan. “I love the cover, it gives me both festive Christmas and fresh January vibes,” they praised.

Not everyone, however, was so smitten. “Everything but the face,” disapproved Lucien112.

“That hair!” Loli Bahia is so boring, her face is dead!” exclaimed DK92.

“I want to slap her just to see if she’s not dead,” yslforever commented.

See more of Lolia Bahia from the Vogue France December 2024/January 2025 cover shoot and join the conversation, here.

The post Loli Bahia (Decked Out in Chanel) Helps Herald the Return of Chic on the Cover of Vogue France appeared first on theFashionSpot.

Make no mistake that throughout 2024, Kenya Hunt has attempted to keep British ELLE firmly on our radar. After all, the editor (who has been at the helm of the Brit fashion publication since 2022) has ushered in the likes of Lashana Lynch, Naomi Campbell, Margaret Qualley, Raye, Little Simz, Jodie Comer, Alicia Vikander, Precious Lee, and Letitia Wright as cover stars. Hunt closes out the year by making Riley Keough a British ELLE cover star for the title’s double December 2024/January 2025 offering. Fresh from the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Australia & New Zealand, the granddaughter of the late Elvis Presley poses for photographer Olivia Malone. In the cover shot, the American actress is styled by cover shoot stylist Natasha Wray in Chanel (to which Riley Keough is a brand ambassador).

Riley Keough for British ELLE December 2024/January 2025:

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“It’s a strong cover,” confessed matheus_s the second the cover came to light.

“British ELLE‘s best cover in a long time,” praised Gary89.

“Sure does feel like it!” replied vogue28 in complete agreement. “This one hits all the right notes. Riley Keough has been photographed beautifully by Olivia Malone here. I love those shades of blue.”

Sharing the same level of enthusiasm was alwaysademo. “Beautiful cover. Looks no different than a standard late 90s ELLE France cover. Riley looks charming and the deep blue is surprising for December,” they admired.

“This is striking. Great colors,” commended forum member Lucien112.

See more of Riley Keough for the British ELLE December 2024/January 2025 cover shoot and share your own thoughts, here.

The post Riley Keough Might’ve Just Given British ELLE Their Best Cover in Months! appeared first on theFashionSpot.

Some partnerships make complete sense in the world of fashion. Linda Evangelista and Steven Meisel are prime examples. Penélope Cruz and Luigi & Iango are another solid pairing. Time and time again, the coupling has proved every inch their worth when shooting the covers of Vogue Spain, Vogue Arabia, and Vanity Fair Italia. Penélope Cruz and Luigi & Iango are reunited once again, with the unveiling of Vogue Hong Kong’s November 2024 cover offerings. The team unites to do exactly what they do best and serve pure unapologetic glamour for a twosome of terrific covers. The celebrated Spanish actress is styled by Michael Philouze for the occasion, who opts to dress the Chanel brand ambassador (since 2019) in looks from the fabled French fashion house throughout.

Penélope Cruz for Vogue Hong Kong November 2024 by Luigi & Iango:

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“I’m here for that hair,” raved kokobombon upon checking out the twosome of covers.

“Penélope Cruz is timeless!” marsnoop2 exclaimed.

“Goddess!” heralded forum member oaklee91.

Make no mistake vogue28 was a fan. “What an absolute treat! This is enough to make me go weak at the knees, in all honesty. Penélope Cruz by Luigi & Iango will forever have my heart – always. The hair here is EVERYTHING! Fierce, downright FIERCE!” he raved.

“I LOVE the hair,” chimed in zippyo.

“Penélope Cryz doing a Chanel advertorial in black and white is a formula that works every time,” KoV declared.

See more of Penélope Cruz for the Vogue Hong Kong November 2024 cover shoot offering and join the conversation, here.

The post Penélope Cruz Exudes Serious ‘Goddess’ Energy on the Covers of Vogue Hong Kong appeared first on theFashionSpot.

Chanel continues to remain without a creative director. Following the abrupt departure of Virginie Viard in June, the fabled French fashion house is yet to announce a replacement. As a result, the powers that be at Chanel HQ continue to serve up a strong sense of familiarity with its advertising campaigns. Firm Viard favorite Loli Bahia is ushered in as the face of the Chanel Cruise 2025 collection. Fresh from the Coco Neige 2024 campaign offering, the French beauty takes the South of France via the lens of Jamie Hawkesworth for the Cruise 2025 campaign installment. Back in May, Viard presented the collection in Marseille (on the rooftops of the Cité Radieuse) which was subsequently the designer’s last for Chanel.

The Chanel Cruise 2025 Campaign:

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“Why is it giving house-to-house fashion catalog?” questioned tourbillions upon first look.

“Loli Bahia looks like Bozo’s girlfriend in the shot with the hat. Literally some of the worst clothes I’ve seen in quite some time,” exclaimed GivenchyHomme.

“The South of France setting is what’s selling this to me, which looks absolutely heavenly. I’m fine with Loli Bahia as the face of Chanel but I’m just not sold on Jamie Hawkesworth for Chanel. Everything feels very… pedestrian and juvenile for a brand like Chanel,” vogue28 critiqued.

