The mention of Y2K fashion may make you stifle a yawn—capri pants, heeled flip flops and slip dresses all featured heavily in last summer's most-wanted lists, after all. But with the Lyst Index just dropping for the first quarter of 2026 (the biggest fashion shopping platform, used by 160 million shoppers worldwide), it's clear we're still firmly in the era of borrowing styling ideas from the 90s and 00s.

Take the reignited love for Stone Island, which ranks as the 17th hottest brand of the year so far—with equally well-loved Y2K labels Versace, Burberry and Ralph Lauren all sitting in the top 20. Or consider the hottest product list, which features two track tops: an Adidas 'Chinese-style' track top and the Saint Laurent stand-collar jacket, this quarter's most popular product. Two retro-inspired trainers from Celine and Villase PM. A very 90s Kangol flat cap. And an oversized pair of Saint Laurent sunglasses that Y2K-era Victoria Beckham would most certainly have approved of.

Why the continued retro revival? As fashion and beauty psychologist and author Shakaila Forbes-Bell told me in regards to the 2016 social media trend that took off at the beginning of the year: “There are so many studies that preach psychologically we always look back on the past with coloured glasses, and we always find the past to be maybe better than our present.” The same logic applies here.

“There was even one study that found when people were encouraged to engage in nostalgic thinking and were actively reminded about the past and encouraged to reminisce, they felt happier, they felt more socially connected, even physically they felt calmer. So it's always going to be something that evokes joy, which I think under the current climate that we're in right now is needed. A lot of people are struggling with affordability and political situations and it seems like a very tough era to be in,” she continued.

Add to that the pop-culture push of 90s style from Disney's Love Story and the renewed fascination with Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's wardrobe—the key reason behind the Kangol 504's appearance on the hottest product list, according to Lyst. The countless celebrities reaching into their fashion archives, Gwyneth Paltrow and her red Gucci suit among them. And the fact that the tag #90sfashion has over 6.4 million posts on Instagram.

Plus, the continued influx of many a label still riding the wave of the Y2K revival, pushing out more product associated with the era—here's looking at you light-lens rectangular sunglasses. And it's little surprise the 90s are still trending.

Though, as Forbes-Bell predicts, it's the aesthetic, the moment and the community we're craving—not the labels or the price points. As the Lyst index proves this season, with the same hottest product list featuring a Chanel maxi flap at over £6,000 alongside a £2 Trader Joe's tote bag. Branding and attributed cost, it seems, has little to do with the emotion era-dressing can offer.

Shop The Lyst Index Hottest Products

Matthieu Blazy mania was strong enough to overshadow Paris Fashion Week—think hour-long queues outside stores and refined yet unrelenting shop-floor battles for shoes—so it goes without saying that the Artistic Director of Fashion Activities has more than silenced his critics since his Chanel appointment. His first Chanel Cruise 26/27 collection, shown in Biarritz, only strengthens his case further. The key word for the catwalk being: timeless.

The concern, Marie Claire Fashion Director Lily Russo-Bah reminds us, was that longstanding Chanel customers feared Blazy wouldn't meet their needs. That he would instead focus on a younger, more adventurous demographic. His response? To produce age-defying pieces and incorporate models of different generations into each show.

Take 50-year-old Stephanie Seymour, who opened the Chanel Autumn/Winter 2026 show, 58-year-old Nicole Kidman who is now the face of Chanel eyewear, and 65-year-old Tilda Swinton, recently dressed by the house for the BAFTAs, to name but a few of the women over 50 championed by the label.

All fall within the female demographic that Forbes reports accounts for 27% of all consumer spending. Dubbing the group "super consumers" and the wealthiest, most active generation in history. A demographic that is, albeit, often overlooked.

Not, it appears, by Blazy. And that message carried through Cruise 26/27. Of the collection, he writes: “Chanel found in Biarritz different ways of being and seeing, of movement and freedom. She made them her fashion pedestal. It is a place that offers the perfect balance between function and fiction. Among artists, workers, nobility, sailors and the natural world, everyone and everything shared the same stage, living together as a norm. All had a role to play.”

The looks are a mix of playful statement pieces—Basque stripe shirts, raffia skirts and vintage-inspired bathing suits that play with the seaside theme of undressing—alongside elements of the natural world rendered in silks, fish-scale sequins and beaded knits. And then the classic signatures, sure to satisfy any longstanding Chanel lover: tasteful tweeds, well-cut workwear and reinventions of the iconic logo into an attention-grabbing collar.

The aim echoes Gabrielle Chanel's own mission when she opened her first Couture House in Biarritz. "Helping to free women from the literal constraints of convention found in a salon-bound existence, it was the world of the outdoors, of the elements, of the sea, the beach, the sun and the wind, that demanded practicality and comfort in movement," reads the show notes.

Through folklore-inspired mermaid dresses, pieces that transcend eras and models of all ages—among them a six-months-pregnant Kaya Wilkins—it seems Chanel and Blazy have done just that.

Wimbledon, Royal Ascot, Goodwood Festival of Speed—there's no shortage of classic UK events to get behind come the Spring/Summer season, and last week kicked things off with a great one: the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race. Or rather, the Chanel J12 Boat Race, as the luxury label's timepiece is the title sponsor and official timekeeping partner of the famed event for the second year running.

Taking to the Thames on Saturday 4th April, the Oxford and Cambridge rowing teams competed in the 197th edition of the Boat Race across a 4.25-mile stretch of the river. In the men's competition, Cambridge emerged victorious with a 3.5-length win, while Oxford won the women's race for the first time since 2016.

Thanks to Chanel, however, the event's aesthetic felt considerably more elevated than the muddy shores and plastic cups of Pimm's I remember from 2018. Chanel J12 flags, signage and posters became a core element of the Boat Race branding—and it marks a particularly astute partnership.

Not only has Chanel tapped into the younger consumer base of the two most prestigious universities in the UK, but it has also aligned the iconic J12—now over two decades old—with a high-performance sporting event that has more in common with the timepiece than you might initially think.

As Jessica Diamond wrote in the Boat Race programme: "Knowing about both—the skill of rowing and the art of watchmaking—I know that both require obsessive levels of knowledge, precision, synchronicity and teamwork." She goes on to note that there is one fundamental similarity: water. "Its connection to rowing is profound and obvious, of course. For the J12, its link comes from its creator, Jacques Helleu, then Artistic Director of the House’s Watches & Fine Jewellery and Fragrance & Beauty, who took inspiration from the yachting silhouettes of the America’s Cup racing class, the J Class, and translated them into the sleek lines of the watch’s profile, case and bracelet."

Its placement, therefore, in one of the most famous boating events in the world feels more than fitting. And with Gisele Bündchen only recently named the face of the iconic unisex watch, it's clear that 2026 is shaping up to be the J12's year, again.

"It's busier than McDonald's on a Friday night in Leeds," my girlfriend said, turning to me as we perched on a tweed-covered settee in the middle of 31 Rue Cambon—aka Chanel's most iconic store and Paris flagship. With rumours of near-hour-long waits to see a sales associate, already-sold-out pieces, and people travelling upwards of 30 hours just to make it into the building, I had to see this Matthieu Blazy mania for myself. Confirmed: it's bigger than anyone anticipated.

Granted, the signs were there. When the new creative director's debut collection, Spring/Summer 26, showed at Paris Fashion Week last October, it landed immediately. The new pumps, the bags, the Chanel-embroidered shirts were all moodboarded, reposted, and coveted across the internet. So, we knew it would sell.

What we didn't anticipate was just how well it would sell. With the store running out of glasses (no champagne with purchase for you), customers pulling every string imaginable for early access, and some of the fashion industry's most recognisable faces queuing right alongside the rest of us as a result.

In the time I spent at 31 Rue Cambon, I clocked more famous faces than you'd see in the first ten minutes of the Met Gala: a famous British model, an editor-turned-social-media exec, an influencer-cum-chief-buyer for one of our favourite online retailers... And that was just in my direct eyeline. What I did find quietly reassuring: none of them appeared to be treated especially differently from those of us without the mega follower count.

Though no one quite felt the chaos as much as the sales representatives, gracefully attempting to conjure extra shades and sizes from thin air. One particularly chic shopper went in with a plan of action: "I think the shoes are going to fly the fastest. I've come in for the burgundy crocodile-embossed calfskin and patent pumps, and the square-toe cream loafer-style ballet flats," she whispered to me with varying sizes already lined up in front of her. And she is far from alone in that assessment.

While the ready-to-wear—that cotton-tweed jacket and the coral cotton shirt in particular—is proving plenty popular, it's the accessories that luxury fashion fans are truly clamouring for. During my time in the store, multiple small Chanel totes (both the croc-embossed and grained calfskin, two distinct styles that, confusingly, share the same name) were snapped up, alongside maxi flap bags and even a raffia mini shopping bag (my personal favourite).

On the shoe front, it's the new pumps, the animal-print slingbacks, and the burgundy and pink ballet flats causing the most commotion.

For London shoppers, the Bond Street store will begin officially stocking Blazy's debut collection on Friday 13th March—no longer merely a day for bad luck—with Harrods and other stockists across the UK following shortly after. Consider this your preview of what's about to happen.

Those strings I mentioned earlier? Start pulling them now. Fashion editor and founder of the soon-to-launch label Ouch Studios, April Wan, is already ahead of the curve. "I've been stress-texting my Chanel sales associate and she's trying to snatch pieces for me before they arrive on Friday—I want everything, I'm not even kidding."

She adds: "I love this collection because it feels so fresh. With all the new creative director debuts last season, this one feels like it's actually going to stick. I'm also such a hoarder—I have two massive boxes on top of my wardrobe, my own personal archives. Think: the Balenciaga Ceinture boots, the rottweiler crewneck from Riccardo's era at Givenchy. When I look at this collection by Matthieu, I can already picture these pieces sitting in those boxes in the future."

Across the Atlantic, jewellery influencer Kira Kirby tells me, "the pieces I'm most excited about are the most maximalist ones of course! The Dalmatian flats and the green croc embossed tote, included."

"Although, I'm very careful with what designer pieces I purchase (I usually spend my money on jewellery rather than leather and ready-to-wear), so I don't have a long-standing relationship with a Chanel sales associate, which makes sourcing such a coveted collection really difficult!"

So, if you haven't quite accumulated enough Chanel purchases to have a reliable sales rep in your WhatsApp, here's the strategy: Chanel Bond Street opens at 10am. Know exactly what you want. Sharpen your elbows. And get down there.

Matthieu Blazy mania has well and truly descended on Paris. Chanel boutiques have been packed with stylish shoppers vying to get their hands on pieces from the designer's debut SS26 collection—much of which has already sold out—and the Parisian house's AW26 fashion show was by far the hottest ticket on the schedule. With good reason: Blackpink's Jennie, Margot Robbie, Olivia Dean, Lily-Rose Depp, Kylie and Oprah were among the guests in attendance at last night's Grand Palais spectacle, and it's all anyone has been able to talk about since.

The set! Margot's bob! The FROW vibing to Lady Gaga! The epic casting! The must-have accessories! And, of course, the clothes, that ranged from fabulous skirt suits and drop-waist-everything to couture-worthy dresses—and were instantly added to every woman's wish list of dreams. Sadly, even for those with healthy shopping budgets, there are still a long few months ahead until the collection is actually available to buy—but that doesn't mean we can't make the most of the styling inspiration right away...

Below, five standout looks and fresh-feeling styling tricks from Matthieu Blazy's Chanel AW26 collection, and how to replicate them now.

The Eighties Blazer + Pleated Skirt

Sure, Chanel's new drop-waist mini skirt might not be the most real-world-ready of fashion items—nor, as far as I can see, currently made by any other brand—but the combination of an oversized Eighties power blazer with a pleated skirt certainly is. It's a fresh, modern way of styling two heritage pieces, and perfect for wearing to the office.

The Dress Coat + Lace

Matthieu Blazy's idea to layer an exquisite tweed check dress coat over a pink lace two-piece was nothing short of genius. Think: Noughties vibes but new, and infinitely elevated.

The Butter-Yellow Dress + Contrast Accessories

A girlish butter yellow dress is nothing new, but pairing it with unexpected, slightly jarring accessories such as a chunky chain necklace, red heels and a black leather clutch certainly feels fresh.

The Loose Shirt + Skirt Suit

As timelessly fabulous as Chanel woven skirt suits are, they do tend to lean into twee territory at times. Not so if you modernise them by styling with a loose shirt, however, as proven by multiple looks on the AW26 catwalk.

The Unexpected Colour Combo

Who would've thought that pink, burgundy, lilac and grey would make for such a stylish combination? Well, the visionary that is Matthieu, clearly—and it's well worth trying out at home.

For all the buzzy designer handbags that are released each season, only a few hold true cult status—namely, the Hermès Birkin, the Chanel flap bag, and more recently, The Row's Margaux. Iconic, timeless, and increasingly difficult to get ahold-of, they're status symbols in and of themselves, sitting lofty and untouchable within their own 'holy grail' tier.

But if the past few weeks are anything to go by, it seems that another style is poised to join their ranks—one that cleverly brings together elements of each, while still feeling fresh, exciting and new. I'm talking about the Chanel XL Tote, of course—a bag so new that it doesn't even have an official name yet, but that's already being dubbed the It bag of 2026, and beyond.

Similar in aesthetic to the Chanel Executive Tote that came out in the early Noughties—but even more oversized and featuring a top flap, slender straps and subtle 'CC' logo closure—the XL Tote is one of creative director Matthieu Blazy's first for the storied French fashion house, and it's been spotted on the runway in a few slightly varying iterations for both Spring/Summer 2026 and the Métiers d'Art show.

Smart, structured, functional, understated and ludicrously capacious, it offers the status of Chanel, the timeless aesthetic of the Birkin, and the spacious interior and quiet luxury vibes of the Margaux all in one. Little wonder the likes of Hailey Bieber, Jennie, Kylie Jenner, Pedro Pascal, and Margot Robbie have been so quick to get their hands on one of the new totes and, it seems, barely left their sides since.

Unfortunately for us mere mortals, however, it seems the Chanel XL Tote will have to remain but a dream at this point in time. Not only is it nowhere to be seen on the Chanel website, but we're still completely in the dark about how much it might set us back, too. A quick call to the boutique, however, confirmed that there won't be too long to wait—the style should be dropping mid-March, so if you're set on getting your hands on one, we'd recommend giving your details to a personal shopper in-store who can contact you as soon as it arrives. Though understandably, there's been a lot of interest already, so there are no guarantees...

If you simply can't wait til then, take solace at least in this fact: the very similar-looking and equally as practical OG Chanel Executive bags can be easily sourced right now via pre-loved, vintage and re-sale sites—and usually for around the £1,500 mark. And past examples are anything to go by, this is your prime time to invest.

The very essence of Haute Couture is, traditionally, to focus wholly on the clothes. It’s the moment when ultra-luxury fashion houses get to showcase their design prowess, atelier expertise and boundless imagination—crafting exquisitely exclusive pieces destined for private clients and celebrity red carpets alike. And yet, for Matthieu Blazy’s first Chanel haute couture show, it wasn’t solely about the garments themselves, but the women who wear them, fuelling both the inspiration and the execution of the collection.

“Haute Couture is the very soul of Chanel—it is the foundation and the full expression of the House,” says Blazy in the show notes. “These are clothes that are as much about the wearer as the designer. It’s the clothes worn that give them a true story; their own story and an emotional resonance, giving women a canvas to tell their own story.”

The narrative in question? One of metamorphosis—with an unexpected, focus on birds. Yes, birds. Celebrity guests including Dua Lipa, Anya Taylor-Joy, Penélope Cruz, A$AP Rocky and Tilda Swinton looked on in previous Blazy-era Chanel designs, seated within a whimsical, supersized mushroom field.

“In this emotional exchange between maker and wearer, the very essence of Haute Couture is the body and the soul,” continue the show notes. Opening looks crafted from sheer fabrics, pastel hues and classic Chanel structures—including a traditional suit—made that emphasis on the wearer immediately apparent. “Revealed through lightness, movement and self-expression, the woman who wears the clothes is celebrated, each in her distinct individuality,” the notes add.

Seeing those familiar Chanel cuts rendered in such light, translucent forms is described as appearing “almost as a memory of Chanel’s layered histories, entwined with the wearer’s own; a delicate embroidered love letter, a bottle of N°5, a red lipstick… tokens and emotional artefacts appear, in silk mousseline or as jewellery”. From here, the shift begins—as both the collection, and the women within it, start to transform into birds.

As the show notes continue, “a multiplicity of birds is imagined, each singular in shape and form, realised through the rituals of the Haute Couture flou and tailleur ateliers, together with the artisans of fabric making, embroidery, and pleating at le19M.”

Think feather-printed shirting and skirt sets, plume-adorned tailoring and an eye-catching, feather-covered jacket as the pièce de résistance of the catwalk, alongside what the House dubs “raven black looks” showcasing the “supreme cutting skills of the tailleur and their flow in the flou”.

And if you’re wondering: why birds? “Here, birds are seen as ultimate symbols of freedom—or simply as themselves. The natural world metamorphosed, or merely celebrated.”

Yet I can’t help but wonder whether we’re only observing Blazy’s portrayal of his customers grasping at freedom—perhaps even their truest selves—or if we’re witnessing something more personal. The moment Blazy himself begins to stretch his wings: a true celebration of Chanel’s couture heritage before embarking on his own transformation of the house, a metamorphosis unfolding in real time before our eyes.

No bag—dare I say it—is quite as iconic as a Chanel. So it comes as little surprise that the French fashion house is once again trending across social media. Yet, rather than the perennial focus on the Classic Flap, the laptop-friendly Chanel 25 or even Matthieu Blazy’s upcoming designs—set to drop very soon, I'm keeping tabs—it’s a vintage-inspired silhouette that’s commanding attention, already spotted on the arms of several famous faces.

Dubbed the Chanel Preppy Coco online—or, by some, the Chanel 26, with fashion fans predicting it will become the year’s staple style—the bag features two elongated shoulder straps, a sleek East–West shape (wider than it is tall) and the signature interlocking C motif at the front. Its official name, however, is the Chanel Small Flap Bag, and it sits within the brand’s Pre-Spring 2026 collection, firmly rooted in one of the house’s most beloved categories: the Classic Flap.

More importantly, it’s already been spied on both Dua Lipa and Jennie Ruby Jane—proof, if ever you needed it, that this particular Chanel is in high demand.

Adding to the intrigue is the house’s quiet sense of secrecy around the design. On the Chanel website, only dark blue and a pale green—almost cream in tone—are currently available, retailing at £3,910. That’s a notable contrast to the signature 11.12, which now hovers around the £8,500 mark.

Meanwhile, Instagram is awash with sightings of burgundy, blush pink, yellow and mint green iterations, suggesting limited stock has been quietly distributed to select boutiques across the globe, making certain shades all the more covetable.

Yet, the real reason behind the bag’s popularity, I’m told by those fawning over it, is that it simply feels more Chanel. Where recent releases, such as the Chanel 25, leaned into contemporary trend territory, the Small Flap Bag taps into the house’s enduring codes, and, in doing so, has won over a loyal contingent of long-standing fans. Now to see how quickly these sell out...

Matthieu Blazy unveiled his first Métiers d'Art collection for Chanel on the New York subway last night. The show took place just two months after his triumphant SS26 debut as Chanel's creative director, providing yet another glimpse into his colour-, texture-, embellishment- and energy-filled vision for the historic fashion house—one that was every bit as internet-breaking as the last.

Blazy explained: "The New York subway belongs to all. Everyone uses it: there are students and gamechangers; statesmen and teenagers. It is a place full of enigmatic yet wonderful encounters, a clash of pop archetypes, where everyone has somewhere to go and each is unique in what they wear. Like in the movies, they are the heroes of their own stories."

House ambassadors Ayo Edebiri, ASAP Rocky and Margaret Qualley sat on the front row alongside Tilda Swinton, Meg Ryan, Kristen Stewart, Christine Baranski, Martin Scorsese and more as models emerged from a stationary subway train to sashay along the platform in looks inspired by different New York personalities from the past hundred years—albeit reimagined the Chanel way.

