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

Published on Oct 5, 2021 at 2:50 PM

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

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

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

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

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 1

'90s reminiscent swim as the opening look? We're in for a show.

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 2

The sunglasses in look 1 and 2 will be the first thing I buy, thank you very much.

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 3

Guys . . . the logomania platforms. I'm going to take a wild guess and say, we are all living!

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 4

In comes the fragrance-inspired chain necklaces, guaranteed to hook-in any No. 5 enthusiast.

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 6

Hello, return of the hot pants.

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 7

Someone get this entire look on Olivia Rodrigo, stat.

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 8

This is not a drill — there is a TWEED HALTER (*opens wallet*). I'd love to see this with trousers.

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 9

Me to this ensemble: "She's an icon. She's the moment."

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 12

I wouldn't always reach for a metallic-threaded, satin-lined blazer, but if I did . . .

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 13

Crinkled patent leather (or vinyl) must be done right, and Virginia Viard nailed it.

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 17

I spy a really cute pair of vintage-inspired earrings. Remember Anna Wintour's first Vogue cover?

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 18

This middle section of the collection definitely steps away from that initial hyper Gen-Z offering, but I'm imagining this ensemble working well with a strappy heel.

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 22

The next time you're in Malibu or the Hamptons, it should be in this top and skirt combo.

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 25

Imagine grocery shopping in this maxi dress, casually channeling red carpet-Zendaya.

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 27

Virgina Viard's roaring '20s have arrived.

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 28

I, too, would like neon-accented oversized Chanel stud earrings.

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 29

Between the pearl-beaded balloon sleeves and the denim take on chainmail (denimmail?), this is all very interesting.

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 34

The '60s mod silhouette is back (as present on many runways this season) and Chanel is having fun with it.

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 38

The accessories are becoming increasingly exceptional as the show progresses.

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 40

We definitely needed this oversized version of Chanel's signature jacket.

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 43

The matching set, the elevated knit, the monochrome, the hot pants — There's not a box left unchecked. I'd ask where this was when we needed it (during lockdown), but I'm just glad it's here now.

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 51

Has there been a modern-day '80s reference as fun as this one?

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 53

So glad to see this nostalgic Chanel logo print (the one on the matching set) back.

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 55

Chanel just shut down every ribbed-knit look ever. This is the one that matters.

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 59

My jaw is on the floor. Is yours? It should be. (Apologies – ultra smooth leather just does it for me.)

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 62

This is the mother of two-piece sets.

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 63

I'm imagining Bella Hadid making a phone call for these jeans like yesterday. Frankly, I would, too.

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 65

Way to create a unique halter neck.

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 70

Returning to the office out of dress code like...

Chanel Spring 2022 Look 71

And to the final look of the show, I dramatically say: don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.