EDEN21 commented: “I don’t mind Loli Bahia but for some reason I don’t buy her as a Chanel muse.”

Yet not everyone was of the same sentiment. “Jamie Hawkesworth’s work always leaves me wanting more. These images make me dream. Love Loli Bahia for Chanel,” MModa enthused.

See more from the Chanel Cruise 2025 campaign and join the conversation, here.

The post Loli Bahia Heads to the South of France for the Chanel Cruise 2025 Campaign appeared first on theFashionSpot.

You simply cannot get more iconic than Chanel No.5. The fragrance became synonymous with luxury as soon as it appeared in 1921. Originally crafted by Ernest Beaux, the scent is still going strong over a century later. This holiday season, there is now more ways to wear the Floral Aldehyde fragrance than ever before. After shining a spotlight on the Chanel Mademoiselle fragrance, we’re now focusing on No.5 – with 5 different ways to gift the Chanel No.5 fragrance this holiday season.

From an ultra-luxe imited-edition set featuring the Eau de Parfum along with The Body Oil to the indulgent No.5 bath soap that leaves the skin subtly perfumed – here’s 5 different ways to gift the iconic Chanel No.5 fragrance this holiday season:

#1 The Limited-Edition Eau de Parfum Spray:

To celebrate the holiday season, No. 5 is decorated with a soft dusting of snow: a delicate veil of silk applied by hand, giving the bottle a sculptural effect. An exceptional gift that inspires a sense of wonder. This limited-edition gesture is housed in a box embellished with an image of the iconic scent, crafted by a Maître d’Art using the time-honored technique of embossing (Priced at $200.00).

#2 Eau de Parfum Purse Spray:

The No.5 scent housed in a portable spray featuring a wearable chain that bears Gabrielle Chanel’s favorite number. A limited-edition collector’s item. Includes a white woven sleeve embroidered with a golden Chanel logo (Priced at $195.00).

#3 The Hair Mist:

A mist that subtly and delicately scents hair with the notes of the now and forever fragrance (Priced at $80.00).

#4 The Bath Soap:

Infused with the now and forever No. 5 fragrance, this indulgent bath soap leaves skin subtly perfumed (Priced at $35.00).

#5 The Eau de Parfum Body Oil Set:

Limited-edition case decorated with snowflakes that contains No. 5 Eau de Parfum, along with No. 5 The Body Oil (Priced at $230.00).

The post 5 Ways to Gift the Iconic Chanel No.5 Fragrance This Holiday Season… appeared first on theFashionSpot.

Keira Knightley is one of those very few actresses who we have become completely accustomed to serving face when splashed across our fave fashion glossies. Whether it’s Keira returning for her umpteenth cover of British Harper’s Bazaar or dialing up the glamour (and then some) via the cover of Interview – we usually find ourselves in a state of awe. Now, Keira Knightley is granted the cover of Vanity Fair Italia (and Spain and France) with the unveiling of the title’s November 2024 offering. Photographer Tom Craig was called upon the capture the English actress, who oozes sultry glamour sporting a smokey eye, tousled hair, and a look from the Fall 2024 Chanel Haute Couture collection (as selected for the occasion by cover shoot stylist Leith Clark).

The November 2024 Cover of Vanity Fair Italia with Keira Knightley:

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“This looks rather dated. Very 2010s especially with that shadow,” critiqued Deleted Member 1957 upon checking out the cover.

“They missed the mark with this one,” replied fauxfashion in complete agreement. “It’s like a faint memory of the glorious old Vogue Paris days,” they went on to write.

“It had everything to be great but it’s not. The expression on Keira ruins it,” chimed in WAVES.

Drusilla commented: “Love the choice of Keira Knightley but I don’t love that choice of eye makeup!”

The cover simply made forum member jeremydante “bored”.

Yet not everyone was so underwhelmed. “The pout is timeless. She should have been on the cover of Vogue France!” Lola701 exclaimed.

“You could never make me dislike the sight of Keira Knightley, and I’m trying to find the positive in this. I like the Chanel, and I’m kinda into the heavy eye makeup and the tousled hair,” confessed vogue28.

Share your own thoughts on Keira Knightley for Vanity Fair Italia by joining the conversation, here.

The post What Did Keira Knightley Do to Deserve This ‘Rather Dated’ Cover of Vanity Fair Italia? appeared first on theFashionSpot.

The year 2024 has been pretty good for Nina Garcia. After all, the ELLE editor-in-chief (who has served as the magazine’s figurehead since 2017) has welcomed a whole plethora of buzz-worthy talents as cover stars. Names like Penélope Cruz, Vittoria Ceretti, Nicole Kidman, Dua Lipa, Anya Taylor-Joy, HoYeon Jung, Lisa (of Blackpink), Tyla, and Kylie Jenner have fronted the magazine throughout 2024 alone. Garcia (unsurprisingly) closes out the year with the annual ELLE ‘Women in Hollywood’ issue for December 2024/January 2025. In the process, Demi Moore, Danielle Deadwyler, Mikey Madison, Selena Gomez, Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Cynthia Erivo, Saoirse Ronan, Julianne Moore, and Tilda Swinton cover the ELLE year-end offering. Photographers Collier Schorr, Cass Bird, Felix Cooper, and Micaiah Carter were called upon to capture the women, each decked out in pieces from the likes of Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Loewe, McQueen, Louis Vuitton, and Prada.