Think: Superman-inspired Chanel logo knits, the iconic 'I Love NY' t-shirt reimagined in sequins, Alex Consani in a pinstripe suit and fedora, an exquisitely embroidered rain jacket, lashings of animal print, denim, and elegant Art Deco eveningwear.

The biggest takeaway? Commuting can be chic, and all your wardrobe needs is a great skirt to achieve it. Below are the five standout skirt looks we're bookmarking from Chanel's Métiers d'Art 2026 show, and how to replicate them for your next journey to the office.

Shop the looks:

The Animal-Print Skirt + Black Roll-Neck

The Leather Skirt + Embellished Knit

The Embellished Skirt + Classic Grey Knit

The Check Skirt + Denim Shirt

The Old-Money Camel Tones

It’s been a month full of creative director debuts—Valentino, Bottega Veneta and Gucci, to name just a few—but none has been as highly anticipated as Matthieu Blazy’s for the House of Chanel. And it’s safe to say fashion fans across the globe have given a collective round of applause for this new era of the luxury French maison, whether seated front row or tuning in via livestream. New bags, bold prints and deeply ingrained House codes have all been reimagined through a fresh lens.

As the unofficial closing show of Paris Fashion Week—with arguably the biggest celebrity turnout—expectations were sky-high. Margot Robbie, Kendall Jenner, Penélope Cruz, Naomi Campbell and Jennie were just a few of the stars joining new House ambassadors Ayo Edebiri and Nicole Kidman on the front row.

Add to that the weight of Blazy being only the fourth creative director in Chanel’s history—following Virginie Viard, who spent over 30 years at the brand learning under Karl Lagerfeld—and it’s clear the stakes were high. Coming from Bottega Veneta (where new creative director Louise Trotter impressed earlier this week), Blazy was brought in for his sharp eye for accessories and his modern, architectural approach to design.

So it’s with great excitement that, among his 77 looks (to be exact), not one but several new Blazy-designed bags made their debut on the Chanel Spring/Summer 26 catwalk. Beyond providing a particularly chic accessories line-up to arrive in stores next season, they also mark a shift in direction for Chanel—one where polished can also look lived-in.

Speaking of the importance of this subtle styling shift, our Fashion Director Lily Russo-Bah says, “the most significant piece in this collection was the 2.55 bag in Look 5. It was softer, left open, worn—as if Matthieu Blazy were delivering a message to the world: this was the antithesis of the box-fresh 2.55s we've grown accustomed to seeing on our social media feeds over the past decade. Chanel bags are meant to be used. Exactly as Gabrielle Chanel intended”.

It’s this idea of what Gabrielle Chanel would have wanted that runs through the entire collection. “This is a universe, the Universe of Chanel. Within it, outside the usual constraints of space and time, conversation unfolds in three parts. This is between Chanel’s new Artistic Director of Fashion Activities, Matthieu Blazy, and the founder, Gabrielle Chanel,” reads the show notes.

The three parts in question? Un Paradoxe—traditionally menswear-inspired shirts and trousers reimagined with Chanel’s innate femininity. Le Jour—classic Chanel daywear viewed through a contemporary lens, with hand-painted prints, knitted silks and frayed tweed. And finally, L’Universel—where the House’s most iconic codes step confidently into the future.

As the show notes highlight, “grids of tweed become hand-knotted knits and transparencies, the architecture of the Chanel suit laid bare; jewellery, so intrinsic to Chanel, is loaded and treasured, both real and ephemeral, with baroque pearls, glass planets and enamelled chains; footwear is found with a familiar contrasting toe-cap, with heels all perfectly realisable, to propel the wearer forward, securely into the future”.

When it comes to footwear in particular, it’s the classic contrasting toe-cap and a new thong-like pump that are already shaping up to be next season’s It shoes.

But if there’s one lasting takeaway, it’s Blazy’s message from the show notes: “above all, there is an idea of freedom, of a new universal dress and a borderless blending of styles; the inheritance of not just one Chanel woman, but rather, of Chanel women”.

First came primers for our foundations, then our eyeshadows. Now, fragrance wants in on the act. A new crop of so-called “fragrance primers” promises to prep your skin so your signature scent lingers for longer. Think of it as the base coat to your eau de parfum. But is this a genuine olfactory game-changer, or just another step in an already elaborate beauty routine?

“A fragrance primer is a product with emollient properties that helps anchor scent on the skin,” explains Emma South, Fragrance & Lifestyle Expert at Jo Malone London. “Well-hydrated skin slows the evaporation curve of a fragrance, allowing the wearer to detect it longer.”

While the term “fragrance primer” is relatively novel, the practice of preparing skin for scent has been around for centuries. “The concept takes us back to ancient scent rituals that used castor and olive oils as bases,” South says.

What’s new is the way brands are giving it a moment in the spotlight and tying it to specific scents. Chanel’s Gabrielle Chanel Fragrance Primer, for example, describes itself as the first step in the “Gabrielle Chanel Art of Perfuming” to intensify the luminous floral notes of the scent. It’s a fragrance-skincare hybrid, combining hydrating ingredients with the same jasmine, ylang-ylang, orange blossom and Grasse tuberose found in the perfume itself. Similarly, Rare Beauty’s new signature fragrance launched alongside four moisturising Layering Balms, each with its own scent profile to complement the perfume, or stand alone.

“Of course, any additional ingredients carry their own scent that could tweak the overall effect of the perfume that follows,” notes South. That’s why Jo Malone London fragrances are created with layering in mind. “You don’t need to match cream to cologne; you can blend different notes to create something unique. Applying a luxurious body crème or glistening body lotion in your chosen scent creates a perfect base of supple, hydrated skin for your fragrance to rest on, reinforcing the effect and ensuring it lasts all day.”

Strip away the luxe packaging and clever positioning, and a fragrance primer’s real superpower is… hydration. You don’t have to buy a branded one to get the effect—any well-formulated body lotion or oil (ideally unscented, if you don’t want to meddle with your perfume’s personality) can create the same hydrated canvas that slows scent evaporation. What the branded versions offer is sensory enhancement: textures, notes and mood designed to flow seamlessly into the perfume that follows.

So, are fragrance primers a revolution? Perhaps not. But they are a seductive new chapter in the long history of perfume ritual. If you’re the kind of person who thrills at adding one more beautiful step to your routine, they might be irresistible. If not, the shortcut to scent that lasts all day is as simple as a good body cream and your favourite fragrance. And if you find your nose “switches off” to it? Try South’s tip: avoid misting the décolletage, where you’ll smell it constantly and tire of it sooner. Instead, spritz the nape of your neck, and let the scent surprise you throughout the day.

Hot new designer handbag releases are a dime a dozen nowadays, but only a small minority boast serious sartorial staying power—and of these, even fewer will ever reach true cult status.

The Chanel 25 handbag, however, has been destined for greatness since its very first outing. Debuted during the maison's Spring/Summer 2025 show in Paris, it had the star-studded front row and industry insiders in an unprecedented state of excitement the moment it hit the runway—and immediately flew straight to the top of luxury lovers' wish-lists the world over.

It's not hard to understand why. Featuring Chanel's signature quilting, braided chain, and legendary logo hardware, it's an instantly recognisable ode to the fashion house's design codes, but reimagined in a fresh formulation with novel appeal.

Its slouchy shape, hobo design, bucket-style close and multiple pockets ensure the Chanel 25 is as functional as it fashion-forward. Offered in three sizes, it's designed to be a stylish companion in all aspects of daily life—and genuinely capacious enough to fulfil its promise.

Little wonder that the eternally globe-trotting superstars Dua Lipa and Jennie from Blackpink were chosen as faces of the Chanel 25. As the former so aptly puts it: "I'm obsessed with this bag. It's the perfect kind of bag for me as someone who's always on the move and likes to carry around everything, especially because it's got these great pockets for all my favourite things. There's a place for my books, a place for my sunglasses, maybe a notebook or two, and even a place for my crystals. It's just the perfect everyday bag!"

Others clearly agree, as the Chanel 25 handbag has been spotted gracing the arms of the stylish women everywhere since its official release in March 2025—be it to run everyday errands, head to a high-powered job, or even as the ultimate travel carry-on. Much like the modern woman herself, this is a bag that can truly do it all.

Fresh fabrications of this new handbag icon are set to be released every season—a fact that will no doubt serve only to intensify its appeal. But, for now, there's one style that has captured the zeitgeist above all: the Chanel 25 in washed blue denim.

The epitome of effortless elegance, it sees the once-humble fabric elevated to the highest levels of chic, and lends the handbag a certain unexpected edge. A masterclass in casual luxury if ever we've seen it—and one that's proving incredibly hard to resist.

Credit: Chanel 25 Small Handbag in washed denim & gold-tone metal, £4,560 at Chanel.com.

Tabitha Simmons is one of the biggest names in fashion. She began her career as a model while studying design at Kingston University, but quickly transitioned into styling, rising through the ranks at Dazed & Confused and Vogue. She has styled campaigns and shows for some of the world’s biggest fashion houses, including Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana, and, most recently, Erdem. As a longtime contributing fashion editor for American Vogue, there are few A-listers she hasn’t worked with — including Kendall Jenner, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Anne Hathaway.

In 2009, Tabitha launched her namesake footwear line. Her signature feminine aesthetic — featuring laser-cut leather, velvet, and floral details — struck the perfect balance between elegance and practicality, earning her a loyal clientele of fashion editors and celebrities such as Sienna Miller, Jennifer Aniston, and Catherine, Princess of Wales. Most recently, she collaborated with high street giant Next to create an affordable line of shoes and bags, giving fans a chance to buy into her style without the designer price tag.

Tabitha is quietly brilliant despite having won both the British Fashion Award for Emerging Talent in Accessories in 2011 and the CFDA Swarovski Award for Accessory Design in 2012. With many strings to her bow, in 2020 Tabitha was also appointed Creative Director of the luxury leather goods house Tanner Krolle, where she reimagined the brand’s heritage pieces with a modern twist.

Balancing multiple creative roles, Tabitha remains one of the most influential names in fashion. When she isn’t at her home in the Cotswolds, she’s usually living out of a suitcase. I managed to pin her down — in between shooting in Paris and before heading back to the U.S. — and here, she talks me through her style, her go-to everyday outfit, and how she can’t stop wearing her latest shoe designs. The good news? You can buy them too.

Shop Tabitha's style:

In an industry where luxury often demands newness, Chanel is flipping the script in a big way. Enter Nevold—a bold new initiative dedicated to circularity that’s as much about sustainability as it is shrewd business sense.

Nevold—short for “never old”—has a core mission to invent, produce and structure future materials through recycled fibres all while maintaining the scrupulous criteria of luxury design. But, crucially, Nevold isn’t just a Chanel lab. It’s a B2B platform inviting partnerships with everything from yarn mills and material recyclers to hospitality and sportswear brands.

Led by Sophie Brocart—former CEO of Patou and a trained engineer—Nevold brings together expertise from L’Atelier des Matières, Filatures du Parc, Authentic Material, and academic institutions like Cambridge University to achieve it's mission. After all, as Bruno Pavlovsky, Chanel’s president of fashion, told Vogue Business, “Chanel is too small on its own to build the scale this requires".

But why has Chanel taken on the role as catalyst for this bold new project? “We started by asking ourselves what happens to the materials that don’t make it into a final product, or those that reach the end of their first life. At Chanel, we didn’t destroy unsold products. But we also didn’t yet have a real system to understand their full potential. Nevold is that system," explained Pavlovsky.

And Chanel is far from alone in its need for this circular system. Limited availability of high‑quality natural materials—cotton, wool, cashmere, silk, leather—makes reinventing the supply chain not just admirable, but essential for luxury labels. "The scarcity of high-quality, traceable virgin raw materials calls for a collective response from all industry players," reads the Nevold press release.

So, as Nevold answers both a luxury business issue while taking big strides forward in the sustainable fashion sphere, it's safe to say all industry insiders are excited to see what it starts to produce. Now we wait and watch it grow.

As temperatures rise, winter coats retreat into storage, spirits lift, and the sun lingers longer in the sky, the world’s leading jewellery maisons seize the moment. They whisk clients away to White Lotus-worthy destinations, where every ray of sunlight becomes a spotlight for their latest creations.

Louis Vuitton, Virtuosity

Louis Vuitton chose sun-drenched Mallorca and the dramatic backdrop of the 15th-century fort Castell de Bellver to unveil Virtuosity, its latest high jewellery opus. Under the crescendo of Ravel’s Bolero, models adorned in bespoke Nicolas Ghesquière creations dazzled with 110 one-of-a-kind pieces spanning 12 themes. Rare stones, innovative cuts, and technical artistry that convey movement while channelling Louis Vuitton’s codes are a testament to the Maison’s well-deserved meteoric rise to the Olympus of high jewellery.

Among the highlights are, Savoir, a collar necklace featuring an unusual triangular 30.56-carat opal of hypnotic beauty, paired with a 28.01-carat drop emerald, and Apogée, a transformable necklace with moveable diamond handles nodding to the Maison’s trunk-making heritage, showcasing a 10.56-carat (impressive colour D, the purest and Flawless) custom-cut LV Monogram Star diamond and a spectacular 30.75-carat Brazilian emerald.

But the star of the show is undoubtedly Eternal Sun — an elaborate necklace radiating brilliance through a spiral of 27 yellow diamonds totalling 46.13 carats, setting the stage for a rare 14-carat yellow diamond and a 3.88-carat LV Star diamond.

Bvlgari, Polychroma

“Mai Troppo” (“Never too much”) is a favourite phrase of creative director Lucia Silvestri, and under the starred Sicilian night of Taormina's ancient Greek theatre, the message had never rung louder or clearer. Over 250 new creations dazzled with larger-than-life gemstones in retina-searing colours.

Just think of that emerald weighing 241.06 carats previously worn by Priyanka Chopra at the MET Gala, or a fancy vivid yellow diamond of over 45 carats, made even more mesmerising by an Asscher cut. The pièce de résistance? A velvety blue Sri Lankan sapphire of 123.35 carats, cut in a sugarloaf cabochon shape — Bvlgari’s favourite cut — forming the centrepiece of the Bvlgari Cosmic Vault necklace. Signora Silvestri was right: it wasn’t too much—it was just right. Just Bvlgari.

Dior, Diorexquis

Unveiled at Château de La Colle Noire, Christian Dior’s beloved retreat, Diorexquis (translating as Dior Exquisite) is Victoire de Castellane’s most intimate tribute yet to the maison’s founder. Divided into three chapters—landscapes, bouquets, and balls—the high jewellery collection reimagines the couturier’s private passions for nature, beauty, and the whimsical through extraordinary craftsmanship.

Techniques such as opale doublets and plique-à-jour enamelling bring dreamlike depth and translucency, while asymmetrical compositions defy convention and add narrative nuance. Exceptional stones, including a 33.88-carat yellow diamond and an 8.88-carat diamond, punctuate pieces that are of exquisite — or better Diorexquis — elegance.

Chanel, Reach For The Stars

Mademoiselle Chanel had always been obsessed with stars—a motif she returned to time and again in her designs. “I want to cover women in constellations,” she once declared, seeing in diamonds earthly stars she delighted in draping around women’s bodies. With its latest high jewellery collection, that celestial narrative expands. Chanel introduces a new motif: wings, thus offering women the symbolic tools to "Reach for the Stars", as the collection’s title suggests.

Designed under the late creative director Patrice Leguéreau, the 109-piece collection glows with diamond stars set as the centrepieces of dramatic necklaces, bracelets, and rings; takes flight with wings as defining motifs in climbing ear cuffs and sculptural collars; and roars with lions—Mademoiselle Chanel’s beloved astrological sign—most notably in the show-stopping Embrace Your Destiny necklace. Crafted in white gold and polished natural diamonds, it features two winged lions gazing at each other, holding two large pear-shaped diamonds. And because Chanel was nothing if not an overachiever, Reach for the Stars it’s perhaps an invitation to soar.

Cartier, En Équilibre

“The paradox of sophisticated simplicity is to create a clear and obvious line through its sobriety. It is the art of looking at things differently,
 but it is also the art of creating the right balance. It is the art of equilibrium, engraved
at the heart of our creative approach, that reveals Cartier’s sense of harmony.” With these words, Jacqueline Karachi, director of high jewellery creation, sums up Cartier’s latest opus, unveiled in Stockholm.

Balance—équilibre in French—is the central theme of a collection masterfully built on the tension between the strict elegance of its lines and the exuberance of its gemstones. It celebrates the joyful encounter between design’s rational clarity and nature’s untamed beauty. A striking example is the Panthère Orbitale necklace, where lush amethyst beads and coral drops are choreographed into a geometric composition—held placidly in place by a diamond-studded panther that exudes calm and control.

Tiffany, Sea Of Wonder

Tiffany & Co.’s Sea of Wonder collection, unveiled at the Met Museum, dives deep into the ocean’s majesty. Drawing on the imaginative legacy of Jean Schlumberger, the new Blue Book (Tiffany &Co.'s traditional name for high jewellery) line transforms marine motifs into sculptural pieces, a star-like starfish, a shape-shifting sea turtle, and a necklace rippling like waves in motion.

Vivid gemstones—from Padparadscha sapphires to Paraíba tourmalines—mirror the sea’s ever-changing palette, while innovative settings create a sense of movement and lightness. Building on last year’s Out of the Blue, creative director Nathalie Verdeille is crafting jewels that evoke wonder and offer a poetic, tactile connection to the mysteries of the sea.

Despite its slick aesthetic, Chanel’s iconic ‘J12’ watch was originally born out of frustration. The fashion house’s long-time artistic director Jacques Hélleu, who joined Chanel in the 1950s and was responsible for many of its memorable ad campaigns and monochromatic brand identity, had been searching for a watch. He couldn’t find anything that he wanted to wear, so decided to dream up his perfect timepiece. Perhaps inevitably, this led to the creation of one of the most influential watches: the ‘J12’.

Hélleu wanted a watch that was sporty, but chic. When sketching out his idea for the ‘J12’, he took inspiration from racing yachts – a personal passion of his. In fact, the name of the watch refers to the 12-meter J-Class yachts that are raced in America’s Cup. In an homage to the streamlined hulls and sweeping curves of the boats, the ‘J12’ has a seamless case and bracelet design. Its clean, legible dial and functional rotating bezel (which can be used as a timer) are both beautiful and purposeful – just like every element on board a yacht should be.

What really set the watch apart, though, was its use of ceramic. It was not a material that was widely used by watchmakers in 2000, when Chanel launched the ‘J12’.

Naturally, this was not your average pottery-shed ceramic. The material used to craft the case and bracelet is a high-tech iteration that is exceptionally hard (second only to diamonds), scratchproof, lightweight, and wonderfully glossy. And it’s produced in just one colour: black.

The J12’s positioning as a gender-neutral watch was also revolutionary at the time. Its sleek, glossy lines and chunky proportions captured the zeitgeist, and was a frontrunner in the Noughties trend for chunky ‘boyfriend watches’ for women.

Influential editors and celebrities soon flocked to waiting lists, with the model soon becoming one of the most sought-after watches of its time. Everyone wanted a ‘J12’. While copycat styles quickly came onto the market, the technical capabilities needed to master high-tech ceramics kept Chanel ahead of the pack, and ignited its reputation as a serious watchmaker – not just a fashion house.

Over the past 25 years, the ‘J12’ has continued to evolve. In 2003, Chanel released the equally iconic white ceramic version, in-keeping with Hélleu’s love of monochrome, which he considered to be a timeless combination (as did Coco Chanel). The horological heft of the watches increased as Chanel introduced tourbillons, moonphases, chronographs, and high-end mechanical movements to the collection, too. Then, in 2022, it introduced its first ‘J12’ movement that was made entirely in-house at Chanel.

