Review: Chanel Cruise in Dubai – A Spectacle of Excess
Chanel’s Cruise 2014 show in Dubai was a masterclass in opulent staging—flawlessly executed, visually arresting, but at times, trying far too hard to marry the brand’s Parisian elegance with Orientalist fantasy.
The Good: A Feast for the Eyes
Set Design ★★★★★
The Mashrabiya-carved pavilion, flickering torches, and Bedouin tents were breathtaking—pure cinematic escapism. The double-C logos hidden in the wooden latticework? A clever touch.Hair & Accessories ★★★★☆
The wild, moon-crowned manes and Aladdin slippers added drama without veering into costume. (Minus the inexplicable Chanel petrol can bag—a rare Lagerfeld misfire.)Textile Storytelling ★★★★☆
The 12th-century tile prints on sheer trousers and latticed floral dresses were exquisite, blending Arabian motifs with Chanel’s signature lightness.
The Bad: Forced Exoticism
The Petrol Can Bag
A quilted jerrican as a handbag? Even for Lagerfeld’s wit, this felt like a parody of luxury—less ironic, more "why?"Clichés on the Catwalk
Harem pants and hookah lounge vibes leaned into Orientalist tropes rather than offering a fresh take. Chanel’s global nomad deserves better than folkloric cosplay.
While the collection had undeniable beauty (those architectural lattice gowns!), it often felt like aesthetic appropriation dressed in petrol-can camp. The Dubai team deserves applause for the immersive production, but the fashion itself lacked the effortless modernity that defines Chanel’s best work.
Final Rating: 7/10 – Gorgeous to watch, but the magic faded faster than a desert mirage.
Written by Leila Antakly
