The Chanel Spring 2025 collection marked a pivotal moment for the fashion house—a clean slate, a new chapter, and the beginning of something profoundly different. Not only was it the first collection without Virginie Viard at the creative helm, designed instead by the Chanel creative studio, but it also heralded a fresh collaboration: Lupita Nyong’o, the Oscar-winning actress, was announced as the new global ambassador for Chanel.
Lupita, who recently fronted a campaign for Chanel’s Rouge n°5 lipstick, announced her role on Instagram, sharing, “I am deeply honored to share that I am now a global brand ambassador for the House of Chanel. It was wonderful to attend their Spring-Summer 2025 Ready-to-Wear show at the Grand Palais today. Merci beaucoup.” This heartfelt declaration set the tone for an exciting evolution of Chanel’s image—an image that now promises to be more inclusive and representative of the modern world.
The Positives: A Step Toward Inclusivity and Representation
The appointment of Lupita as the face of Chanel is undoubtedly a powerful move toward embracing diversity—a welcome change for a brand that has long been criticized for its lack of inclusivity. Following the appointment of British-Indian Leena Nair as Chanel’s global chief executive in 2022, this move adds another layer of representation to the brand. With Lupita now at the forefront, Chanel appears to be leaning into a more global perspective, one that celebrates varied beauty standards and cultural backgrounds.
Lupita has been one of the best-dressed women in Hollywood for the past decade, so the fact that she’s landed a major fashion contract feels well overdue. Her style is celebrated for its boldness, creativity, and the way she fearlessly embraces vibrant color. Lupita has consistently made headlines for her red carpet looks, and her partnership with Chanel feels like an affirmation of her status as a true fashion icon. It’s a step forward that recognizes not only her elegance but also her contribution to shaping modern celebrity style.
The Negatives: Will Chanel Limit Lupita’s Vibrancy?
However, there are some reservations about this partnership. With Chanel, we may have to say goodbye to the bold, electrifying colors Lupita has worn so well over the years. Yesterday’s collection, which she attended as the new ambassador, lacked those vivid hues—something Lupita radiates in and has made an essential part of her signature look. Chanel’s colour palette has often leaned towards classic neutrals, pastels, and muted tones—hardly the bright yellows, blues, and greens that have become synonymous with Lupita’s style.
Colour isn’t the only aspect at risk of being compromised. We also risk losing the unpredictability of Lupita’s style. Her longtime stylist, Micaela Erlanger, is now tasked with maintaining the unique fashion personality that Lupita has cultivated over the past decade. The fashion world has grown to love Lupita’s ability to seamlessly blend classic elegance with avant-garde moments. If Chanel boxes her into a cycle of tweed sets, bow-accented chiffon dresses, and those two-tone shoes, it will be a crying shame. Lupita’s style is a story of experimentation, fearlessness, and unexpected choices—qualities that could be stifled by the brand’s well-known aesthetic.
The Future of Lupita at Chanel
This partnership is a major step for Lupita, but the question remains—how will it unfold? Will it be a 360-degree deal, like Penelope Cruz’s commitment to Chanel, where the actress wears nothing but the brand? Or will it allow some flexibility, like Keira Knightley, who will occasionally don Erdem? Alternatively, could Lupita have the freedom that Zendaya enjoys, wearing Louis Vuitton when she chooses while keeping her style varied and vibrant?
Only time will tell how this collaboration will evolve. It could be an incredible opportunity for Chanel to reinvent itself through Lupita’s lens, embracing her charisma, boldness, and cultural background. Conversely, it could risk diminishing some of the qualities that make Lupita such a standout figure in fashion. For now, we’ll watch closely, hoping that this “new beginning” truly means a celebration of everything that makes Lupita, Lupita—because anything less would indeed be a shame.
Credit: @odieuxboby / Francois Ozon à paris / Chanel / Vogue.com
FTC Disclaimer: Keep in mind that I may receive commissions when you click links and make purchases. However, this does not impact my reviews.