While there has been the occasional use of other colours over the years – think blue or pink dial accents, the addition of coloured gemstones, the gunmetal sheen of the ‘J12 Chromatic’ (achieved by a ceramic-titanium blend) or the models that swapped ceramic for coloured crystal sapphire – the core collection has stayed steadfastly black or white. Until now.

This year, to mark a quarter century of this iconic watch, Chanel unveiled the ‘J12 Bleu’, featuring a stormy-blue ceramic in a matte finish. The intense colour has often been used by the house in fashion and beauty, and its origin story can be traced back to the boxes used to house Chanel’s 1932 Bijoux de Diamants jewellery collection (the house’s first experimentation with diamonds). It is, however, the first time that it has been used in watchmaking.

Indeed, it is notoriously difficult to achieve new hues of high-tech ceramic, as the colours can often be unstable, making reproducing them in the exact same colour each time challenging. Mastering this specific shade of blue for the ‘J12 Bleu’ took Chanel five years of experimentation.

“I dreamed of giving a colour to black, of illuminating it with blue,” says Arnaud Chastaingt, director of the Chanel Watchmaking Creation Studio. “The final choice of this particular blue was like an epiphany. I wanted a blue that has a rigorous elegance; a blue that is nearly black or a black that is nearly blue.”

Move this particular ‘J12 Bleu Caliber 12.1’ (one of nine models) into different lights and you can see the ceramic switch from almost black in the shade, to a bright navy in the sunshine. Clever Chanel.

The moody aesthetic is continued on the dial, too. Rather than the bright, legible numbers of its predecessors, this model has glossy black numerals and hands. Meanwhile, the date is in white, positioned within a window quirkily placed between 4 and 5 o’clock.

Flip the watch and you’ll find a sapphire crystal caseback, too, allowing a full view of the self-winding Manufacture Caliber 12.1 movement within, which is chronometer-certified by COSC and has a power reserve of 70 hours.

Coco Chanel and Hélleu considered black the colour of mystery and eternity, and white the shade of perfection and purity, making them a perfectly opposing but complementary pairing to which they kept returning. But, of course, they aren’t colours: they are the absence of colour. What the ‘J12 Bleu’ has created is a scintillating true hue that binds both darkness and light, marking an exciting new chapter for the house – and a worthy heir to the monochrome legacy of Chanel’s iconic ‘J12’.

Shop the Chanel J12 Bleu

Yesterday, guests including Margaret Qualley, Lupita Nyong'o and Keira Knightley gathered on the shores of Lake Como for the unveiling of Chanel’s upcoming cruise collection. Much more than just a luxury locale, however, the sun-drenched waters, surrounding hills and the exclusive Villa d’Este resort where the show took place, not only provided the ultimate backdrop for the fashion house's summer presentation but also allowed guests to experience the inspiration behind each look firsthand.

Designed by the creation studio, ahead of Matthieu Blazy’s anticipated debut as artistic director later this year, the 2025/2026 cruise collection is a celebration of the art of living—La Dolce Vita reimagined through the Chanel lens. Models took us on a journey through elevated daywear, inspired by the elegant yet easy-going lifestyle of guests visiting Lake Como, to evening wear that celebrates the joy in getting dressed.

Co-ordinated two-pieces were a focal point of the collection, showcased in pastel-toned Chanel tweed alongside beach-ready crochet and relaxed nautical-inspired silhouettes. Peplums also proved popular with models sporting them on waistcoats and blazers, as well as sitting low on the waist of skirts and dresses.

For evening wear, the collection transformed, taking on a playfulness inspired by the disco era. Maxi dresses and jumpsuits fell in swathes of pink and gold lurex while ruffled mini dresses and sequin trouser suits channelled a bold, nostalgic glamour.

Overall, the collection was one that emanated luxury and a spirited vibrancy that invited its audience into the world of La Dolce Vita. This is a cruise collection for women who embrace beauty, freedom and the pleasure of getting dressed.

Whilst we patiently await Matthieu Blazy's debut collection for Chanel - the ex Bottega designer is rumoured to start next month - the iconic French Maison rounded off Paris Fashion Week with a bang with a breathtaking Autumn/Winter 2025 collection.

Rather than the elaborate set designs of years past, the runway of the Grand Palais sat alongside a simple black ribbon, and by simple I mean a huge black steal ribbon the length of several buildings.

Celebrities flocked to see the new collection dreamed up by the in-house design team, and their reaction was undeniable. The likes of Naomi Campbell, Tyla, Raye, Elle Fanning and Jessica Alba all screamed and cheered at the finale of the show.

The symbols of the house - the tweed, pearls, bows, flowers, two-tone shoes and felt hats, were all present throughout the collection, but given a fresh twist for the Winter season.

Models looked chic and cosy in oversized and colourful sweater dresses that gave off 1920s vibes when teamed with layers of sautoir pearl necklaces.

Chanel's signature bow, a main theme for the collection, was re-imagined in many ways. Adorning garments, fastening bows, as a cut-out detail on a jumper, and even as a trompe l'oeil pattern on a dress.

Layering was also key, with sheer dresses worn over trousers, lace gowns over white shirts, ethereal capes over tweed suits and pencil skirts over knitted pants. Proof you can look chic and warm this Winter.

But while you couldn't accuse the House of Chanel of being minimal, there were some surprisingly paired-back looks to attract the more modest customers.

Think a double denim look, a white satin fringed coat dress, patent black leather coat and khaki ensemble that nodded to the tweed suit in an understated way.

As ever, the accessories played a key role in the collection, no surprise when we know that bags are bestsellers for the label. They came in all shapes and sizes, from teeny-tiny compact-sized bags to chic laptop bags. A round pearl-shaped clutch is bound to set pulses racing come party season.

Shoe-wise, the aforementioned two-tone shoes were given a modern update in the guise of Victorian-style sock boots with a pearl heel, with other notable styles including heeled trainers and ruffled pumps.

No wonder Naomi et al were fans.

Last night, Hangzhou in China played host to the latest Chanel 2024/25 Métiers d’art show. The annual event, which celebrates the many craftspeople who contribute to the house’s luxury creations, was hosted closer to home in Manchester, UK last year.

This year’s location was teased with a film released last week, featuring Tilda Swinton, Leah Dou and Xin Zhileiand (all ambassadors for the house) and directed by Wim Wenders. Swinton travels from the iconic Rue Cambon apartment in Paris to Hangzhou’s West Lake, snapping photos on an analog camera along the way.

The real star of the film, however, was the intricately painted wooden screen that Swinton photographs at the beginning and reappears throughout. Gabrielle Chanel collected antique Coromandel screens — one of which she found so beautiful, she displayed it on the study walls of her apartment. It depicts a scene of Hangzou’s West Lake, “the very place where Chanel has chosen to unveil its 2024/25 Métiers d’art collection, dedicated to allure, travel and dreams.”

With over a thousand guests in attendance, the show kicked off at nightfall with traditional Chinese drummers. A long, winding boardwalk served as a catwalk, which models delicately sauntered across, illuminated by soft lakeside lighting.

And what about the clothes? Long, shouldered coats in precious tweeds, satin and velvet, embroidered with flowers, swished elegantly on the water. Frogging, pagoda sleeves and mandarin collars all paid homage to the city and rich culture of China, as well as being crafted by local artisans.

The travelling theme was also reflected in the bags, with large holdalls and dainty vanity cases. Coromandel screen motifs featured on knitted jumpsuits that were worn underneath two-piece suits, so flashes of traditional patterns were visible on exposed limbs.

It wouldn’t be a Chanel show without camellias — a flower beloved by Mademoiselle but are actually native to China. The motif appeared on lapels, jewellery, hats, bags and buttons throughout the collection. Faded blue jeans were included to “recall the ripples on the surface of the lake water” while the black, brown and darker tones reference “the wood of the panels and velvety steps into the night”.

Thigh high boots and pointed slippers were the footwear of choice, in black patent leather or soft nubuck suede. Hats and scarves completed the ladylike silhouettes, as did the heavy winged eye make-up worn by every model.

Despite the position of creative director at Chanel being left empty since June when Virginie Vard stepped down, and many rumours swirling of her replacement (such as Matthew Blazy of Bottega Veneta), the house has continued to stick to its historic design codes and original inspirations for a truly beautiful collection. We want all of it — now.

Some fragrances stand the test of time. Icons of yesteryear include classic perfumes such as Miss Dior and Chanel No 5, while the current era is perhaps more defined by the likes of modern classics—most notably, Marc Jacobs Daisy. Still one of my personal favourites to this day, Daisy reminds me of youthful ease and nostalgic joy. Here's why I still believe it's just as relevant in 2024—particularly this weekend, when you can buy it for significantly less in the Black Friday beauty sales.

Why is Marc Jacobs Daisy so popular?

Ever since it first launched way back in 2007, Daisy has had clear appeal. It is still, to this day, Marc Jacobs' bestselling fragrance, created in collaboration with perfumer Alberto Morillas.

Not only is the smell irresistible (more on that later), Daisy has a notable aura centred around youth and a whimsical nature. Its iconic bottle, for example, is defined by that daisy-laden lid, which has become synonymous with the fashion label as a whole.

Daisy has also had some of the coolest women front its campaigns, including Kaia Gerber. You may remember that 'Daisy, Daisy, Daisy...' advert, which felt almost dream-like, set to a backdrop of clear blue skies and green fields.

As well as campaign stars, celebrities such as Selena Gomez have been rumoured to wear the fragrance as part of their rotating personal favourites collection.

The name of the scent is also, of course, surrounded by style. Jacobs has apparently always been a fan of Daisy Buchanan of The Great Gatsby, which helped to inspire the identity of the perfume.

What does Daisy smell like?

As someone who's not a fan of overly sweet scents, I always surprise myself with how much I love Marc Jacobs Daisy. As mentioned, it has a youthful quality, with fruity notes of strawberry, blood grapefruit and violet leaf that offer up an instant hit of sweetness.

However, the sparkling, slightly zesty scent isn't sickly; this is perhaps thanks to the complementary violet, gardenia and jasmine that sit at the middle, as well as the smoother, creamier base notes of vanilla, musk and white woods.

It sits within the 'white florals' category most obviously, but it's also somewhat powdery, a little citrusy, and a touch aquatic.

Wearing Daisy reminds me of my youth; it was one of the first 'grown up' scents I ever received, and it reminds me of life when things were a lot simpler and less serious. It has a distinct dazzling quality which makes it feels supremely special.

Other iterations of Marc Jacobs Daisy

Since first launching in 2007, it's actually been relatively difficult to keep up with the many, many iterations of this classic—each as beautiful as the last

My favourites include 'Eau So Intense,' which takes the form of a parfum, rather than an eau de toilette, and amplifies the notes in this scent for deeper wear. 'Daisy Love' is a somewhat prettier, fruitier way to enjoy Daisy, with notes of cloudberry undercut by cashmere and musk at the base.

For a fresher twist on Daisy, you could opt for 'Daisy Wild,' which boasts banana flower and macadamia among its unique notes. Alternatively, 'Daisy Dream' is another gorgeous option; it features fruity blackberry, pear and grapefruit that offer an instant zest, before the dry down delivers more grounding notes of musk and white wood.

For me to declare a foundation as truly impressive, it needs to tick a number of boxes. First, it needs to apply effortlessly, blending easily into the skin for a seamless finish. Next, it needs to blur any imperfections without appearing heavy or cakey (it’s for this reason, I’m a lover of blurring foundations as a whole). And lastly, although this one is purely my personal preference, it needs to give my skin a dewy, radiant finish. I want to look like I’ve had my full eight hours sleep and drunk three litres of water that morning, even though the most I’ve probably managed is a hurried ice coffee. And, while I believe there’s a time and place for matte foundations, for me a radiant base is how I achieve this.

So, when a foundation comes along that ticks this stringent criteria, it’s usually something to shout about, and so, allow me to introduce you to my current favourite foundation: Chanel’s Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch. Why am I shouting about this right now? Because it just got much more affordable in the Black Friday beauty sales.

What makes Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch so good?

It’s pretty obvious from just appearance alone, that Chanel’s Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch isn’t your average foundation. A clear gel infused with ultra-concentrated micro-droplet pigments, it offers a lightweight formula that aims to hydrate the skin while also delivering a sheer veil of coverage. Composed of approximately 60% water as well as antioxidant-rich jasmine extract and hydrating tamarind extract, it not only gives you a seriously flawless base but also soothes and protects the skin to leave your complexion looking fresh, radiant and more even. Now you’re beginning to understand why this is my new holy grail right?

My honest review

I started by applying the foundation onto the back of my hand and this is where you can really see the magic of this product. Rather than combining into a traditional foundation texture, the gel and pigment capsules remain separated until you blend them using your fingers or a foundation brush. While Chanel does provide a brush with the foundation, I chose to go in with my own (the Huda Beauty Base Brush, in case you were wondering) as I’ll be honest, it’s extremely small, and I worried how long it would take me to apply it using the mini tool.

I applied three to four pumps and then swirled them together to combine the particles. I was pleased to see, even when combined, the foundation still retains its ultra-light gel-like consistency making it incredibly easy to apply (remember my criteria from earlier) and also very lightweight on the skin, almost like a skin tint. And, if you were worried the consistency might dilute the pigment, it doesn’t. It applies in a light to medium coverage that’s easily buildable for a flawless finish.

What I love most about this foundation however is how my skin looks and feels when wearing it. Invisible really takes on new meaning with this foundation, it’s so lightweight, I often forget I’m wearing it however when I catch myself in the mirror the radiance delivers. Topped with a little concealer under the eyes, a dusting of loose setting powder and a sweep of cream blusher and I’ve got my perfect everyday make-up look.

Undisputedly one of fashion’s most coveted pieces, the Chanel Flap Bag is a timeless icon. Introduced in the 1950s as a breakthrough in designer handbags, the 2.55 Flap Bag dared to challenge women’s handbag norms by offering a shoulder strap in contrast to traditional handheld designs.

Making a case for women’s accessories to be both practical and stylish in equal measure, the Flap Bag captured the cultural zeitgeist with its design and approach to functionality—as more women moved into the workplace.

With its modern design featuring Chanel’s diamond-stitch quilting and the iconic burgundy interior lining—motifs inspired by men’s jackets and Coco Chanel’s early childhood through her uniform at the Aubazine Abbey convent—the Flap Bag was an instant hit.

Since then, the bag has been reimagined many times, inspiring many other iconic handbag styles. In the 1980s, former creative director Karl Lagerfeld reinterpreted the Flap Bag with another set of features that would become classic brand motifs. These included the Double C turn-lock closure and a sophisticated leather woven chain, all of which continue to reappear in modern versions of the bag. Additionally, Lagerfeld also introduced the Double Flap Bag within the Flap Bag lineage, which simply features an additional exterior flap for extra storage.

Over the years, Lagerfeld continued to innovate upon Chanel’s iconic designs, with the Flap Bag as a key source of inspiration. Variations like the Mini Flap, the Chanel 19 Flap, and the Single Flap helped solidify the Flap Bag’s enduring authority, which remains strong 70 years after its launch.

The classic bag’s elegance and endless reinventions continue to attract Hollywood’s A-list, with stars like Victoria Beckham, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Katie Holmes frequently photographed carrying this iconic accessory. But celebrities aren’t the only ones drawn to its allure; style enthusiasts and avid luxury collectors alike hail the Chanel Flap Bag as one of the most iconic handbags of all time.

With artistry at its forefront, each classic bag is meticulously crafted by hand at Ateliers de Verneuil-en-Halatte, one of the brand’s prized workshops, where artisans train for at least four years to master the techniques required to create these handbags. The process takes around 15 hours and up to 180 steps, which explains why this timeless bag remains a signature luxury item in the fashion world.

This season has been no exception, with Lagerfeld’s successor, Virginie Viard, presenting her ultimate vision for the Flap Bag in her final collection for Chanel during the autumn/winter 2024 season. Among the 68 handbags showcased, a clear standout emerged: a distinguished Flap Bag adorned in shearling.

Introducing the Shearling Lambskin Flap Bag: this exquisite purse features a classic silhouette with shearling trim along the top flap and back. The upper part of the bag showcases the brand’s distinctive diamond-quilted pattern, while the lower section was created in the brand's signature Brown 22 leather. Viard chose a timeless 24K gold double-C hardware, complementing the bag’s brown strap. Truly, a quintessential collector’s piece.

The bag first appeared on the catwalk earlier this year, styled with a matching lambskin and shearling jacket, cuffed straight-leg jeans, and sleek black boots. Swaying effortlessly as the model held it in one hand, the handbag instantly became a standout of the new season. Amid spectators' oohs and ahs, the bag—while magnificent in design—also captures Chanel’s signature craftsmanship. At the same time, it maintains a playful touch, blending traditional materials and textures for the holiday season with the brand’s celebrated elegance.

Shop the Chanel Flap Bag

In the world of beauty, new launches are a dime a dozen. And look, for a lover of beauty (even one who's been in the industry as long as I have) this is always exciting, but sometimes you can't beat a classic. They may not feel as 'sexy,' but classic beauty products that stand the test of time will always be cool. I'm talking the Clinique Black Honeys of the world, or the original ghds. The likes of Chanel No 5 and Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream are icons that will be bestsellers for ever—and for good reason.

With this in mind, I've gotten all nostalgic and hand selected the best 15 timeless beauty products in existence. I truly believe in the efficacy of these products and think they can never really be 'duped' or replaced. Prepare to stock up!

1. Beautyblender Original

Don't come for me, but this sponge simply can't be replicated. There may be dozens available to buy from different brands, but in my opinion, the Beautyblender is elite in every way. It applies and blends beautifully, keeps its shape and is made from a unique material that allows for a truly flawless finish.

2. The Body Shop Shea Body Butter

You simply can't beat a body butter by The Body Shop. These do everything a pricey, boujee cream does and more—and for a high street price point. There are ample new scents to try these days, but the original Shea iteration is still a winner in my eyes.

3. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact

One of the make-up products I will always remember seeing my mum use when I was a teenager, a Bobbi Brown Shimmer Block is so, so versatile. Use it as a highlighter, blush or on the eyes for a beautiful tinted glow.

4. NARS Blusher in Orgasm

The blusher that sits in the bags of every major make-up artist out there, NARS Orgasm is still a bestseller for the brand. Its pretty, rosy, shimmery hue seems to suit everybody, and it now even comes in cream and liquid versions (which I love perhaps even more).

5. Benefit Benetint

Over the years, many brands have tried to develop a lip and cheek tint that can stand up to Benetint: it is the gold standard, in other words. The long-lasting colour suits a range of skin tones and gives you that perfect flush.

6. Chanel No 5

An icon of the perfume industry, Chanel No 5 is just as cool now as it was 'back then'. Case in point: Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi star in the brand's latest No 5 campaign, proving it's wearable for all ages and generations.

7. Clarins Comfort Lip Oil

Lip oils have become increasingly popular over the past several years, but the brand that started it all: Clarins. The silky-smooth lip oils have always been the blueprint, with their divine texture and newly-released shade extensions.

8. Dior Addict Lip Glow

Another 'your lips but better' timeless product is Dior Addict Lip Glow, which nourishes and soothes lips, while providing them with a subtle tint that enhances their natural colour.

9. Jo Malone London Nectarine Blossom & Honey

There were a number of Jo Malone London fragrances I thought to include here, from Pomegranate Noir to Lime Basil & Mandarin. All are timeless, but this one is my go-to, and has been since I started in beauty. It's very nostalgic, yet still fresh and modern enough to wear today.

10. Philip Kingsley Elasticizer

This classic hair mask has truly stood the test of time. There's nothing quite like it for repairing and healing damaged lengths, and maintaining overall condition. You apply it to wet/damp hair ahead of shampooing, and can even leave it on overnight for the most potency.

11. ghd Original Straighteners

I will never deviate from my ghds, no matter which other straightener brands I try. I just think they are still the best in the 'biz and, honestly, you can't beat the classic pair. Saying that, I do really like the Chronos model which is much newer, but the original pair are still my go-to.

12. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream is certainly not just for generations gone by; it's still a brilliant hydrator, particularly for lips and other dry areas on the face. I still love having a tube of this in my collection.

