Chanel Cruise 2024/25 show in Hong Kong: From Chanel Radio with Chow Yun-Fat and Penélope Cruz to after-party with G-Dragon and Angèle

Chanel Cruise collection’s stunning stopover in the city drew a dazzling array of celebrities and creatives from Asia and around the globe. We’re talking of the likes of Penélope Cruz, Whitney Peak, K-pop sensation G-Dragon, Belgium singer Angèle, Thai actress Aokbab Chutimon (who also walked for the show) and Taiwanese actor Bolin Chen, who each brought their unique flair to the occasion.

The star-studded front row also featured prominent figures and rising talents from the local cultural scene, such as iconic actors Chow Yun-Fat and Carina Lau, alongside Fala Chen, Stephen Fung and Angela Yuen. The atmosphere buzzed with creativity as local stars Hins Cheung, Jay Fung mingled with emerging artists like Panther Chan, Natalie Hsu, Chung Suet-Ying and Moon Tang. Notable attendees also included Hong Kong’s beloved Olympian Siobhan Haughey, cinema heavyweights William Chang, Wing Shya, Man Lim-Chung and more. 

Unlike the city’s famous Victoria Harbour or its signature skyscrapers, which are typically assumed to be the go-to location for a mega event like this, Chanel made a meaningful choice for its show venue: the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) in Tseung Kwan O. The striking architecture, designed by French architects Coldefy & Associés, stands as Hong Kong’s first major French-designed facility, reflecting the city’s flourishing creative development over the past decade.

On the forecourt of the Hong Kong Design Institute, “Radio Chanel” brought emerging artists and major figures from the Hong Kong scene together alongside ambassadors and friends of the house, for a series of dialogues on creation and transmission. Hong Kong’s globally recognised actor Chow Yun-Fat took part in an inspiring conversation with renowned Hollywood actress Penélope Cruz.

Guests also stopped by the Hong Kong Design Institute gallery space for a preview of the Imagine an Elsewhere exhibition, featuring 16 collective works by 35 Hong Kong Design Institute students specialising in Architecture, Interior & Product Design, Communication Design, Digital Media and Fashion & Image Design. 

The series of activations kicked off a three-year partnership between the French luxury house and the institute that “is designed to enrich the experience of students by facilitating their access to the fashion ecosystem, encouraging exchange and dialogue, and developing key skills in the fields of design and savoir-faire,” as the brand stated. The exhibition is running from November 7 until December 31 and is open to the public.

“I think it’s very important for fashion brands to engage with the next generation of designers because we want to make sure that we’re inspiring them and creativity can continue. And I think it’s such a great thing that five of the students from the school went to Marseille in May to watch the collection, and then they came back and shared with their classmates what they had learnt. Then they created different art pieces, and now we get to see these art pieces as well,” Hong Kong history-making swimmer Siobhán Haughey tells Tatler after the show. “I think there’s like a ripple effect, and hopefully we can inspire more people, even if they didn’t watch the show, but through people who did, and through what the city is doing right now.”

Against the pale white architecture of HKDI, a palette of pastel colours and fluid silhouettes took over the corridors-turned-runway. As the last collection designed by former creative director Virginie Viard, the looks in the Chanel Cruise 2024/25 collection captivate with their coastal inspirations and summer nostalgia. Key pieces feature diving hoods, vibrant aniseed-green suits, and intricate embroideries of fish and shells. Fluid silhouettes in neoprene-like fabrics and tweeds reflect shimmering summertime, while swimwear showcases playful bloomers and lace bodices. Layered menswear elements, including peacoats and tailored shorts, blend seamlessly with reimagined classics, exemplifying Chanel's timeless elegance and contemporary flair.

“I feel like it's the best place to showcase a collection that is free, that is on the move, that can be anything because I think that’s what younger people are. They’re so curious about the world. There’s this sense of readiness, of wanting to explore and absorb,” says Fala Chen, the Hong Kong-born Hollywood actress. 

In addition to the connection between Marseille and Hong Kong, the house dedicated a short film to the city and its cinematic history. Titled Modern Flirt, the movie is directed by award-winning French director Audrey Diwan and stars Hong Kong actor Angela Yuen alongside French actor Benjamin Voisin. The story weaves an enchanting tale of strangers whose paths cross in Hong Kong.

Renowned photographer Wing Shya captured the actors on set, highlighting the mystery and aura of their characters, which evoke the ethos of the Chanel Cruise collection, Imagination of an Elsewhere. Ahead of the show, the French maison also hosted the Hong Kong Frames cinema talk at Shaw Studios, featuring three panel discussions that explored the uniqueness of Hong Kong cinema.

The after-party at Shaw Studios unfolded in a stunning sunset-hued atmosphere, celebrating the night’s fashion triumph in a venue steeped in cinematic history. This iconic film studio, known for hosting over a thousand feature films, also holds a special place in Chanel’s legacy, having been the stage for Karl Lagerfeld’s spring-summer 2006 couture show.

The evening was brought to life with a captivating duet by Angèle and Sébastien Tellier, alongside mesmerising performances by dancers from Hong Kong and the esteemed (LA)HORDE—Ballet National de Marseille, featuring actress Nathalie Hsu. As the night progressed, the energy soared with vibrant sets by singer Kalai and DJ Yeti Out that had guests dancing till late. 

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