An unrepentant dosage of glitz and extravagance is more than acceptable during the party season, especially when it’s infused with just as much flirting joy, romance, and ease. We fill you in on Chanel’s Cruise 2023 collection, which was inspired by the affluent city of Monaco, and how its reputation for living it up will never go out of style.

The French maison has a unique place in its history for Monaco. First of all, Coco Chanel loved visiting there. In fact, she opened a boutique inside the renowned Hermitage Hotel there in 1913 and later bought a property there called La Pausa that was close to the independent city-state. Another connection is the Ballet Russes, which was established in Monte Carlo by her close friend Serge Diaghilev and for which she created costumes. There will be many sporty references because Monaco is a beautiful beach city-state with its own Grand Prix. These elements will be served up with glitz and unashamed playfulness. Swimsuits, for instance, are embellished with strass and made to go well with asymmetrical black skirts or draped dresses so that one can go from the beach to the club with ease. (The clothing Princess Caroline was wearing when Viard first met her—on a beach near Monaco—seems to have served as inspiration for the notion.)While other shapes emanate a same enthusiastic athleticism, quilted jumpsuits resembling what F1 drivers wear are quilted with tweed or terry cloth and worn unfastened. Watch out for racquet-shaped backpacks and little skirt outfits that are tennis-chic.