13. MAC Ruby Woo Lipstick

A true red that will never go out of style, Ruby Woo will forever be in my make-up bag. It has the perfect texture and bright-red colour that complements every skin tone.

14. Caudalie Beauty Elixir

The first face mist I ever used, and still one of my favourites to this day, Caudalie's Beauty Elixir is infused with beautiful, hydrating ingredients to keep skin looking fresh all day long.

15. Clinique Black Honey Lipstick

Black Honey by Clinique has become so famous it has inspired a whole line of products, from a mascara to an eyeliner. This is a gorgeous autumnal burgundy lipstick that can be worn subtly or layered for more pigmentation.

Chanel No. 5 is, without question, the most classic perfume in the world—so when Margot Robbie was announced as the new face of the fragrance last month, it's safe to say we all took notice. You see, the Chanel No. 5 campaign is, indisputably, the most important in the fragrance world. Robbie follows in the footsteps of Nicole Kidman, Gisele Bündchen and, more recently, Marion Cotillard as the face of what is one of the most iconic fragrances in history.

And today we finally see the full film and campaign released. See You at 5 is a two-minute-and-twenty-second film by Luca Guadagnino that sees Robbie and fellow actor Jacob Elordi star alongside each other in a truly refreshing tale that makes up the story of Chanel No. 5.

In all of my years working as a beauty editor and studying such campaigns, I have never felt more excited to witness one as I was See You At 5, today. You see, there's no doubt that Robbie being announced as the face of No. 5 was an exciting move for the house—as an actor and producer that breathes a fresh sense of modernity in every project she touches, Robbie has long made for the perfect casting choice for No. 5. But, when paired with Elordi, this new campaign catapults No. 5 into a new realm—one that sees the bestselling fragrance become enticing for all ages.

For years, Chanel No. 5 has been regarded as a classic perfume that appeals predominantly to an older, mature demographic. But, as a beauty editor who specialises in all things fragrance, this has long niggled at me. The truth is, Chanel No. 5 is a feat of a perfume due to its ability to make its wearer feel a deep sense of power—it taps into the psyche of anybody who smells it and becomes totally intoxicating. And isn't that something that should appeal to all? At long last, with the latest campaign, this very essence is captured in all of its glory—a woman who knows what she wants and is going to get it.

When we asked Robbie about what femininity means to her, she replied: "I think it is embracing all the parts of you, which means femininity can be anything to anyone. You should make of it what you will. It shouldn’t put you in a box. It should actually be the thing that liberates you to be the version of yourself that you want to be."

The new campaign doesn't just make Chanel No. 5 a perfume that appeals to a younger, more modern consumer, but also one that embodies the versatility of the scent. Chanel No. 5 is a power perfume to its core, something that fills you with confidence and supreme potential—and now, finally, we have a campaign that truly captures the way in which No. 5 can and should be utilised by all.

The Chanel show is always one of the highlights of Paris Fashion Week providing both spectacular fashion as well as an experience unlike any other. Ahead of this season’s Spring/Summer 2025 show, we got ready with Leila Kashanipour, jewellery designer and content creator, to discuss personal style, her fashion week essentials and her favourite trends for the new season. Plus, she also took us along with her to the incredible Grand Palais, where the show took place, to give us an insider look at Chanel’s magical collection. Keep scrolling to here her thoughts...

How would you describe your personal style?

“I feel I’m very true to myself and whatever outfit I put on,” she told me, “I always bring an element of me to it despite the city. I also shy away from trendy items as I like timeless pieces that I can visit year after year. Having said all of that, my summer personality and autumn winter personality are quite different. In summer I go all out with prints, layers of jewellery [and] clashing accessories while, in autumn winter, I’m more conservative with the base of the outfit and I have fun with shawls, jewellery, accessories, shoes and bags - sometimes coats.”

What did you wear to the Chanel Spring/Summer 2025 show?

“Chanel day is always the most exciting day of Paris Fashion week. This season I went for a sleeveless long jumper with a very cool zip in the middle and matching cardigan, both from the Autumn/Winter 2024 collection. I wore my black slingbacks, for a bit of height assistance, but also to keep the look casual and not done up. I wore my hair loosely in the back for the same reason and I kept my jewellery and bag minimal. I’m obsessed with my earrings! The combination looked fun and classic at the same time as a true Chanel girl should.”

What was in your handbag?

“I try not to carry too many things to the show as my bags are always small for some reason! My I took my Canon G7 Mark III which is now an essential, the invite, my ID and credit cards. I always carry Lipstick (I wore Gucci Westman’s Pique) and Sensai’s powder to de-shine - they are both my essentials. My sunnies were old Jimmy Fairly ones that I love, especially when having my photo taken.”

What was your favourite look from the collection and why?

“If I had to choose a favourite, I think it would be the look featuring the sheer white silk set with beading and feathers. It just floated so beautifully as the model was walking. I took a photo from the back.”

What are the trends you’re most looking forward to wearing this season?

“I’ll be wearing over the knee boots with knitted skirts and dresses for a more grown-up take on smart casual. I've been wearing a Liberowe Raja set that I just bought on rotation and I'me also eyeing up a gorgeous Magda Butrym red dress that I love. Chloe and Jimmy Choo Cece’s are in my shopping basket at the moment and of course tons of jewellery as always. I’m currently obsessing over Tabayer jewellery at the moment and Sonia Petroff earrings are my weakness. I don’t shop spontaneously and when I do buy I like to make considered purchases I know I will wear for years to come.”

Chanel may have been sans Creative Director since Virginie Viard announced her departure earlier this summer, but the house has not lost its magic, thanks to the Creation Studio team who brought this collection to life.

The Spring/Summer 2025 collection poignantly returned to the Grand Palais - of which it the house is the patron - this Paris Fashion Week, after a four year hiatus.

This beautiful historic building, with its glass dome roof, is reminiscent of a gilded bird cage, and so it makes sense that the collection is all about flying up in the air, and the freedom that fashion has brought to her women.

More specifically, the freedom that Gabrielle Chanel brought to women at a time where they were constrained by corsets. Instead, she created fluid clothes that they could move in and feel beautiful in.

For Spring/Summer 2025, this sentiment is echoed throughout the ethereal collection.

Chiffon capes, feathered skirts and trench coats printed with feathers all give the illusion of birds in flight through the delicacy of their movement.

Floaty capes were layered over denim shirts and trousers, aviator jackets are adorned with furry Peter Pan collars, flight suits re-imagined in black or white faille, all giving a modern twist to the theme.

As always, the House codes are revisited. Think tweed suit in pastel hues or pink, orange and pink, the little black dress re-imagined with a sheer cape and embellished with low sung, bejewelled belts, the jacket with fringes.

The show notes read: "The collection is a tribute to women who freed themselves from the cumbersome gaze of society, just like Gabrielle Chanel. This flight is dedicated to them. We think of music-hall artist and literary figure Colette, to whom Gabrielle Chanel was a close friend, the garçonne movement that marked the Roaring Twenties, but also the aviatrixes who spoke out and helped change mentalities."

In summary, a "soaring voyage" that has us wanting to skip Winter and fly straight into Spring 2025.

There are fashion shows, and then there are Chanel fashion shows. The late Karl Lagerfeld dreamt up some of the most theatrical sets ever seen, from a Chanel supermarket to an iceberg, and even a beach.

The house has continued this tradition (albeit in a more restrained manner); for the Autumn 2024 Couture show, the Palais Garnier's hallways were cloaked in velvet (to reflect the opera house's scarlet boxes), and for Spring/Summer 2020, the runway was transformed into Parisian rooftops. There have also been notable performances from the likes of Lily Allen and Florence Welch.

While we wait to see what Chanel will magic up for the Spring/Summer 2025 show this Paris Fashion Week, let's take a petit tour down fashion memory lane for some of the most magical moments in Chanel's catwalk history.

Tweed, Autumn/Winter 2022

Chanel and tweed are enduring bedfellows, and this collection was no different. Former Creative Director Virginie Viard covered the walls and benches of the show space in the signature fabric, which also featured heavily in the collection itself. Chic.

The Chanel Sign, Spring/Summer 2021

For the Spring/Summer '21 show, the Hollywood sign was Chanel-ified, with a giant, lit-up version of the familiar logo. It towered above the models and provided a striking backdrop.

River Seine, Autumn/Winter 2020

Models appeared to walked on water at Chanel's Autumn/Winter 2020 show, with a runway made to look like Paris's famous River Seine – complete with winding 'banks'. Fittingly, the collection was inspired by pirates (in the chicest way of course), featuring cavalier boots, ruffle-front shirts and double-breasted tweed jackets.

Paris Rooftops, Spring/Summer 2020

Paris's iconic rooftops – specifically, those zinc-lined ones of the Rue Cambon – were the runway for Spring/Summer 2020. For those with vertigo, fear not; it was all a beautifully built set.

Coco's Apartment, Métiers D'art 2019

Virginie Viard teamed up with Sofia Coppola to transform Le Grand Palais into Gabriella 'Coco' Chanel's famous apartment, with a mirror-lined staircase at the top of the runway. On the catwalk, birdcage bags referenced the iconic designer's decor.

Library, Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 2019

Bookish fashion fans were delighted to find themselves in a Chanel library when they stepped into Le Grand Palais for the house's Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 2019 show – Virginie Viard's first show after Karl Lagerfeld's death.

Villa Chanel, Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2019

An entire villa – including an elaborate staircase and crystal-blue pool – was erected within Le Grand Palais for Chanel's couture show. The looks themselves were aptly decadent, with full-skirted gowns calling to mind the lavish wardrobe of one Ms Marie Antoinette.

Beach, Spring/Summer 2019

Possibly one of the most ambitious Chanel sets to date, Spring/Summer 2019's show took place on a specially-created beach, with sand, water and huts. There were even Chanel-clad lifeguards keeping watch over proceedings. Models walked barefoot, shoes in-hand.

Woodland, Autumn/Winter 2018

Lagerfeld loved bringing the outside in for many of Chanel's history-making shows, and Autumn/Winter 2018 was no different. Le Grand Palais was turned into a forest, with real trees lining the runway – and leaves heaped upon it.

Waterfalls, Spring/Summer 2018

Lagerfeld brought the famous Gorges du Verdon canyon and its many waterfalls to Paris's Grand Palais for the house's Spring/Summer 2018 show. Models stayed dry in transparent bucket hats, bonnets and capes.

Eiffel Tower, Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 2017

One of Paris's most iconic landmarks, the Eiffel Tower, was recreated inside Le Grand Palais, making for a breathtaking backdrop to Chanel's couture show. An artificial mist obscured its top, making it seem even more larger-than-life. The structure's flared shape inspired the silhouettes of the dresses and coats on the catwalk.

Space Shuttle, Autumn/Winter 2017

For this show, Chanel went where no other fashion house has been before and created a whole space shuttle, which actually lifted off during the show's finale (to the sound of Elton John's 'Rocket Man', no less). The collection was suitably galactic – lots of metallics and some very memorable glitter boots.

Data Centre, Spring/Summer 2017

The IT crowd has never looked so chic. For Spring/Summer 2017, Lagerfeld reimagined the insides of a data centre, lining the runways with computer servers – and filling them with models wearing robot-like headgear and carrying accessories featuring light-up text.

Atelier, Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 2016

Lagerfeld paid homage to 'les petites mains' – aka 'the little hands' – in the Chanel ateliers by turning the runway into a studio. Seamstresses and technicians continued walking as models showcased the couture collection.

Eco House, Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2016

It was day three of Couture fashion week in Paris and all eyes were on a large wooden structure placed in an 'eco-zone' (read green plants and lawns aplenty) in the historic Grand Palais. The set was built from timber and came with a personal guarantee from Karl that the whole thing would be recycled following the show.

Gigi and Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner and Lindsey Wixson strolled over walkways among orchards and lawns before lining up on a huge wooden structure that looked like a modernist 21st-century take on a dolls house.

Casino, Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 2015

There was Kristen Stewart rolling the dice, there was Julianne Moore playing roulette, not to mention Rita Ora, Lara Stone and Vanessa Paradis doing their best poker faces – all wearing outfits specially designed for them by Karl. Yes, it could only be a giant casino, staged for the Autumn/Winter 2015 couture show in Paris, specially constructed with tables in the centre for the models to walk round as the A-list played.

Protest, Spring/Summer 2015

Karl's take on sixties street protests came with a feminist update and a whole heap of controversy. He took Emma Watson's History is Her Story UN campaign and ran with it, even designing bags around it. We never thought we'd see Jamie Bochert rallying the troops or Charlottes Free brandishing a Free Freedom placard either. But that's fashion for you.

Futuristic Flowers, Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2015

Monsieur Karl even commanded flowers to grow – mechanical ones, that is. For Spring/Summer's 2015's couture extravaganza, 300 computerised 3-D flowers adorned the set. They were sprinkled with water from a (Chanel-monogrammed, naturally) watering can and kicked off the show by bursting into life. A Chanel-branded garden – paradise, non?

Supermarket, Autumn/Winter 2014

The notion of disposable fashion was clearly top of mind for Karl when he transformed the Grand Palais into a giant, totally true-to-life supermarket – complete with Chanel-branded crisps, cereal and a whole DIY aisle of plastic hard hats and chainsaws. There were even plastic trolleys dotted about. Oh, how we wished we could heap one high with bags and shoes and make a run for it.

Globe, Autumn/Winter 2013

In a jaw-dropping illustration of the sheer global scale of the Chanel powerhouse, models stalked round a circular set featuring a huge spinning globe, with lit-up flags bearing a sparkly double-C, marking every spot where the brand has a boutique – stretching from Hawaii to Japan.

Paris-Dallas, Métiers d'art 2013

Held in the historic Fair Park in Texas, the set was a specially built drive-in movie theatre, complete with restored vintage cars parked in front of giant movie screens showing a short film by Lagerfeld, starring Geraldine Chaplin as a Fifties-era Coco Chanel. The clothes? Wild West-inspired prairie blouses and cowboy boots, of course. The after-party? in a custom-built saloon, complete with mechanical bucking bronco.

Under the Sea, Spring/Summer 2012

Nine minutes into Chanel’s aquatic-themed Spring/Summer 2012 show, a giant shell opened to reveal Florence Welch singing her aptly named song, ‘What the Water Gave Me.’ Supersized coral, shells and sea horses gave the show an otherworldly feel.

Linlithgow Castle, Métiers d'art 2012

Lagerfeld mined Coco Chanel's lesser-known Celtic connections for this eerily beautiful show, held at Linlithgow Palace, just outside Edinburgh, where Mary Queen of Scots was born centuries earlier. Guests were seated in the ice-cold December open air, in the ruins of the great hall and chapel. For guests, tartan Chanel blankets were provided for protection against the snow flurries. Stella Tennant et al stalked the flame-lit scene wearing kilts, tartans, and Argyle knits.

Aircraft, Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2012

Indulging in even more blue-sky thinking than usual, Lagerfeld took the fash pack on a Couture jet set trip with a recreation of an aircraft's interior – models wearing every shade of blue strutted down the central aisle, while outside the clear domed roof, the 'Earth' passed into view. Far out.

Ice Caps, Autumn/Winter 2011

The tonnes of ice specially transported from Scandinavia to build the iceberg set were the talk of Paris – applauded by some as a timely comment on global warming, while others wondered how shipping a small sea's worth of water to another country for a show could possibly be eco. Either way, the collection itself was enough to keep us warm through any apocalyptic emergency – models dressed up like polar bears in Chewbacca shaggy faux-fur, snow boots and bags shaped like ice cubes. Brrrrr.

Golden Lion, Haute Couture Autumn 2010

In reference to Coco Chanel's star sign, Karl decided that the accompaniment for his winter 2010 couture outing had to be a monumental bronzed lion, standing forty feet high and weighing eight tonnes. He towered over the models, who looked like something from Alice in Wonderland as they walked around his giant paws. Male model Baptiste Giabiconi walked alongside the finale dress wearing a lion head, complete with mane.

The Barn, Spring/Summer 2010

The show was a rollicking roll in a Chanel-branded farmyard, complete with hay bales and romping milkmaids in crochet, flower-appliquéd bags and clogs. And that was fab enough. But how we (and not to mention Prince and Rihanna, both sitting front row) sat up and took notice when Lily Allen rose through the floor in her very own mini barn, and sang 'It's Not Fair' live, accompanied by a band and some models roped in as backing singers – all head-to-toe in Chanel, of course.

Chanel N°5 is, without question, the world's most famous and iconic perfume. The Chanel N°5 campaigns have, arguably, become equally as iconic as the fragrance itself. Simply hearing the word 'perfume' might bring to mind images of Nicole Kidman, Gisele Bündchen or, more recently, Marion Cotillard in some of the most famous short film advertisements to ever grace our televisions. And now? There's a new name to add into the mix—yes, Margot Robbie has been named the new face of Chanel N°5.

While she has been an ambassador of the House since 2018, having starred in many of the brand's fashion and beauty campaigns, today she becomes the face of what is, in my opinion, Chanel's most influential and powerful campaign for its most classic perfume.

“I think Chanel N°5 is one of the most iconic fragrances in the world. It’s incredible to be a part of it. There’s such an impressive lineage of women who’ve been associated with the fragrance over the years. I am very honoured to be joining that long list of incredible talents,” says Robbie.

The new N°5 campaign featuring Margot Robbie will be unveiled in October 2024—so we don't have too long to wait.

And this is a move that just seems to make sense. In 2024, Chanel is Margot Robbie just as much as Margot Robbie is Chanel—the two have become so intrinsically linked, the fact that Robbie wasn't the face of the House's most iconic and famous product was starting to feel weird.

While some of Chanel's luxury fragrance counterparts are in the midst of modernising their classic scents via new faces and new blends, Chanel N°5 doesn't need any of this—it is, after all, the classic perfume. There is no need for modernisation, no need to take risks, no need to move away from what Chanel always has and always will do best. Margot for N°5 just feels right, and I, for one, can't wait to see the full campaign. I have a strong feeling it will go down in history.

If you haven’t heard of La Solution 10 de Chanel, that’s probably because, like all the most sophisticated skincare products, it slips under the radar somewhat. But there’s a reason it’s adored by make-up artists and beauty editors alike, as well as my extremely fussy skincare-obsessed mum. It soothes, de-stresses and defends - reinforcing the skin’s barrier function without irritating sensitive skin. Simply put: it’s both gentle and efficacious.

It’s considered one of the best moisturisers for sensitive skin out there. It’s non-comedogenic and protects the skin against pollution and other environmental aggressors. It’s also the perfect product for those who are rosacea-prone and for those with temporarily sensitised skin after increased sun exposure or a non-invasive dermatological procedure.

This moisturiser only contains 10 ingredients - no more, no less. It's truly effective without any unnecessary ingredients that might cause irritation. With such a carefully curated ingredients list, this makes it perfect for super reactive skin.

How do I know? My mum has just about the most sensitive skin of anyone I’ve ever met, and the La Solution 10 de Chanel is the only moisturiser she’s used for years. It doesn’t cause her rosacea to flare up and there’s none of the dry, itchy flakiness that she typically experiences with just about every other face cream she tries. Her skin positively glows every time she uses this stuff, so much so that I received many a surprised comment on my Instagram after posting about her 60th birthday this year. As a luxury beauty product, it’s not the most affordable moisturiser on the market, but according to my mum it’s 100% worth it.

As someone with sensitive, acne-prone skin, naturally, I had to try it out for myself, and after having slyly stolen small amounts from my mum’s dressing table over the course of a few weeks, I’ve finally procured a bottle of my very own. One of many to come I’m sure, but let's not get ahead of ourselves, you can find my full and honest review - along with a link to shop it for yourself - below.

My La Solution 10 de Chanel review

Let’s start with the packaging, which is simple, practical and, like every Chanel beauty product I’ve ever seen, effortlessly chic. It comes in an opaque pump bottle which keeps the contents away from sunlight and prevents you from having to dip your fingers into the cream directly, which is a useful way to avoid irritation.

