Margot Robbie is the movie star of the summer. Currently criss-crossing the globe to promote Barbie, the actress has turned the international global media circus into a spectacular sartorial showcase sprinkled with vintage finds and who's who of the most coveted designers (all in Barbie-approved pink, of course). Her latest triumph? A 1990s Chanel blazer originally worn by the inimitable Claudia Schiffer.
Her choice of the French fashion house makes sense, for 2023 is the year of Chanel. The V&A is poised to open an exhibition on house’s founder, Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel; the Met Gala 2023 paid homage to Karl Lagerfeld’s inimitable legacy; a pop-up boutique has opened in Edinburgh; and its signature looks has been embraced by a new generation of tastemakers.
More specifically, there is one decidedly chic arm of Chanel’s rich history that is experiencing a rousing resurgence like no other: the Schiffer golden era of unrivalled 90s fabulousness.
Having first caught the eye of head of Metropolitan Model Agency, Michel Levaton, at a nightclub in Düsseldorf in 1989, it wasn’t long before Schiffer, with her doe-eyed beauty and statuesque silhouette, was booking covers and campaigns across the world. A certain issue of British Vogue, shot by Herb Ritts, is what captivated the attention of Karl Lagerfeld. She became a muse to the designer and made her fashion show debut for Chanel in 1990.
Ever since, she’s been a household name. A heavenly embodiment of the original supermodel era, and at one point holding the title of most magazine covers to her name, Schiffer’s decades-long career has seen her go from face of Chanel to chatelaine of Suffolk’s Coldham Hall, which she has shared with her filmmaker husband, Matthew Vaughn, since 2002.
Heading to the south of France this summer? Louis Vuitton’s decadent new restaurant is a must for aesthetes and gourmands alike, writes style editor Chandler Tregaskes
While not at the Met Gala (style sleuths worry not – she was invited by both Chanel and Balmain), Schiffer’s endless chic did make an appearance in the form of a vintage Chanel Haute Couture ball gown from the SS92 collection. Originally worn by Schiffer on the runway as the bride to close the show, the boned-corset, ivory tweed design shone once again, now worn by Dua Lipa with $10 million dollars worth of jewellery from Tiffany & Co. Now that’s what I call a comeback.
Instagram content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
It came mere weeks after Schiffer had another notably glamorous Gen Z moment. Chanel was the natural go-to for former Tatler cover star, Sofia Richie, when she wed her Universal Music scion beau at Antibes’ ultra-A-list hotspot, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. And as any It-bride will attest, you can never have too many dresses.
Three was the magic number for Richie, who had Chanel’s Madame Olivia Douchez concoct a trio of gasp-worthy gowns for the occasion. Arguably the most chic? Her after-party dress. Another dazzling Schiffer-throwback, the corseted camellia minidress began life on the AW93 catwalk as modelled by Ms Claudia and was recreated especially for Richie. ‘Congratulations to beautiful @sofiarichiegrainge!’ Claudia Schiffer captioned her Instagram post of the two looks. ‘Ah thank you !!!’ Richie replied, with two hands-praying emojis.
Last week it was the turn of Margot Robbie, who cut a chic figure as she arrived in Sydney airport in her powder pink Chanel blazer – a playful take on the house's classic silhouette – which was originally worn by Schiffer on the Chanel Spring/Summer runway in 1996. Though the blazer appears to have been updated (the double pockets have been replaced), Robbie nodded to the original brilliance by wearing it with beige trousers, just like the original catwalk ensemble.
It is proof that Schiffer’s legacy (like Barbie) never goes out of fashion.