The 2024 ELLE ‘Women in Hollywood’ Covers:

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“They are all quite nice,” immediately approved mikel.

“They are OK. Most of them look lazy. Nothing good. This year was a strange year for US ELLE,” forum member Xone chimed in.

“All of them look nice. I like Julianne Moore/Tilda, Cynthia Erivo and Saoirse Ronan,” shared ivano.

“Great lineup. Danielle Deadwyler has the best cover,” declared Hchloe.

Blueorchid commented: “They’re all pleasant and non-offensive. Not great, but it’s fine.”

“When you have Demi Moore, Demi Moore is all you need. I’m able to admire the styling on the Cynthia Erivo cover but my most fave is Demi’s, without a shadow of a doubt. My biggest pet peeve with a multi-cover selection is when there is zero cohesion, and there’s none here,” voiced vogue28.

“All the cover stories look way too pedestrian for my taste,” MModa critiqued.

See more from the ELLE ‘Women in Hollywood’ December 2024/January 2025 issue and join the conversation, here.

The post Demi Moore, Selena Gomez & More A-List Talent Front the ELLE ‘Women in Hollywood’ 2024 Covers appeared first on theFashionSpot.

Immediately (and we mean immediately), upon Virginie Viard‘s abrupt exit as Chanel creative director in June, speculation was rife regarding who would succeed the long-serving Karl Lagerfeld protégé. Five months have since past, and the fabled French fashion house is yet to make an announcement. As a result, all this time of silence from the powers that be at Chanel HQ have allowed the rumor mill to be sent into overdrive. Since June, names like Hedi Slimane, Simon Porte Jacquemus, and Pierpaolo Piccioli have been thrown out as contenders for what is considered the most coveted design gig in fashion. The latest to be thrown into the potential new Chanel creative director mix is Matthieu Blazy. The celebrated French-Belgian designer, who has served as Bottega Veneta creative director since November 2021, is now a major front runner to become the creative force behind one of the most storied fashion houses on the planet. According to WWD, Chanel intends to make an announcement of a creative director in December.

Revisit the Chanel Spring 2025 Collection:

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“Well if Matthieu Blazy will be able to produce 1649 collections a year for next 30 years then I wish him best of luck. But this choice feels somehow bizarre. I can imagine Simon PJ there much more than Blazy.” [Olaffo]

“Good on paper but terrible in reality.” [GivenchyAddict]

“As a fan of his, I’d be happy for him but I don’t think it will work. This has got Dior-Raf written all over it.” [Living Proof]

“Too intellectual and esoteric for Chanel.” [rowjellies]

“I find this quite a safe choice. He seems easy to manage. I find his BV very nice, but hardly a fashion proposition. He’s going to do really beautifully crafted clothes at Chanel, I hope he hones in his volumes a bit and works on his art direction skills.” [Norden]

“Wow, honestly I’d like to see his take on Chanel.” [couturefan]

“A decoy to hide Jacquemus as successor.” [tourbillions]

Share your own thoughts as Matthieu Blazy potentially becoming Chanel creative director, here.

The post Forum Members React to Rumors Matthieu Blazy Becoming Chanel Creative Director appeared first on theFashionSpot.

OK, we admit Harper’s Bazaar Australia & New Zealand doesn’t perhaps get the recognition it deserves here on theFashionSpot. The last time the magazine truly commanded our attention was when editor Jillian Davison secured Rosie Huntington-Whiteley as cover star. Four months later, Riley Keough on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Australia & New Zealand for November 2024 has our attention all the same. The American actress and Chanel brand ambassador poses for photographer David Roemer. Subsequent to signing on the dotted line with Chanel in 2023, the granddaughter of the late Elvis Presley has since starred in campaigns, sang live at the Spring 2025 presentation during Paris Fashion Week, and naturally sports a look (as selected by Jillian Davison) from the fabled French fashion house in the cover photograph.

Riley Keough for Harper’s Bazaar Australia & New Zealand November 2024:

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“It’s a nice cover for their spring season, and one of the better Chanel advertorials I’ve seen recently. Riley Keough looks at ease in the clothes, and it’s not juvenile,” admired tigerrouge.

“A very relaxed and somewhat erotic image. And yet such a strong connection between Keough and her iconic heritage! This is really impressive!” Rosalinda Fowler applauded.

“Cover is giving Lisa Marie face all the way,” noted jeremydante.

Vogue28 was very much a fan. “Absolutely love that cover! The lighting and styling are both gorgeous, so flattering, pretty, and easily one of Riley Keoigh’s best magazine covers. From the 90s vibes to the masthead colour choice – I love it,” he voiced.

See more of Riley Keough for Harper’s Bazaar Australia & New Zealand November 2024 and share your own thoughts, here.

The post Riley Keough Oozes an Effortless Ease (in Chanel) on the November 2024 Cover of Harper’s Bazaar Australia & New Zealand appeared first on theFashionSpot.