The ten ingredients are listed really simply on the back of the bottle, a refreshing change from the usual hefty paragraph of tiny text. The top ingredient listed? Water. Combined with efficacious ingredients like squalane and silver needle tea extract, this is a great sign of what was to come from the gentle-yet-effective formula.

But how does the cream actually perform? After cleansing my skin and applying a serum, I like to press two pumps of the cream into my face and neck. The consistency is lightweight yet incredibly hydrating. It sinks in quickly, but doesn’t dry down completely - sitting beautifully under my SPF and make-up. It makes my skin look neither greasy nor too matte, with a plump, hydrated luminous skin-like finish. A perfect blank canvas, if you will - which is exactly what I’m after in a moisturiser.

As I mentioned above, the first ingredient in this fragrance-free moisturiser is deionised and purified water, but a few carefully selected hero ingredients really work to nourish and soothe the skin. Vegetal squalane reinforces the skin barrier while soft powder softens skin, smoothing texture and hydro-attractive vegetal glycerin helps to maintain optimal hydration levels - perfect for mature skin. Silver needle tea also offers an incredibly soothing effect, calming flare-ups and sensitivity. Rest assured there’s nothing in this cream that doesn’t need to be there.

This non-comedogenic cream is a dream for my naturally oily, acne-prone skin. Do note that it doesn’t contain SPF, so you’ll need to add your favourite sun protection product before applying make-up.

It evens my skin texture, soothing any redness and tightness I may have, with none of the itchiness, dryness or whitehead breakouts I often experience when trying out a new skincare product. It offers long-lasting hydration, giving my skin a dewy, illuminated effect while still remaining lightweight and non-greasy throughout the day.

Just in case you needed another hint as to how in love I am with this product, note that I’m not wearing any foundation in the picture below - the luminosity and evenness is all down to this moisturiser. I have officially joined my mum in the ranks of beauty obsessives who can’t get enough of La Solution 10 de Chanel.

I like to think that most of us know by now that the best perfumes of all time don't have to be punchy scents that induce headaches. The new power perfumes of 2024 are soft and, frankly, unassuming—and these scents are the ones I believe, as a beauty editor, to be the most majestic and impressive around. The latest soft scent to blow my socks off? Chanel Comète.

While I love intense woody scents and amber perfumes as much as the next person, when it comes to the sorts of perfumes I lean on day to day, it's cosy, skin-like fragrances all the way. I like fresh, powdered musks and comforting creamy scents—the sorts of perfumes that fuse with the skin in a way that feels like they were just made for you. And Chanel Comète does all of that in a way that no other perfume I've ever encountered before is capable of.

You probably don't need me to tell you that Chanel fragrances possess a certain je ne sais quois. It is a truth universally acknowledged in the perfume community that Chanel scents are the best of the best—they boast intense longevity and unique blends that champion the finest ingredients. Chanel fragrances, in my opinion, can be spotted a mile off due to their distinctly palatable luxury. They don't rely on heavy, punchy, powerful notes used in high concentrations to grab attention, instead relying on the finest olfactory craftsmanship to create something totally unique—and Comète is, in my opinion, the house's finest example of this to date.

Inspired by the Bijoux de Diamants high jewellery collection created by Gabrielle Chanel in 1932, Comète is an ode to the iconic necklace (the centrepiece of the collection) of which it shares its name. Sometimes referred to as the 'shooting star' necklace, the diamond-encrusted star nestled itself into the hollow of the neck. And while from the diamond-related inspiration you might assume the Comète fragrance to be sparkling, crystal-clear and dazzling (I did at first), you'd be wrong. Instead, Comète leans into that neck-nestling, intimate connection with the skin.

Although the listed notes of cherry blossom, heliotrope and iris would have you thinking it might be a total bomb of petals and a floral fancy, that couldn't be further from the truth. It is actually the elements of powderiness from iris, the sweetness from cherry blossom and the milky, vanilla-like quality of heliotrope that make Comète the chic, comforting scent it is. Together, these characteristics mingle with musk to create a creamy, bright, sweet aroma that melts into the skin as if it has always been there.

And while this might sound like any other skin scent out there, I can assure you it's not. Because amongst all of the powdery, creamy goodness is a shimmering, sparkling heart that has it radiating from the skin like the most expensive diamond in existence. It smells effortlessly luxurious—the perfume equivalent of throwing on a pair of two-carat earrings with a t-shirt and pair of jeans. It is the sort of fragrance that has people totally infatuated. It relaxes you and makes you feel at home the minute you smell it, proving reminiscent of everything good in life.

So much so, in fact, that from the minute it landed on my desk, I have worn it religiously. Yes, Comète has graced my neck every single day for the past two months, and the reception has been somewhat extraordinary. When my husband fetched a cardigan out of the wardrobe for me just last week, I had to wrestle it off him while he nuzzled his face into the bundle of cashmere because the neckline smelled like 'me' (read: Comète). I had to convince a colleague that the comforting aroma she was smelling was not my natural odour by presenting her with the bottle from my handbag. My mother insisted on embracing me for just a few moments longer on my last visit.

And what has all of this proved to me? That once you have Comète in your hands, you'll never want to let it go. It is a scent that feels like home.

One of the most important events in the fashion calendar – Haute Couture Week – is upon us, and I'm here to fill you in on everything you need to know about the key collections and looks. From Chanel's diva-worthy, opera costume cupboard to Christian Dior's couture sportswear, these are the most magical moments so far.

Chanel

Chanel's Haute Couture collection paid tribute to Paris's Palais Garnier, in which it was held. Looks were shown in the corridors surrounding the auditorium, which were transformed into red velvet opera boxes.

Certainly, there were many looks worthy of an opera diva on and off the stage, from a diaphanous, black taffeta cape to a rose-pink tweed suit encrusted with jewels and spliced with metallic elements. There were feathers, tassels and duchesse satin in black, gold, fuchsia and celadon. Opening night has never looked quite so decadent.

Christian Dior

Maria Grazia Chiuri explored the relationship between performance and clothing with a Couture collection that celebrated the upcoming Paris Olympics. The Games' classical statutory was alluded to via draped and gathered tunics, bejewelled with a shimmering, tasselled belt or layered atop a super-luxe, sequinned tank.

It was a rebellious offering, a collection of couture sportswear that spoke to the political power of the female body, clothing it in pieces that enabled (and celebrated) movement, not restriction. If this is what Dior sports day looks like, sign us up.

Schiaparelli

Schiaparelli's couture show began with a breathtaking cape, made from velvet and liberally embellished with 3D chrome feathers. It was an homage to a look Elsa Schiaparelli wore to a gala in 1941 – a coq-feathered stole that was, incidentally, an homage to the great ballerina, Anna Pavola, who had died that year.

Creative Director Daniel Roseberry titled the collection 'The Phoenix' as an ode to this moment and a celebration of rebirth, adding phoenix-shaped shoulders to tops and dresses throughout. 'I was told recently that “People don’t buy Schiaparelli, they collect it,”' said Roseberry. We have no doubt that collectors will be clamouring.

Giambattista Valli

Giambattista Valli's love affair with flowers endures, with three-dimensional, silk-organza peonies, carnations, roses and marigolds bursting from gowns – upon bodices, trailing torsos and densely strewn across entire dresses. Many of the blooms were reminiscent of the garlands left outside Hindu temples, a reference to Valli's beloved India.

An ivory bustier dress with a cloud-like peplum and a trio of pink peonies was the stuff of bridalwear dreams. For unconventional brides-to-be – and daring red-carpet goers – there was a citrine-yellow, petal-adorned bodysuit, complete with a matching, thigh-length veil.

Tamara Ralph

Tamara Ralph returned to Paris for her seventeenth season of couture, coinciding with her namesake brand's first-year anniversary. The city of lights served as inspiration for the collection, with mirrored materials – including sequinned pearls and metallic lace – creating luminescence.

Some of our favourite looks included a silver lace gown liberally bedecked with bows – complete with an additional one in the hair – and a shimmering, striped dress with a pale-pink train, a super-luxe reimagining of the Breton tee.

Elie Saab

You can rely on Elie Saab for red-carpet glamour and the designer's Couture show didn't disappoint. There were dramatic gowns aplenty in black, burgundy and deep purple, many heavily embellished with crystal beading and light-reflecting sequins, and some adorned with blousy corsages.

Sweetheart, off-shoulder and asymmetric necklines – as well as extra-long opera gloves – put the focus on the décolleté, while semi-sheer elements (capes, sleeve panels, and more) showed demure glimpses of skin. Bring on awards season.

Balenciaga

Stuffy couture isn't Demna's jam. Balenciaga's Creative Director made use of materials not often seen at Haute Couture Week – or rather in clothing, in general. There was denim, nylon, even plastic bags and synthetic hair – all architected with Demna's obsessive attention to craftsmanship and detail. Punk couture, if you will.

A draped dress was made of a single piece of leather, devoid of darts or seams and held together by a giant safety pin. Oversized T-shirts were hand-painted and rendered in frozen-in-resin or lined in black scuba satin. The final, breathtaking piece: a wedding dress made of nylon, a nod to Cristóbal Balenciaga's signature gazar.

Fashion is a fickle beast at the best of times, but it’s never been more in flux than now. Today's news is that Maria Grazia Chiuri will be leaving Dior after nine years at the house.

This slightly dizzying game of fashion musical chairs began at the tail-end of 2022, when Kering confirmed that creative director Alessandro Michele would be leaving Gucci. Many were shocked; after all, his seven-year tenure has been transformative – not just in terms of the house itself but in pioneering an eccentric, kitsch aesthetic that transcended the Gucci catwalk.

As it turns out, fashion’s reset had just begun; with John Galliano waving off his 10-year tenure at Maison Margiela last year, it's safe to say it has been quite a memorable time in the industry. Where Galliano is headed to next is yet to be announced, but rumours have been swirling for months that he's re-starting his own label. His replacement at Margiela was announced last week as Glenn Martens, of Diesel and Y/Project.

Recently, Kim Jones announced he would be stepping down from his post as artistic director at Dior Homme. This follows him exiting his post at Fendi last October. Something is afoot — we just don't know what yet. While we've heard major rumours that he's headed to Burberry, where would that leave Daniel Lee?

In the last couple of years, some of the most iconic luxury houses have appointed new creative directors, rerouting established names and crowning emerging talent. From Chloé to Alexander McQueen, Valentino to Lacoste, everyone’s at it. With all the changes, it’s easy to lose track – that’s why we’ve compiled a handy guide to the great fashion switch-up, below.

Dior

Current creative director: TBC

Former creative director: Maria Grazia Chiuri (2016 - 2025)

Just days after her final collection in her hometown, Rome, the French house has announced Maria Grazia Chiuri's departure. Transforming the brand's image and aiming to create a wardrobe that felt synonymous with the modern woman, Dior's first female designer saw a consistent celebration of culture, creativity, and an inspiring feminist perspective.

Fashion fanatics are keeping a watchful eye for a rumoured announcement that may see Jonathan Anderson helming mens and womenswear at Dior. As for Chiuri, industry hearsay is that she might be taking on Kim Jones' former role at Fendi.

Watch this space.

Balenciaga

Current creative director: Pierpaolo Piccioli (2025 – present)

Former creative director: Demna Gvasalia (2016 – 2025)

Kering has just announced that Pierpaolo Piccioli will join Balenciaga after former creative director Demna Gvasalia's departure was announced earlier this year. Rumours of who will be helming Balenciaga after Demna's decade-long tenure began to swirl after his appointment at Gucci was announced.

However, all rumours have now been laid to rest as Valentino's former creative director is set to start on July 10th. In a statement the luxury group said, "An accomplished and respected designer, and master of Haute Couture, Pierpaolo Piccioli will bring his unique creative vision and extensive experience to Balenciaga, building on the strengths and success achieved by the brand over the past decade under Demna’s creative direction, and in continuity with the legacy of Cristóbal Balenciaga and of the historic Parisian House."

Gucci

Current creative director: Demna Gvasalia (2025 – present)

Former creative director: Sabato de Sarno (2023 – 2025), Alessandro Michele (2015 – 2023)

Kering announced this morning that after two years at the helm, Sabato De Sarno is exiting Gucci. The brand's Autumn/Winter 2025 show during Milan Fashion Week in February will be presented by the Gucci design studio.

“I would like to express my deep gratitude to Sabato for his passion and dedication to Gucci. I sincerely appreciate how he honoured Gucci’s craftsmanship and heritage with such commitment,” said Stefano Cantino, who was appointed CEO of Gucci in October 2024, in a statement.

De Sarno was brought in as Alessandro Michele's replacement, meaning he had big shoes to fill — as well as big sales to drive. However, he didn't deliver the silver bullet Kering was hoping for, as Gucci's sales have continued to decline under his direction.

Who will they draft in next? The internet is alight with rumours that it will be Hedi Slimane, former creative director at Celine. He exited the brand last October, and prior to that, headed up Saint Laurent. With his distinctive rock n' roll aesthetic, all we can say is watch this space.

Maison Margiela

Current creative director: Glenn Martens (2025 – present)

Former creative director: John Galliano (2014 – 2024)

Last week, after John Galliano's internet-breaking Instagram post last December, a successor at the French label Maison Margiela was announced. Glenn Martens, who will continue his creative director role at fellow OTB-owned label Diesel, has stepped in, and we're pretty sure he's aware of the major expectations.

The group’s chairman Renzo Rosso, who founded the denim brand Diesel which Martens has headed up since 2020, wrote on Instagram: “Welcome @glennmartens to the amazing @maisonmargiela , the most cutting-edge couture house in the whole world. Now it’s your turn to write the next chapter - an honor and a responsibility, with an incredible team by your side. Make us dream. [sic]”

Fendi

Current creative director: TBC

Former creative director: Kim Jones (2020 – 2024)

After four years at Fendi, Kim Jones is stepping down as Artistic Director of Womenswear and Couture. The designer succeeded Karl Lagerfeld at the Italian house, after stints as Creative Director at Dunhill and Louis Vuitton.

'Kim Jones is a highly talented designer who has brought his unique and multicultural vision to Fendi over the past four years,' said Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO at LVMH, Fendi's parent company.

Last week, Jones announced he would also be stepping down from his position as Artistic Director of Dior Men. His replacement at both houses has yet to be announced.

Chanel

Current creative director: Matthieu Blazy

Former creative director: Virginie Viard (2019 – 2024)

After months of speculation, Chanel announced Bottega Veneta's former Creative Director, Mattieu Blazy, as Virginie Viard's official successor.

Viard, who first joined Chanel in 1987, took the reins of the house when her mentor – and the house’s longstanding creative director – Karl Lagerfeld passed away in 2019. It’s no mean feat following in the footsteps of one of fashion’s most celebrated (and controversial) designers and though Viard’s directorship has drawn some criticism, many agree she treated the house’s hallowed codes with grace.

Coming with much praise and excitement, Blazy is set to begin his role as Artistic Director during the second half of 2025. This means the house's Haute Couture and Ready to Wear shows from January to July will be designed by Chanel's design studio.

Bottega Veneta

Current creative director: Louise Trotter

Former creative director: Matthieu Blazy (2021 – 2024)

Of course, with Blazy's departure from Bottega Veneta, one of fashion's most covetable roles had undoubtedly had to be filled. As the brand announced Trotter's departure from Carven, Bottega Veneta announced her appointment at the brand with a commencement date of late January 2025.

In an official statement, Leo Rongone, CEO of Bottega Veneta noted, “I am pleased to welcome Louise as our new Creative Director. Her aesthetic seamlessly combines exquisite design with sublime craft, and her commitment to cultural advocacy aligns beautifully with our brand vision. Through her sophisticated lens, Bottega Veneta will continue to celebrate its heritage while preserving modern relevance. I also want to express my profound appreciation for Matthieu, who has been an extraordinary partner in infusing our brand with desirability, emotional resonance, and intellectual identity.”

Celine

Current creative director: Michael Rider

Former creative director: Hedi Slimane (2018 – 2024)

Michael Rider has been named as Celine's new Creative Director, a few days after it was announced that Hedi Slimane would be stepping down as Creative Director at Celine.

Rider held the same position at Polo Ralph Lauren until May this year. Previously, he spent 10 years a Design Director at Celine, during the Phoebe Philo years, so he is returning to a brand close to his heart.

Under Slimane, Celine had expanded into beauty and menswear. Formerly, the Paris-born designer was at Dior Homme and Saint Laurent. What will his next move be? Time will tell.

Givenchy

Current creative director: Sarah Burton

Former creative director: Matthew Williams (2020 – 2023)

After months of speculation, it has finally been announced that Lee McQueen's successor, Sarah Burton, will take on a new role as creative director at Givenchy. In a statement posted to Instagram, the brand confirmed that the creative director will present her Autumn/Winter 2025 debut collection at Paris Fashion Week in March.

Burton, who is behind many famous looks, including Kate Middleton's wedding dress, is now one of five women to hold a creative director title at an LVMH house and the second woman to retain the title at Givenchy after Clare White Keller.

'It is a great honour to be joining the beautiful house of Givenchy,' says Burton. 'It is a jewel. I am so excited to be able to write the next chapter in the story of this iconic house and to bring to Givenchy my own vision, sensibility and beliefs.'

Tom Ford

Current creative director: Haider Ackermann

Former creative director: Peter Hawkings (2023 – 2024)

The latest episode of 'Fashion Musical Chairs' has seen Haider Ackermann replace Peter Hawkings as Creative Director of Tom Ford. After two decades at the house – and a year as CD – Hawkings' departure was announced earlier this summer.

Ackermann will make his debut at Tom Ford in March next year, for the Autumn/Winter 2025 collections. The French-Columbian designer is best known for his eponymous brand, which he founded in 2001 and has been worn by the likes of Timothee Chalamet, Tilda Swinton and Kylie Jenner.

'It is with tremendous pride that I will seek to honour the legacy of Tom Ford, a man I have long admired and have the utmost respect for,' Ackermann said.

Alberta Ferretti

Current creative director: Lorenzo Serafini

Former creative director: Alberta Ferretti (1981 – 2024)

Lorenzo Serafini has been named as Creative Director at Alberta Ferretti, following the founder's departure in May. Ferretti remains as Deputy Chairman of Aeffe, the luxury group she founded in 1988.

Since 2014, Serafini has helmed Philosophy di Lorenzo, which will be absorbed into the Alberta Ferretti brand from Autumn/Winter 2025.

Chloé

Current creative director: Chemena Kamali (2023 – present)

Former creative director: Gabriela Hearst (2020 – 2023)

In October 2023, Chemena Kamali took the helm at Chloé, whose former creative directors include Gabriela Hearst, Clare Waight Keller, Phoebe Philo, Stella McCartney and Karl Lagerfeld. This isn’t the German-born designer and Central Saint Martins alum’s first time at Chloé, having worked as part of Philo’s team and later, as Design Director, under Clare Waight Keller. Most recently, she was Women’s Ready to Wear Design Director for Anthony Vaccarello at Saint Laurent.

‘My heart has always been Chloé’s,’ Kamali said at the time of her appointment. ‘Returning feels natural and very personal. I hope to capture the emotional connection and spirit of Chloé for today.’

Kamali’s connection to the much-lauded ‘old Chloé’ is undeniable. Her first collection for the house, which debuted at Paris Fashion Week in February, felt equal parts nostalgic and refreshing, delivering the effortless femininity Chloé has been known for – but in a fresh way.

Givenchy

Current creative director: TBC

Former creative director: Matthew Williams (2020 – 2024)

Rumoured replacements: Hedi Slimane, Sarah Burton, Phoebe Philo, Marc Jacobs

In January, Matthew Williams left Givenchy, leaving the position of creative director up for grabs. Williams’ career saw him designing accessories with Kim Jones for Dior and costumes for Lady Gaga, before joining Givenchy in 2020. He continues to run his own label, 1017 ALYX 9SM.

As for a successor, all eyes are on Simon Porte Jacquemus. The reason for the rumours? Just two days after Williams’ forthcoming departure was announced, the Jacquemus founder posted a photo of Hubert de Givenchy’s office to his personal Instagram account. Time will tell.

