Birds of a Feather: Chanel Spring/Summer 2025

Paris’ Grand Palais exhibition hall became a bird sanctuary of fashion at the behest of Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection. Strings of light trickled in through the building’s glass ceiling, glistening the runway with grandeur. 

Toward the center of the runway sat an oversized ivory birdcage, Chanel’s logo patterned between its bars. A sole swing dangled from its interior, at a standstill above the crowd’s bated breath.

“The freedom of flight” was the connecting thread across the outfits, with looks so light it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the models float. Ruffles, feathers, and flow all contributed to the unique characteristic of dress, beckoning to take to the skies. 

Multi-colored plume-patterned jackets draped down to the floor, baby-blue feathered silk capes soared, and black neckties like swallow tails embodied the iconography of birds. Accessories of cage bags, bird-pendant necklaces, and rising platform footwear reinforced this idea. 

The rows of audience chirped in delight at the passing models, akin to the same smiles and wonderment of viewing a fluttering bird. 

Models gathered around in the birdcage as actress Riley Keough sang the aptly named “When Doves Cry” from atop the swing. A moment so picturesque it could’ve been snatched straight out of a Broadway production, it closed out the collection as a beautiful swansong. 

For its Spring/Summer 2025 collection, Chanel wasn’t afraid to fly high. 

Here are our favorite looks:

Image credit: Chanel