In today’s context, Villa La Pausa is what you’d call a good class bungalow. It’s the kind of property you’d easily give a five-star rating if you ever get to vacay there. Perched on a cliff in the leafy southern French neighbourhood of La Toracca that overlooks the French Riviera, it was Chanel’s summer playground from 1929 to 1953.

Boasting Mediterranean architecture, the estate is an understated study in luxurious Riviera living. Inside, the villa is dominated by neutral-coloured interiors and furnishings that are steeped in Spanish and Provencal influences. Such a tasteful setting is the perfect background for a colourful collection that’s meant to evoke the carefree and relaxed spirit of holiday dressing. 

Besides the use of nautical elements — cue Breton stripes, sailor pants, and graphic motifs like a pattern made up of shark fins on a skirt — what ground and give the pieces a sense of joie de vivre are the playful accessories that Karl Lagerfeld injects to the collection. For instance, novelty bags are shaped in the form of pool buoys while bucket bags are dressed up in rope cords.

The nod to the holiday theme continues with the costume jewellery: Brooches are shaped in the form of postage stamps and envelopes. As for the shoes, the star is undoubtedly the Mary Janes which are based on the same style that Chanel wore while vacationing. Flash forward to this season, and they’ve been updated in calfskin, and versions with sequins and sneaker soles.

Here, we showcase how all these pieces come together in one fun and flirty video, plus a shopping guide to the accessories featured in it.