Alexander McQueen

Current creative director: Seán McGirr (2023 – present)

Former creative director: Sarah Burton (2010 – 2023)

Alexander McQueen shook things up with the appointment of Seán McGirr as Creative Director in October. Having worked as Head of Ready-to-Wear at JW Anderson, with stints at Dries Van Noten and Uniqlo, this is the Irish designer’s first creative directorship – a bold move for the house and its parent company, Kering.

The Autumn/Winter ‘24 show was McGirr’s first for the house and paid reference to The Birds, Lee McQueen’s Spring 1995 collection, from the gritty venue (a disused warehouse on the edge of Paris) to the sense of constriction in the clothing itself. Considering McGirr only had a couple of months to prepare, it was a promising start.

McGirr succeeds Sarah Burton, who spent a total of 26 years at the house – including 14 at its helm, following Lee McQueen’s tragic death in 2010.

Lacoste

Current creative director: Pelagia Kolotouros (2023 – present)

Former creative director: Louise Trotter (2018 – 2023)

Staged at Paris’s iconic Stade Roland Garros, Lacoste’s Autumn/Winter ‘24 show was a celebration of sizeable proportions. And rightly so – this was the first collection from Pelagia Kolotouros, who was made creative director of the Swiss-owned, French brand a year earlier.

After graduating from Parsons Design School, Kolotouros held roles at Adidas, The North Face and Calvin Klein, so she knows a thing or two about contemporary and sportswear brands with rich heritage.

Lacoste’s creative director role was formerly occupied by British designer Louise Trotter, who has since transplanted to Carven.

Valentino

Current creative director: Alessandro Michele (2024 – present)

Former creative director: Pierpaolo Piccoli (2008 – 2024)

Having mourned his departure from Gucci, Alessandro Michele fans were likely pleased to hear about the designer’s appointment at Valentino. It’s been a long time coming – Michele stepped down from Gucci in November 2022, and his latest gig was only announced in March of this year. Needless to say, maximalists everywhere wait for his debut collection with bated breath.

Michele replaces Pierpaolo Piccoli, who worked at the legendary French fashion house for 25 years, helming it for 16. 'Not all stories have a beginning or an end, some live a kind of eternal present that shines so bright that it won’t produce any shadows,' Piccoli's departing statement read.

Carven

Current creative director: Louise Trotter (2023 – present)

Carven was due a renaissance and Louise Trotter, who was made Creative Director in early 2023, is doing just that. Founded in 1945 by Marie Louise Carven, the Parisian house has gone through various iterations, peaking in popularity in the mid-aughts under the directorship of Guillaume Henry.

Well, it’s the house’s time again; Trotter, who left Lacoste last year and formerly spent nine years at Joseph, has so far outputted two excellent collections (Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter ‘24), setting the tone for a new, more confident Carven.

‘I feel honoured to write a new chapter for Carven: a youthful French house that to me embodies a spirit of freedom, joy and a confident femininity,’ said Trotter at the time of her appointment.

Chanel's Métiers d’art fashion show in Manchester last December got everyone talking – and a whole host of other houses following suit, debuting collections in UK destinations other than London.

Now's your chance to see the collection up close and personal, as Chanel has brought it's Métiers d’art collection to Harrods in London and Selfridges in Manchester with two exclusive installations.

Designed to capture the cultural energy of December's Thomas Street fashion show, each window features a series of catwalk looks against room-styled backdrops; doors seem to lead to other spaces, and one features a velvet-effect decor in homage to traditional British interiors.

Peppering the walls are Jamie Hawkesworth's candid portraits of young people, alongside Mikael Jansson's campaign photos. La Hacienda, the iconic Manchester night club, is referenced via optic stripes, while Mancunian artist Peter Saville's MCR logo (which appeared in Sofia Coppola's montage teaser for the show) appears front and centre.

As for the clothes, they wouldn't look out of place in the wardrobes of '60s cool-girls Marianne Faithfull or Anita Pallenberg – think tweed skirt suits with a colour-splashed pocket or matching baker boy hat, a slogan-adorned sports scarf, and flashes of neon, rebellious against otherwise monochrome tweeds.

'I didn't want rock-inspired looks,' said Virginie Viard. 'To create this collection, I was inspired by the women who are in love with musicians.' Long may this love affair continue.

Chanel's Métiers d’art window installation is at Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, London SW1X 7XL and at Selfridges, 1 Exchange Street, Manchester M3 1BD, until 23rd June 2024

Despite being lucky enough to receive a lot of products to test out for work, when it comes to my personal makeup and skincare routines I like to keep things pretty simple. The edit of beauty products that I reach for daily is small and curated, and when I’m shopping for beauty products myself I tend to look for two things above all else: efficacy and affordability. You see, although I might happily slather myself in a £200 moisturiser or a £120 foundation in the name of research I am all too aware that most people can’t afford to spend this kind of money on their beauty products. I get it—neither can I.

However, there is something to be said about the kind of buzz that comes with using a luxury beauty product. From the packaging to the formulations, the best ones not only feel expensive (as they well should) but they deliver in pure, unadulterated joy. And Chanel is one of those brands that makes me feel incredible whenever I use any of their best beauty products. From iconic fragrances and premium face serums to foundations adored by Hailey Bieber and beauty editor-approved mascaras, Chanel’s high-end offering covers every beauty essential.

But which ones are worth investing in? Ahead, I’m sharing a round-up of the very best Chanel beauty products that I, myself, have tried, gifted and purchased for myself over the years, as well as those beloved by the Marie Claire beauty team. And while it might be tempting to save them for best, I reckon the investment in a daily dose of joy is more than worth it.

1. Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Luminous Matte Lip Colour

"Truly, I don’t think I ever feel fancier than when I’m applying a Chanel lipstick—and the Rouge Allure Velvet formulation is the best. Not only does the timeless black and gold packaging scream luxury, but the lipstick itself (a Chanel-embossed bullet, naturally) is one of my favourite textures to wear. Infused with shea butter and jojoba oil it manages to feel creamy and hydrating on the lips, but with none of the slippiness or shine that you’d expect from a moisturising formula. Instead, it glides onto lips to deliver rich, opaque colour with a soft matte finish that lasts for ages without ever drying lips out. Whether you’re a regular lipstick wearer, want a special occasion lippie, or are looking for the perfect makeup gift, this is one of the best Chanel beauty products in existence." - Mica Ricketts

2. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation

"While there are plenty of high-street foundations that I love, if I am going to splurge on anything in my makeup bag it will generally be my foundations and concealers. So while £50 is undoubtedly expensive, I am a firm believer in getting the base right in order for the rest of your makeup to look good. As someone with spot-prone skin, I’ve spent a long time shying away from foundations that focus on glow, but Chanel’s approach is more grown-up than glittery. In fact, it delivers a beautiful, satin sheen, but prevents oiliness thanks to silicate powders which create an ultra-fine layer on the skin’s surface to improve longevity. Everything from large pores to blemishes appears diffused when I’m wearing this, so it’s safe to say that it really does deliver on its promise of a ‘healthy glow’." - Mica Ricketts

3. Chanel Les Beiges-Water Fresh Complexion Touch

"I can honestly say that I have never used a product like this. And that's precisely why I love it. I have dry and dehydrated skin (what a wonderful combination that proves to be) and my skin practically thanks me when I apply it in the morning. That's all thanks to its unique formula - a gel texture made of 60% water infused with micro-droplets of pigments, which burst when buffed into the skin. It feels weightless on the skin and doesn't gather in my dehydration-induced creases. It comes with a stubby little kabuki-style brush, which works well for concealing, but I much prefer something less dense for buffing it in. I can honestly say that this is hands down one of my all-time favourite complexion products." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

4. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream

"I am by no means alone in my love for this product. Practically every beauty editor I know has a pot in their makeup bag, and Marie Claire’s Senior Beauty Editor Katie Thomas has written her own love letter to this cult bronzer such is its impressiveness. Interestingly, before I first tried this product a couple of years back, I rarely used bronzer at all. Although I have naturally pale skin, I’d had so many mishaps with bronzers either looking streaky or too dark that I’d sworn off them altogether. But then this luxurious pot of Chanel-emblazoned goodness landed on my desk and I was captivated. The cream-gel texture is so blendable that it almost melts into skin with the swish of a fluffy makeup brush, leaving me looking subtly sun-kissed rather than caked in makeup. The matte finish also helps with this natural effect—yet the light-reflecting pigments inside mean that skin looks fresh and bright rather than totally flat. As one of the best Chanel beauty products, however, I’d love to see an even wider shade range. They now offer it in three shades—light, medium and deep—but I’m not sure how easily very pale or dark skin tones would get on with these options." - Mica Ricketts

5. Chanel Rouge Coco Balm

"My chronically dry lips are the bane of my beauty existence, particularly because I adore wearing a bit of colour of them. Lipsticks make my lips dry and flaky, so I lean on tinted balms every single day. This one is, hands down, my most used and most loved. It's the exact product Sofia Richie wore on her lips on her wedding day, so I guess we have it in common. It delivers a beautiful wash of colour without being glossy or overly balmy. My lips can be grotesquely dry, and Rouge Coco Baume will always look great." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

6. Chanel La Crème Main Texture Riche

"Yes, £52 is a lot of money to spend on a hand cream, I get it. But hear me out. As someone who has perpetually dry hands and goes through more budget hand creams like water, there is nothing fun about slathering your hands lotion on an hourly basis. In fact, it feels as much of a chore to me as plucking my eyebrows or brushing my teeth—boring but necessary. However, applying hand cream from the sleekest, chicest, egg-shaped tube of all time makes this daily task feel a whole lot more indulgent. This richer-formulation of the classic hand cream offers deep hydration without any sticky residue, while also strengthening the skin barrier and brightening the skin—making it one of the best Chanel beauty products in my opinion. Basically, if you’re about to take a nail selfie then this is the hand cream to apply first. Plus, if you’re looking for a universally-appealing beauty gift then I think you can’t go wrong with this. It's a luxury beauty product worth the money." - Mica Ricketts

7. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle EDP Intense

"In my opinion, Coco Mademoiselle is Chanel No.5's mischievous younger sister. They're obviously cut from the same cloth - they both smell rich, they're powerful and command attention, but Mademoiselle is lighter and fizzier. The blend of amber, patchouli and tonka bean gives the perfume its strength, the white floral notes its elegance, but it's the combination of the mandarin, bergamot and vetiver that makes it more playful. I fell in love with this fragrance, because I had to. Before I met my husband I considered myself a Chanel No.5 woman - I was, in fact, a young 20-year-old with far too little life experience to command that title - but when I met him (and his family) I realised that his mother was to be the only Chanel No.5 woman in his life and I immediately sought to find another scent. It's now 17 years later, and I still prefer Coco Mademoiselle - I would rather be known as the more playful and mischievous one." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

8. Chanel N°1 De Chanel Revitalizing Mask

"Historically, I’ve pretty much avoided buying skincare from the luxury fashion houses as their offering tended not to cater to my acne-prone skin. However, as I’ve reached my mid-30s and my skin is starting to show those early signs of ageing—it’s less plump, less bright, less refined—a brand like Chanel really comes into its own. Its products aim to boost radiance, smooth texture and restore some of that youthful glow. And this face mask in particular is brilliant. A refreshing gel formula, it’s brimming with radiance-boosting red camellia extract and oil and exfoliating AHAs to smooth the skin, refine the appearance of large pores and generally brighten and tighten. It works quickly and the results are instant so it’s the perfect pick-me-up on days where my skin looks really lacklustre." - Mica Ricketts

9. Chanel Paris Deauville Les Eaux De Chanel EDT

"Inspired by Normandy, where Gabrielle Chanel opened her first boutique, Paris-Deauville is a beautiful blend of coastline freshness and the green of the countryside. As with many of the best Chanel perfumes, there's patchouli at the base that gives Deauville its depth but everything above it is light and fresh. When it lands on the skin you instantly smell the lemon, lime, bergamot and Sicilian orange - it's a burst of citrus - but when it dries down there's a saltiness to it that works perfectly in the summer. I was lucky enough to get a small travel-sized bottle of this when it first launched and you can be sure that it's the fragrance that comes away with me on every one of my beach holidays. I particularly like wearing it in the evening when my skin is warm and you can really catch the white floral notes." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

10. Chanel Rouge Coco Bloom Hydrating and Plumping Lipstick

"On days that I don’t want to wear a full-on lipstick, but I want more pigment than a tinted lip balm, this luxurious lipstick provides the perfect solution. Made with hydrating waxes like mimosa and jojoba as well as lots of glossy oils, this is a beautifully sheeny formula that glides onto lips like a gloss but with the staying power of a classic lipstick. There are lots of shades to choose from, but whichever you opt for will leave your lips looking plump, full and healthy. Even if you hate wearing lipstick, I think you’ll like this as it feels so incredibly hydrating and comfortable once it’s on." - Mica Ricketts

11. Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche

"When it comes to fragrance, I can't say I'm somebody who reaches for 'mainline' perfumes very often. What I mean by this is that I typically lean towards niche perfumes that can't be found on every counter. As somewhat of a fragrance aficionado, I know that Chanel makes the best perfumes around. Seriously, every luxury fragrance house out there is trying to achieve their levels of brilliance. Most of my Chanel fragrance collection is made up of the brand's more limited Les Eaux and Les Exclusifs collections. However, this is the one exception. Chance Eau Fraîche Eau de Parfum might be one of Chanel's more 'mainstream' fragrances, but my gosh is it special. It is zesty, juicy and fresh—like lemon juice squeezed over freshly cut grass—but it is seasoned with total expense. It possesses that sort of rich-smelling luxury only Chanel can achieve with its perfumes—like it is adorned in sparkling diamonds." – Shannon Lawlor

As beauty editors, there's often one brand or product that was the reason we became so infatuated with the industry in the first place. For me, it's Chanel nail polish. Long before I was a beauty journalist or nail tech, I would reserve buying them for special occasions and at the airport with my leftover money from any holiday I went on. I built up quite a collection of classics and limited-edition shades and swooned over each one.

Not only are they (obviously) beautiful, but they remain some of the best formulas and most wearable shades. They apply like a dream and one coat is enough for an even layer (whether it's a sheer or opaque finish) and is genuinely long-lasting—particularly if you use a base and top coat and use cuticle oil daily. The brushes are flat with a slightly round tip, which makes it really easy to paint in three easy strokes.

Best Chanel nail polishes, according to a beauty editor and qualified nail tech

Best light Chanel nail polish shades

If you're a minimalist nail polish lover, there's no brand doing it quite like Chanel. That neat, barely-there finish elevating any outfit or occasion. I like to think of these shades as a palate cleanser; I'm all for vibrant hues but in-between often find myself wanting a timeless shade like Ballerina.

Best dark Chanel nail polish shades

A well-painted, glossy dark nail always looks incredibly chic. From reds to pinks and even deep purples, there are lots of rich Chanel hues to choose from. I adore a high-shine deep shade, particularly on short square nails so it's my go-to when I'm taking a break from my gels in my classic long, almond shape.

Best pastel Chanel nail polish shades

There's nothing like a bright, joyful manicure to boost your mood. Colourful nail polish can feel a little intimidating, particularly if you want to keep the look chic. But with the coverage of these Chanel formulas, the finish is neat yet playful rather than looking like a school art project. 

I'd like to start by saying that, as a beauty editor with a particular penchant for fragrance and perfumery, I don't believe in gendered scents—not in 2024, anyway. In fact, I consider some of the best fragrances for me, a woman, to actually be marketed far more towards men. I like fresh scents but ones that have a punchy longevity to them. Personally, I have found that some of my most complimented fragrances ever are traditional 'men's fragrances'. Tom Ford's Oud Minérale is one. Another of my most complimented? Bleu de Chanel.

I have long considered Bleu de Chanel to be one of the most notable fragrance feats in history. It is fresh and citrusy, but there's a woody depth that gives it that Chanel-esque je ne sais quois. You know what I mean—that intricate warmth that binds to the skin and runs through every fragrance Chanel touches. As a fragrance house, Chanel has the ability to make everything smell luxe, expensive and one-of-a-kind.

Bleu de Chanel, in my opinion, sets the gold standard for all men's fragrance. It is luxurious, clean-smelling and universally appealing. Its deliverance is one of a kind—the way it clings to the skin and smells slightly different on everyone. It is this quality that makes it so special. Despite working with fragrance every single day, I have never once been able to positively identify Bleu de Chanel on somebody else, but I do find myself asking after it frequently. And I believe this is the reason why it's so complimented whenever I wear it. On me, as a woman, it is unexpected, juicy and fresh, but on my husband it is luxurious, aquatic and woody.

But let me make one thing very clear: Bleu de Chanel is in no way a unique fragrance. There are hundreds of other 'men's scents' out there with a seemingly very similar aroma. The crux of its specialty lies in its multifaceted nature—the fact it takes on a different face depending upon who is wearing it. And that isn't necessarily something you'd notice on first wear.

This is a unique quality that I have pondered at great length over the years—the way in which Chanel somehow created a mass-market men's fragrance that deceives my experienced nose whenever I come across it. I thought it was just me not being very good at my job. I thought the reason I could never identify it on other people was because I couldn't wrap my head around its make up.

But this week Chanel released its highly anticipated Bleu de Chanel campaign—a short film, directed by Martin Scorsese, starring the face of the fragrance, Timothée Chalamet—and everything clicked. Back in 2023, Timothée Chalamet was announced as the new ambassador for Bleu de Chanel—and I was pretty nonplussed by the whole thing. It seemed like a welcome step away from heritage fragrance brands casting ultra masc faces for the sake of fetishisation, but still, Chalamet appeared an odd choice.

"I didn’t have to sell myself on anything when I was asked to become the new ambassador of Bleu de Chanel. The decision was not dissimilar to agreeing to do a film. I am lucky to be at a place in my career where I have the opportunity to curate and choose projects that strike my passion. When so many fingers in the glove feel like they fit, it becomes a no-brainer. You just immediately become excited and go all in," he said of the announcement.

Now, with the release of the Scorsese short, it's all adding up for me. The film shows Chalamet battling with his own sense of image as a celebrity—finding his true self among his roles. "Bleu de Chanel has just the right amount of conviction and intensity to represent a man who refuses to be typecast," says Olivier Polge, in-house perfumer-creator at Chanel.

And just like that, it all clicked for me—the whole point of Bleu de Chanel is that it takes on whatever personality you give it. My inability to identify it in a line-up isn't because I'm rubbish at my job—it has been the aim of Chanel's game the whole time. And that, to me, makes Bleu de Chanel the crème de la crème.

As a beauty editor, I’m very lucky to have a pretty expansive perfume collection which allows me to tailor my fragrance choice to how I want to feel that day. While I usually float between sultry oud scents and grown-up gourmand fragrances, there’s one classic perfume that has remained a constant on my dressing table over the years and I always find myself reaching for it when I want to smell pretty and expensive. I’m talking about Chanel’s iconic Coco Mademoiselle.  

Described as an amber floral fragrance, for me, Coco Mademoiselle is elegance bottled. Opening with a citrus hit courtesy of bergamot and orange, the sharpness may startle anyone who’s not a fan of zesty fragrances. I’ll admit, the first time I smelled it, I wasn’t sure it was for me, however don’t dismiss miss Mademoiselle too quickly. After a minute or so, she transforms into something truly luxurious, pulling on soft floral notes of rose and jasmine before settling into a base of cosy vanilla and vetiver. The result is creamy and comforting with minimal sweetness which gives it a grown up air. When I want to smell pretty, like I’ve stepped fresh out of a boujee bath in a period drama or like I’ve spent the afternoon sipping rosé in a field of flowers, this is what I spritz. 

And, while the cool girls out there will have you believe that best perfumes of all time lie in niche boutiques somewhere and are yet to be discovered—I'm not so sure. The appeal of Coco Mademoiselle is wide-ranging, and it elicits a response wherever it goes. Of course, I’m not the only one who’s a fan of the fragrance—first launched in 2001, it’s been a classic for the brand for over 20 years. So much so that it’s now transformed into many iterations, from nourishing body oils to the latest launch, the hair perfume, which all feature the same signature scent. If you’re looking for a seriously luxurious way to ensure your fragrance lasts all day, scent layering from top-to-toe in Coco Mademoiselle is the only way to do it. Shop the range to see for yourself…

Shop Chanel Coco Mademoiselle

As soon as the weather starts heating up, my whole fragrance collection rotates to feature citrus perfumes exclusively. And with many, many years of writing about the best perfumes under my belt, I want you to know this one truth: citrus notes are, hands down, the most versatile and impressive out there.

Consider yourself a loather of citrus perfumes? Let me school you on why your opinion is wrong. Not all citrus fragrances are warm, sticky, and sun-soaked. In fact, citrus notes are often leant on by perfumers to add a joy-inducing, mood-boosting quality. Whether combined with a deep, woody base, a floral heart or an effervescent top, a citrus element is, for me, a non-negotiable to any spring/summer scent.

Why? Not just because citrus is uplifting, fresh and happy, but also because the very best citrus scents are complex, enticing and magnetising. I am willing to guarantee that if you wear any one of the following citrus perfumes, someone will ask after it on first wear. The below 11 fragrances have each impressed me (and those around me) in their own unique ways—whether I first smelled it on someone else and became obsessed or have been forced to gift a bottle to everyone I know because the compliments just won't stop. Believe me when I say these citrus perfumes showcase the best of the best in perfumery.

1. Diptyque Eau Des Sens

Look, I'm the first to admit that I'm bigheaded when it comes to my perfume recommendations. It's my job to make sure people are informed and educated in their perfume choices—only buying the crème de la crème. For this recommendation, however, I need to credit Marie Claire UK Editor, Sunil Makan. It is, in my opinion, his signature scent. Frankly speaking, it is easily the best citrus perfume (hell, even one of the best perfumes full stop) ever made. Everywhere he goes, someone compliments him on it—I have seen it with my own eyes.

At first it's cooling and fresh on the nose, but there's a comforting woody warmth that radiates a sense of familiarity and draws people to it—like an orange tree that has spent the afternoon soaking up the rays of the mid-summer sun.

2. Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche

Nothing oozes expense and luxury quite like a Chanel perfume, and this one is really special. It's fresh (hence the name), juicy, quenching and lightweight enough to not feel overpowering. But throughout the whole thing is a ribbon of something sparkling—something that smells like money. It is as if the entire fragrance is laced with diamonds. Trust me, this one needs to be tried.

3. Olfactive O Citrus

This stuff is joy in a bottle. Seriously, it's impossible to not smile when you smell it. It is citrusy in its purest form—like tearing a lemon in two. What makes it so special, however, is the total lack of anything sticky or warm. It possesses an alluring freshness that is very hard to achieve in citrus-based perfumery (i.e. without verging into bathroom cleaner territory), and it glistens and sparkles on the tip of the nose.

4. L'Objet Kérylos

The brief for this one for perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena? To create a fragrance that smells like an overripe citrus fruit crashing onto a sun-soaked Mediterranean rock on the beach. Needless to say, he nailed it. It possesses that juicy stickiness that I adore but without feeling cloying or overly sweet—there's a sea-like freshness that keeps the airways clear and spirits high.

5. Phlur Tangerine Boy

Want a sticky, orangey citrus scent reminiscent of beach days and ice cream? You got it in the form of Phlur's Tangerine Boy. Juicy, bright and full of life, this perfume smells almost edible. It's the sort of perfume I want to douse myself in when my skin in bronzed and I'm mentally prepped for a day of drinking cocktails on the beach.

6. Maison Margiela Replica From The Garden

This fragrance is one of the most beautiful things I have smelled in a long time, and it's far from the typical citrus you might expect. It smells like a greenhouse filled with the juiciest, ripest tomatoes. Having said that, there's a biting freshness to it that can only be achieved with the addition of citrus. Like a cooling shower after the hottest of days, it's a tonic.

7. Acqua di Parma Colonia Essenza

This is the fragrance I use as an example whenever I encounter people who say they don't like 'citrus' fragrances to prove that, actually, they might be mistaken. It is, in its purest form, a clear citrus—notes of grapefruit and mandarin are clearly evident. However, that's not to say that anyone might identify it as such on first sniff. To me, it is sense-clearingly fresh, like lathered-up soap, but there's a woody depth that keeps it lingering on skin for hours on end. It's probably worth me noting here, too, that it is on my list of the top three perfumes ever made.

8. Serge Lutens Fleurs d'Oranger

Not in the slightest bit juicy or overly warm, this fragrance from Serge Lutens is easily one of my most complimented ever. It's so good, in fact, that I have bought it for several friends as gifts after they have complimented me on it endlessly. It's as though an unripened orange (in that it still has its green freshness) is cloaked in a veil of white, velvety petals—light, delicate and probably one of the most beautiful things I've ever smelled.

9. & Other Stories Solar Essay

The best way I can describe this impressively affordable perfume? Sunshine in a bottle. The lemon inclusion makes it undeniably citrusy, but the addition of white florals and warming woods and tonka makes the whole thing glow—like bright sun rays are beaming out of it from every angle. It's akin to curling up on a sun bed under the midday sun without a care in the world and letting the day while away.

10. M&S Discover Warm Neroli

“Good old M&S really can’t be beaten when it comes to well-priced, wearable scents and this citrus delight is remarkable considering the £10 price tag. Combining fresh and zesty notes of neroli and bergamot with an earthiness from musk, it manages to be both uplifting and comforting—and has impressive staying power too.” — Mica Ricketts, Freelance Beauty Editor and Marie Claire Contributor

11. Clinique Happy

“Created with the very intention of sparking joy when it first launched back in 1997, Clinique Happy is one of those instantly mood-lifting scents that has a nostalgic optimism to me. It’s bright, zesty and smile-inducing, and I love how the juicy sharpness of red grapefruit really shines through here. Perfect for days that you need to reawaken the senses, it offers a sharp clarity that mellows out with time into a softer, woodier floral. A classic.” — Mica Ricketts, Freelance Beauty Editor and Marie Claire Contributor

The Chanel AW24 show at Paris Fashion Week opened with a short black and white film featuring Penélope Cruz and Brad Pitt, a couple at the beginning of a love story, in a tribute to the film A Man and a Woman by French director Claude Lelouch.

It sees them flirt and grab dinner in Deauville, the French coastal town that is the inspiration behind the collection imagined by Virginie Viard.

The town holds a special place in the history of Chanel. It inspired Gabrielle Chanel to create her famous relaxed nautical looks, inspired by sailors' marinières tops with their wide collars and black ties, which can be seen throughout the collection.

It was also the location of her first boutique in 1912, in which she sold ready-to-wear and hats, which were the star of the show in all their wide-brimmed, floppy glory.

“Deauville is where everything started for the House. 1912, the creation of her hat shop and then very quickly the first clothes with their visionary, radical style. It’s where it all began for Gabrielle Chanel. This story is very close to my heart,” confides Virginie Viard in the show notes.

The catwalk itself was transformed into the famous seaside town's boardwalk, with models walking as if they were taking a romantic stroll at dusk.

The palette for the AW24 collection took its cue from this: pastel shades of pink, mauve, orange and pale blue mimicking the sky.

Carrying on with the nautical theme, there were sailor jumpers with wide collars, kmitwear featuring flying seagulls, drop-waist dresses adorned with sailor bows and painted the colours of sunset, whimsical silk negligees echoing the waves.

The collection was full of wearable pieces, Virginie's take on what the well-heeled city-dwellers would wear to a seaside escape: think puffer jackets decorated with a camelia flower, shearling coats, relaxed knitted separates and plenty of denim (well plenty of denim for Chanel).

For all the casual pieces, there were plenty of frothy sheer dresses, tweed separates and tailoring, layered jewellery and of course, iconic handbags.

Oh I do like to be by the seaside indeed.

While last year saw the fragrance world going wild for barely-there skin scents, rain scents inspired by nature and lightweight perfume mists, this year looks set to mark a rather dramatic departure in the form of 2024’s biggest TikTok trend so far; the mob wife aesthetic. Inspired by the hedonistic glamour and maximalist beauty looks of the headstrong women that we’ve seen in everything from Scarface to the Sopranos—we’re talking faux-fur coats, cobalt blue eyeshadows, enormous blowouts and more animal print than you ever knew existed—the mob wife movement is a playful shift from the clean-girl aesthetic that has dominated of late.

However, while there are already countless think pieces and trend stories breaking down the appeal of the mob wife wardrobe, I wondered what a mob wife might actually smell like. I’ve spent hours trawling the internet for the key to what some of our favourite fictional mafia women might have been spritzing to show off their expensive taste, but while I’m yet to come up with much concrete evidence (besides a bottle of Guerlain’s iconic Shalimar spotted on mob wife Karen Hill’s dresser in Goodfellas) I have a pretty good idea of what I imagine they’d wear.

The mob wife aesthetic is all about exuding old-money luxury; even if the money that bought the looks might be rather dodgily laundered. Case in point: many a Sopranos obsessive seem convinced that Carmela Soprano’s scent of choice would be something utterly classic and expensive, like Chanel No.5. So, the scents ahead are all utterly audacious, heady with extravagant ingredients like oud, saffron and amber, and will undoubtedly boost your confidence when you wear them. These are head-turning fragrances that will have you channelling your inner Adriana La Cerva after just one spritz.

1. Chanel No.5 Eau de Parfum

I’ve been down many a Reddit rabbit hole this week in a quest to find what on-screen icon Carmela Soprano’s signature scent might have been. The general consensus from Sopranos fans seems to be Chanel No.5—and I have to say I think I’d agree. One of the most iconic perfumes in history, it’s a chic, floral scent that manages to evoke strength, sophistication and, perhaps more importantly, money. Although there are other Chanel scents that I personally prefer, the gravitas that this perfume holds in the world means that I’m sure many a mob wife would be drenching themselves in the stuff. It’s definitely a classic choice though, so I’m not sure that it’s something that the younger mob wives would be wearing.

2. Serge Lutens La Fille de Berlin Eau de Parfum

Serge Lutens creates incredibly unique, powerful and luxurious-smelling perfumes, but with the added bonus of being innately cool. This is where the opulence of the mob wife meets the inherent chicness of a rich Parisian. A rose scent might feel like an unexpected choice in this line-up of scents, but while the note itself can often be described as a little old-fashioned this perfume is anything but. Forget smelling like your granny, this floral perfume packs a powerful punch—it’s the smell of 100 waxy red roses being delivered to your fancy hotel room (not that I would know) rather than an English country garden. Plus, there’s a spicy pepperiness that drifts through to the surface to add a little fire to the final dry-down. 

3. Gucci Guilty for Her Eau de Parfum

Here’s hoping that the name of this mob wife perfume doesn’t arouse any suspicions when she takes it out of her handbag to reapply. For me, this is like an entrypoint to the category of amber and patchouli-rich fragrances that define this trend. It’s slightly more sparkly and fresh than the aforementioned perfumes—there’s a citrus hit from bergamot and a feminine floral bouquet that lingers on the skin. But there’s also an unexpected edge here. Pink pepper adds spice and a little fire, while the classic warmer notes give us a taste of the higher-end. A gateway scent to a life of more expensive perfumes, perhaps? 

4. Tom Ford Fucking Fabulous Eau de Parfum

This has all of the expensive-smelling appeal of Chanel No.5—and is similarly loaded with patchouli—but I think this is something that Adriana would wear, rather than Carmela. It feels innately cooler and more modern; perhaps in part to its vivacious name, but also thanks to the strong leather notes and the sweetness from vanilla. It basically smells like a very rich woman on a night out, the kind that carries a pristine leather handbag (newly purchased, I’d imagine) and who leaves behind a cloud of scent in her wake. It’s chic and intense, but with a playful glint. 

5. D. S. & Durga Notorious Oud Eau de Parfum

Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, D. S. & Durga is an imaginative fragrance brand that might be a little underground for the average NYC mobster, but this scent in particular has all of the rich intensity that I think a jet-setting mob wife would adore. It really is a celebration of all things oud—often talked about as ‘liquid gold’, it’s one of the most expensive raw ingredients and oozes luxury. And while it is opulent and heady, there are complexities to this fragrance that lend it a worldly sophistication—saffron, Bulgarian rose and even lavender add intensely aromatic touches that linger for hours.

6. Dolce & Gabbana The One Eau de Parfum

The home of the mafia, it feels only natural that a mob wife would reach for a fragrance from a Sicilian designer for date night with her husband. (D&G’s Sicily perfume would make another great choice, but I fear that it’s been discontinued.) Although this fragrance has some of the mob wife classic notes—amber, vanilla and bergamot—it’s a little more demure than others on the list. The fruity notes add a freshness to this fragrance, with peach and lychee in particular lending an almost gourmand sweetness. This one is less about turning heads for others and more about encouraging your mob husband to forget about the fact that the FBI is currently onto him and to just sit back and soak up the sweet (and morally repugnant) life that you’ve built together. 

When it comes to manicures, for me, timeless is always best. You’ll find me with short, red, square-tipped nails about 98.5% of the time. But when it comes to Valentine’s Day—aka the most romantic holiday of the year—it calls for some special effort to be made.

When I'm not sporting my go-to red, I tend to choose sheer nails and milky manis over more out-there chrome designs. And, when it comes to nail art—not one to completely scrap my deeply-ingrained manicure morals—any style I adopt has to feel chic, minimalist and specialist. So, when I saw that my favourite nail artist Julia Diogo was creating an exclusive Valentine’s Day manicure for Chanel, it’s safe to say my interest was well and truly piqued. 

With a sleek and classic pale pink base, beautifully offset by a simple red heart, this Valentine’s Day manicure is my idea of heaven. The simple design is both effortlessly elegant and also surprisingly easy to recreate for yourself. 

Keep scrolling to discover the top tips for creating the perfect minimalist yet chic Valentine’s Day manicure and the exact products used to create the look.

1. Prep

“Prep is essential to get a clean, perfected finish” says Diogo, “neaten up your cuticles and carefully push them back as far as they will go to give the illusion of long nails. Smooth out the surface and rough edges with a buffing tool. Finish by wiping clean.” 

2. Base

Next up? The base coat. Once the nails are dry, she advises applying one layer of a base coat (she used CHANEL La Base Camelia) in three light strokes as this "not only coats the nails in a protective layer but also strengthens and nourishes the nails from the camelia oil inside the formula.” 

3. Ballerina

The understated hero of the look, a pale pink provides a simple-yet-elegant base for your subtle Valentine's themed nail art. Diogo's shade of choice? "One coat of CHANEL Ballerina. This classic shade is one of my favourite sheer nudes to make you look put together.” 

4. The heart

Now for the star of the show, the minimalist red heart. Diogo describes how to create the perfect shape, every time: “Using the lid of the nail as a pallet, I used the shade Pompier and dotting tool to apply two little dots onto the centre of the nail. Both thumbs work well but the index finger would also look good. Connect dots to form the heart using a fine liner brush.” 

5. Top coat

“Once the nails have dried, apply a generous amount of topcoat and ensure that you cap the nails upon each application”.

6. The finish

When it comes to making your manicure feel luxurious, there are a few finishing touches you can add. “To complete the look and to ensure hands and nails feel soft and nourished, apply generous lashings of CHANCE Hand Cream and the CHANCE Sheer Moisture Mist.” 

So there you have it: simple and supremely chic. If you're as keen as I am to try out your own subtle-yet-chic Valentine's Day manicure shop the products below. 

As a beauty-loving shopping editor who enjoys experimenting with new skincare products, the No1 de Chanel Red Camellia Revitalising Mask piqued my interest as soon as I heard about it. A gently exfoliating face mask that evens and refines the skin’s texture sounded like exactly my cup of tea. The only problem? My skin’s unique combination of characteristics can be quite frustrating. 

Allow me to explain: my skin has quite a lot of texture, along with faded acne scarring and pigmentation. Resurfacing face masks should be my bread and butter really, but there my skin has thrown another spanner in the works—it’s pretty sensitive and breaks out ridiculously easily. When it comes to trying out new face serums, night creams and SPF moisturisers, patch tests are always crucial (and rarely successful), and with face masks—especially ones with any active ingredients—I have to be even more careful.

I’d all but given up hope on finding an exfoliating mask that would give me the smooth, glowing skin I craved without breaking me out. That was, until I tried Chanel’s No1 Red Camellia Revitalising Mask. 

Chanel Red Camellia Revitalising Mask: A review

The mask itself contains two different AHAs, which are naturally derived from red camellia and hibiscus flower extracts. The concentrated formula is surprisingly fresh and light, thanks to its gel consistency

So, how did I get on while trying it, and—crucially—would it make my skin freak out?

Firstly, I have to talk to you about the smell. The inviting floral scent is at once indulgent and refreshing—akin to walking through a field of wildflowers by the coastline. I applied a thin layer of the gel formula over my face, washed it off after 2-3 minutes and followed up immediately with a hydrating serum, face cream and oil to lock in the moisture. 

A word of warning: if you have sensitive skin, use this product very sparingly. As mentioned above, my skin falls on the more sensitive side, so I did experience some tingling after about a minute. But, stay with me here, if you can handle the rather intense tingle (which I’ll be honest, didn’t go away immediately after washing), the results are worth it. The mask left my skin feeling refreshed, incredibly smooth and it hasn’t broken me out at all. Not once. 

To cater to my sensitive skin, I kept the mask on for around two minutes rather than the recommended five, and if your skin is particularly reactive, make sure you build your tolerance up gradually, working your way up from 1-2 minutes, and using it bi-weekly (or even monthly) at first. The results are worth it, trust me.

Overall: I’m a big fan. If you happen to be blessed with non-sensitive skin, I’d still recommend you use this mask sparingly—it’s definitely more of a weekly pamper treat than a nightly mask. And of course, as it’s a resurfacing product with active ingredients, make sure you use a high SPF to protect your skin in the days after use.

Since I started using the Red Camellia Revitalising Mask I haven’t worn foundation once… and my skin has never received so many compliments. The smoothing results from this mask are like no other, and I may have already touched on the incredible smell, but it really does add to the luxurious experience.

I am naturally really pale. The pale that looks see-through from some angles. Whenever we went on family holidays when I was younger, I would turn pink on day one, then red on day two, and the inevitable shedding of the top layer of my skin would start on day three. I would love to say that this doesn't happen anymore, because I am a well-informed beauty editor and always apply the best sun cream regularly whenever I come into contact with the sun. But I want to be honest with you and say that sometimes I am caught out.

As you can see, my relationship with the sun is a tense one—I love it, but it hates me. Therefore, my attitude towards self-tan and bronzing is enthusiastic, so much so that I have perfected my instant glow routine, which has never failed me. I add colour and glow to my skin, armed with the best fake tans and the best bronzers. And after years and years of testing, there's one product that continues to impress me. It's the ultimate cream bronzer: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream.

If you're unfamiliar with this product, you might recognise its iconic packaging—the large round pot with the black lid emblazoned with the Chanel double C logo. It used to be called Soleil Tan de Chanel, but it changed names in 2020. You might have seen it in department store beauty halls or on social media. Its fan base grows with every year and sells out often, which means it can be tricky to get your hands on. (Incidentally, if you are struggling to buy it, check out Chanel's own website, Boots, John Lewis, Sephora, Selfridges, and Harrods) It also means that it has sparked several very clever copycat formulas. But take it from me, none quite compare.

Housed inside is a creamy-gel bronzer with a totally matte finish that feels like velvet on the skin. It started its life with only one shade, but due to popularity (and most likely external pressure), it now comes in five shades designed to suit all skin tones. I'm not alone in my love for it—I've spotted this in the make-up bag of so many of my colleagues, and every single one of them agrees with me that it just does the job better than so many other bronzers on the market. "As someone with an olive complexion," says Marie Claire Beauty Editor, Nessa Humayun. "I was able to use the original shade range as a bronzer to warm up my skin—and it was great, especially on holiday, to give me a gorgeous, sun-kissed glow. However, I’m not someone who uses bronzer year-round—most days, I prefer more of a contoured look, so I love that the brand has extended the shade range. I’ve been using Deep Bronze, which is perfect if you want something a bit more “dramatic”, or if you want to use the bronzer as a contour." Amelia Yeomans, Marie Claire's Junior Shopping Editor, prefers the lightest shade, Light Bronze. "If, like me, you often find bronzers too orange or harsh," she says. "Light Bronze delivers that perfect day-two-of-beach-holiday glow. It instantly perked my skin up and made me look healthier and sun-kissed, but without any strong deposit of colour that needs excessive blending."

I've always found that cream textures mimic the look of skin more than powder formulas, which is why I find this gives the most natural-looking colour.

Chanel's Les Beiges collection is all about achieving a healthy glow, and whilst there are some incredible products in the line-up—including my all-time favourite Healthy Glow foundation—the Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream is, in my opinion, the one that gives the convincing natural-looking luminosity to the skin.

As I said it now comes in five shades—Light Bronze, Bronze, Medium Bronze, Deep Bronze and Intense Deep Bronze. I use Bronze, which is slightly warmer than the lightest, and works well with my fair skin. I can actually still use this shade in the middle of summer when my face has more colour.

Katie before applying Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream

I've found the best way to apply it is to use a big, fluffy brush—Chanel recommends a Kabuki—but I've used several larger brushes and they've all applied the product well. I swirl the product into my skin to create the most natural-looking colour. The great thing about it is that it blends beautifully and never looks cakey. There's silica and soft focus powder in the formula, which gives a velvety, blurred finish. And even though it's fully matte, there are light-reflecting pigments inside, so I never look muddy or flat.

Katie after applying Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream

I feel lost, and look deathly, without this bronzer, and just know that it will remain a permanent fixture in my make-up bag for years to come. And I’m not alone in my love for it, either. Freelance Beauty Editor and Marie Claire contributor Mica Ricketts is also a huge fan and rates it as one of the best bronzers for pale skin.

“I adore Chanel beauty products and have written before about how I rarely used bronzer at all before discovering this iconic formulation. As someone who is naturally pale, I find it hard to strike the balance between finding a bronzer that adds colour without looking unnatural and finding one that can be applied somewhat haphazardly due to my somewhat lacking make-up skills. This one offers a beautifully blendable texture that meshes with your skin with the slightest buff of a make-up brush, and the matte formulation means that I look dewy, fresh and naturally glowy rather than obviously bronzed. I’d love to see the shade range expand even further as I don’t think that three shades really cuts it these days—especially if you’re very pale or very deep in tone—but if you can find one that works for you then you won’t be disappointed by the investment.” - Mica Ricketts

Shop all Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream shades

Paris Couture Week is in full swing, with designers like Maria Grazia Chiuri at Dior and Virginie Viard at Chanel showcasing their SS24 Couture Collections in the most magical and breathtaking way.

That said, we're seeing some pretty fabulous looks off the catwalk as well, all thanks to our favourite celebrities. Earlier this week, Zendaya and Jennifer Lopez made headlines as they attended the Schiaparelli show. Zendaya thanks to her bangs and JLo thanks to those iconic sculptural glasses.

Over at Dior, Rihanna not only turned heads in her black Dior cap, exaggerated jacket and pencil skirt, but also because of her adorable fangirling over Natalie Portman, also elegant in all-black Dior.

Also at the show, Kelly Rutherford, Elizabeth Debicki and Glenn Close made a case for all-white looks in beautiful tailored suits and skirts.

Across the cobbles at Chanel, Naomi Campbelle and Lucy Boynton proved tweed will always be a good idea. Keep scrolling for our favourite celebrity looks at Couture Fashion Week so far.

While last year Kylie Jenner divided opinion with her lion head dress, the verdict was unanimous this time round: Kylie's minimal aesthetic is a winner. Her sheer corset dress at Jean Paul Gaultier was minimal perfection, while her black strapless gown at Valentino was only enhanced by her feathered cape. Extra sartorial point for matching with daughter Stormi too.

Virginie Viard elevates an ordinary button to whole new levels with her SS24 Haute Couture collection.

The set

Small yet mighty, the button has long epitomised the House of Chanel, adorning garments since the very first jacket Coco Chanel made. The set of the show pays tribute to the jewelled button: a paired back round set (unusual for Chanel), dominated by a giant button adorned with the interlocking Cs.

The inspiration

More than just a trivial, functional element, at Chanel the button elevates each look - as teased by actors and House ambassadors Margaret Qualley and Anna Mouglalis (with the help of Naomi Campbell) in the teaser shared by Chanel before the show: "Beauty within the imperfections of time" - "The button". We saw Qualley's quest to find the missing button on her iconic tweed jacket, with a glimpse of the different iterations of the object over the years.

In her show notes, Viard promised us she was taking the button, "an object as utilitarian as ornamental, into the world of ballet and dance". And that she certainly did.

The standout looks

Models gracefully walked down - or round - the runway, led by Margaret Qualley, with the graceful aura of ballet dancers. The first few looks were white, transitioning in an aquarelle-dominated palette of pale pinks and blues with the odd pop of colour.

Each look told a story, intrinsically linked to dance and ballet. The embroidered cropped pink jacket and mini skirt layered over a white leotard that a ballerina might wear post-rehearsal. The off-shoulder beaded and organza gown she might don for a red carpet event. The tutu and sequinned brassiere she might wear on stage, and the corset and trousers she might wear off it.

Couture always beautifully showcases the savoir-faire of the House, and that finesse can be seem throughout the collection in the beautiful and delicate details: the lace, the bows, the flowers, the sequins, and yes... the buttons.

Viard explained in her notes: "For me, dance evokes all these stories and emotions that are close to my heart, and that I take such pleasure in handing down and recounting".

And there was certainly no lack of emotion at this show.

The celebrities

As usual, the FROW was exceptional. Lucy Boynton, Imani Selina, Anna Mouglalis and Xin Zhi Lei were just some of the celebrities showing their support for the House of Chanel.

Last December, Chanel presented their Métiers d'art collection in Manchester, showcasing the incredible savoir-faire of the artisans we met in their ateliers in porte d'Aubervilliers.

"Trunks will be shut on 30th November, then shipped off to Manchester!" exclaims Aska Yamashita, the flamboyant artistic director of Montex, one of the Maisons d'art showcasing their work at Chanel's show on 7th December in the North of England. Two weeks ahead of the show, and the countdown is on to finish the 79 outfits started at 19M, in the 19th arrondissement of Paris.

Under a rainy sky, this 25m2 glass and concrete structure by architect Rudy Ricciotti is reminiscent of a loom, elegantly spinning white thread. Since 2019, it has been the home of the so-called 'Métiers d'art' ateliers which are affiliated with Chanel. Among them: the embroiderer Lesage, Lemarié, who specialises flowers and feathers, bootmaker Massaro, Montex, the embroidery and decoration atelier... Some of these, which Chanel bought as early as 1985, were founded in the 19th century and continue creating for the iconic double-C house, as well as for other couture and ready-to-wear labels. The show in Manchester is the annual grand ball showcasing their excellent savoir-faire.

On this cold morning, there is a studious atmosphere in the passageways of 19M, a veritable modernist labyrinth leading you to the wildest of dreams, be they woven with sequins, camellias (the house's iconic flower) or tweed. Around 600 artisans, 81% of whom are women, work there. It all started when Virginie Viard (artistic director of Chanel) came to 19M to share her ideas and select samples," says Aska Yamashita. And so Manchester, the city of pop and an old industrial town dominated by football, famous for its cotton industry in the 19th century, and for being the birthplace of the British queen of the suffragettes, Emmeline Pankhurst, in 1858.

"I didn't want rock-inspired looks. To create this collection, I was inspired by the women who are in love with musicians. Tweed is the central element, but I didn't want to recreate Gabrielle Chanel's looks when she wore the Duke of Westminster's jackets. I took inspiration from the Coco who added colour to her tweeds. I added a bit of pop effervescence," explains Virginie Viard.

The scene: on the evening of the 7th November, the Mancunian night is lit up by vibrant tweeds, bright greens, pops of fuchsia and orange. On the models, including the unapologetically British Edie Campbell and Karen Elson, notably punk details (subtle leathers, safety pins emblazoned with a double C), and kitsch English details (beautiful tea cups embroidered on bags) as well as nods to popular culture (football T-shirt shields). And of course a bit of 'Madchester' energy throughout, that rock 'n' roll energy that leads girls to throw themselves across soaking concrete. A stand-out look: a gown by Montex, adorned with sequins reminiscent of vinyls.

It is a nod to the city where The Smiths, Joy Division, New Order, Oasis and other greats were born. It is the birthplace of Factory Records, purveyor of new sounds and iconic albums under the helm of Peter Saville. In 1982, the Hacienda was the cult nightclub sending vibrations through the whole city. That very same Peter Saville, now an in-demand luxury artistic director, came aboard the 'Chanel Tour' in the English city (and scored the music for the show). "The Factory, heavily inspired by the avant-guarde ear between the wars, is a movement created by young people saying 'f*** you' to society, who wanted to disrupt with a form of aesthetic terrorism, decrypts Michka Assayas, author of in a Lonely Place. This aesthetic was minimalist, worn in almost secrecy: there was no publicity allowed, names of bands were barely visible on sleeves, even the Hacienda logo could barely be scene on the wall. Factory artists were guided by a utopian ethic, "a lucid and dark view of society".

A heritage remixed by Chanel, with a softened touch. The verve of DJ Dave Haslam, prince of the Hacienda, reminds us that, "certain revolutionaries have become the establishment". But behind Manchester, "the Pop Cult City", the title of one of his books, lies a "city always so proud of its radicalisation, of its spirit of independence and even resistance, of its love or risks," he insists. "I was fascinated by this rebellious music scene, I wanted to show this contrast by almost mistreating tweed, by tweaking it and tearing it", details Christelle Kocher, artistic director of Maison Lemarié, who embraces "this irreverence unique to the British, this mix of punk and aristocratic."

Far from the Mancunian fervour, at 19M, no music can be heard in the ateliers. Artisans concentrate everywhere, there is an almost solemn atmosphere. Time is ticking to finalise the samples and establish their "identity cards" to develop them on a greater scale, in factories in Pau and in Italy, for the show. The Metiérs d'art today face one of the fashion industry's toughest challenges: a greater respect for biodiversity. At Lesage, samples of eco thread (recycled or made of organic cotton, some labelled Ecocert) line the entire wall of the atelier.

"For a few years now, Chanel has started its transition to a more sustainable business; we support our Maisons d'art, who are the heart of our activity, in this journey," explains Bruno Pavlovsky, President of fashion activities and Metiérs d'art of Chanel. "The traceability of fabrics, the conditions in which our products are made are of upmost priority to our Maison" he adds.

"At Lemarié, we use animal feathers, our aim is therefore to provide total transparency of the entire production chain. We work with our own farms to ensure this. The question that I'm passionate about is, 'how do we set the example?'" says Christelle Kocher.

"Oh Manchester, so much to answer for", chant the Smiths, in their song Suffer Little Children. The stylist's favourite band.

As a beauty editor who appreciates the finer things in beauty, even I winced when I saw the price tag of Chanel Sublimage L'Extrait de Nuit—the latest face serum from the most luxury of luxury brands. Let me explain. You see, when it comes to my skincare routine, I'm a little fussy when it comes to the products I use. Above everything, they have to work—my skin is prone to oiliness and acne breakouts, as well as redness and irritation. However, unlike many other skincare buffs out there, the second priority for my products is that they must feel somewhat luxurious. If the texture, scent or appearance doesn't make me feel special in some way, I know I won't stick at it long enough to see any notable results.

As a result, most of my go-to skincare products are pricey—after all, for a brand to nail a genuinely efficacious and luxurious formula is no mean feat. So, when I first caught wind of the fact Chanel was launching a night serum in its Sublimage L'Extrait collection, I knew it was something I wanted to try. And here is where I want to hold my hands up and apologise for making a mistake all beauty editors are guilty of making from time to time: I didn't actually check the price before I brought it home from the office and stuck it in my bathroom cabinet. I knew it was going to be expensive, of course, but I wasn't aware of just how expensive. After using it every night for six weeks and falling in love, I discovered it was £620.

I'm no stranger to eye-wateringly expensive serums and moisturisers. But, typically, when I try something that sits within these levels of expense I simply don't feature it. However, given that this is easily the most expensive serum that has ever graced my face, I figured a review might make for an interesting read.

But, before we get into it, let me get this out of the way: despite the fact I have fallen head over heels for this genuinely impressive serum, I'm not suggesting anyone needs to go out and buy it. If you can drop £620 on a skincare product without batting an eyelid, then it's a lovely option for you. If, like me, you'd have to put it on a credit card—don't, it's not worth it. Now, if you're still with me, here's my honest thoughts...

A review of Chanel Sublimage L'Extrait de Nuit

Let's start with what it actually is. Essentially, it's a one-and-done sort of product. Although a serum is usually a first step before moisturiser, I'm confident in saying that unless your skin is really dry, you won't need to layer it with a cream. It has a unique, gel-oil texture that, simply put, applies like satin. It glides over skin, providing enough slip to go in with some massage if you're into that (I certainly am), without leaving a hint of greasy residue. The texture is nothing short of a feat.

The scent is akin to most of Chanel's skincare offering—subtle and expensive-smelling. The bottle itself is also a work of art (I'd expect nothing less from Chanel) and it looks every bit as expensive as it is, with the brand partnering with a French glass maker to create the now-patented design. It's the sort of skincare product you want to leave out on the shelf for people to enjoy—it's weighty, beautiful and refillable. (The refill is £520, meaning there's £100 worth of beauty in the exterior bottle alone.)

And while I am a sucker for a luxurious texture and gallery-worthy packaging, it's the formula that has really impressed me. Composed of 91% naturally-derived ingredients, Sublimage L'Extrait de Nuit champions vanilla planifolia, swertia extract and chronopeptide. Totally lost? Don't worry, even as a beauty editor I wasn't entirely sure what any of the above meant when I first read it, either. From what I can ascertain, the immediate hydrating aspect of this serum is down to the 'millions of micro droplets' that are suspended in the formula, contributing to that silk-like application and those Goldilocks moisturising qualities.

Beyond that, the botanically-derived ingredients offer up a host of skin benefits. The thing that makes this serum so special (beyond all of the stuff I've already mentioned) is that its ingredients work with the skin, rather than on the skin. Each of these botanical ingredients (with particular mention to the vanilla planifolia, which is this product's superstar ingredient) is processed in a way that allows them to stimulate the skin's natural defence and healing mechanisms. The chronopeptide (I'm a total peptide geek and advocate, by the way), supercharges these results by kick-starting the skin's rejuvenation processes when it needs them most. What this means in practise? Skin is left looking plump, glowing and healthy. 

Since I started using this product, a fair few people have commented on my complexion (despite some horrendous breakouts fuelled by the pain I inflicted on my organs throughout the festive season). One colleague told me I looked as though I'd been on holiday. "You just look like you're rested, reset and full of energy," she told me—and I still put it down to this product. So yes, for me, Chanel Sublimage L'Extrait de Nuit is perfect—at least it would be if it were £600 cheaper.

In a sea of what seems like endless mascara, it's our job as beauty editors to sift through them to find you the best mascara —no matter your preference. Because it's part of my job to test make-up on a daily basis, it's not very often that I'm blown away by a product's performance. In a mascara, I'm looking for lift and volume whilst still being natural-looking enough to almost pass off as my own lashes. 

Whilst many mascaras tick a few of those boxes, every once in a while I'll find one that truly ticks them all. Enter: Chanel's Noir Allure Mascara. Now, I'm a little late to the party given that it launched in 2022, but I'm incredibly impressed. Claiming to be the latest all-in-one mascara, but does it live up to its bold promises? In short: yes. It turns out that this mascara is brilliant at lengthening and volumising. 

Here's exactly why it's going to stay a firm staple in my everyday make-up bag. 

The formula 

Promised by the brand as an all-in-one mascara, I can honestly say that Noir Allure delivers on volume, length, curl and definition.

Immediately, I noticed that the formula is drier than many others out there, but this is by no means a bad thing. When a mascara formula is incredibly wet, it can make it difficult to keep that natural, fluffy-looking finish. This gives just enough to coat each lash, holding and lifting whilst keeping eyelashes natural. 

The pigment is jet black, with an undetectable amount of red pigment too, which gives impressive definition without needing layers and layers of formula. It's not particularly buildable but it doesn't really need to be. Since it's natural-looking, it's not the kind of mascara you want to layer up.

The wand and bristles are shorter than others meaning I could grab the lashes I wanted to without clumping up the others. The slight tapered end meant I could get into the outer corners easily giving its promised fanned-out effect.  

The formula contains three types of naturally-derived waxes: carnauba, rice and beeswax, which is what allows both that curl and volume. Plus, your lashes also benefit from the inclusion of provitamin B5, which helps to protect and strengthen. 

The packaging 

Aside from the beautifully embossed lid being as chic as you'd expect, there's a reason for the clever click mechanism. This patented design of the lid means the formula stays airtight, which in turn means that it won't dry out as fast. Because if you're spending £38 on mascara, you want to get every last drop out before it dries out. 

Aside from being a bit of a novelty to use, the click mechanism and squared tube actually makes the mascara packaging far more accessibly than cylinder screw cap ones that are difficult to grip. 

The results 

The result? Fluffy, lengthened and lifted lashes. They look natural but enhanced—all without a clump on sight. 

The wear is equally impressive, it's flake- and smudge-free. I was a little worried that the jet black pigment might smudge under my eyes a little, but even wearing an ultra creamy concealer didn't cause that to happen. 

The main thing I was impressed with by this mascara was its ability to give the perfect balance between natural-looking whilst still delivering on the drama. It's not no make-up, make-up but it's also not false lash effect levels of drama. For me, it gives that jet-black definition, gravity defying length and lash lift curl.

Has Chanel nailed it on being an all-in-one formula? There's no doubt about it.  

Other Chanel mascaras

While many things are synonymous with luxury fashion house Chanel, from tweed skirt suits to Coco’s favourite camellia flower, you’d be forgiven if the streets of Manchester didn’t immediately spring to mind. Therefore many of us were left surprised when we discovered the city’s Northern Quarter would provide the backdrop for Chanel’s Métiers d’art collection when it was announced earlier this year. 

“For me, Manchester is the city of music,” confides Chanel’s Creative Director, Virginie Viard, “It incites to creation.” And it’s this sense of creativity, vibrancy and musicality that played out on the makeshift catwalk on Manchester’s Thomas Street last night, proving just how harmonious the two worlds could be.

Watched on by celebrities including Lucy Boynton, Tilda Swinton and Kristen Stewart, the models took to the catwalk in fresh, colourful iterations of the iconic tweed tailoring Chanel is known for giving a whole new take on dopamine dressing. 

“Tweed is central to this collection,” said Virginie, “I thought a lot about Gabrielle Chanel but I didn’t want to recreate Coco’s look when she was wearing the Duke of Westminster’s jackets. I took my cue from the Coco who brought colour to her tweeds. I added a vibrant, pop spirit to them.”  

Alongside a daring use of colour, Virginie also added fun touches to the collection inspired by Manchester’s music scene and the English countryside. Look closely and you’ll find an artistic spherical print, inspired by vinyl records, and cute teapot-shaped brooches, worn alongside sumptuous leather, punky checks and delicate sequins. 

The collection felt fashion-forward and the casting—street-casting by Jamie Hawkesworth—felt fresh with new and interesting faces taking to the catwalk. The party ended late into the night, with Primal Scream playing a surprise gig. We're absolutely here for the Manchester version of Chanel.   

Finished with nostalgic accessories in the shape of baker boy hats, top handle bags and Mary Jane flats, the collection stood as a love story between Chanel and Britain, etching Manchester as forever a part of the brand’s stylish history.