#Chanel’s ’90s-inspired collection was an ode to Britney Spears

With a court appearance scheduled for June 23, Britney Spears has been a topic of discussion as several documentaries about her life have put her at center stage once again.

But an ode to the beloved pop princess turned up in a most unexpected place on Tuesday: Chanel’s Cruise 2021/22 collection. During the concert finale, Belgian singer-songwriter Angèle softly crooned a cover of Spears’ breakout hit “…Baby One More Time.”

Angèle, 25, was barely three years old when the world was introduced to a pig-tailed Spears in 1998 dancing her way through the instantly famous music video, but it’s mere confirmation that our obsession with the ’90s nostalgia, along with the fashion trends deeply rooted in the early aughts, remain more relevant than ever some twenty plus years later.

Further proof was sprinkled throughout the French house’s 2021/22 Cruise collection, presented under Creative Director Virginie Viard: mesh mini-dresses stacked on top of long-sleeve crewnecks, graphic tees peeking out underneath pastel tweed suiting and tube tops tucked into mini skirts. Most looks were topped with logo-stamped chokers, barrettes and lip rings and finished off with black fishnet tights. Belly-baring crop tops were styled with pearl-encrusted belts and low-rise skirts. Low-rise bottoms, remember those? They’re back! A finale of black velvet dresses worn with capes closed the show.

Also notable: the silhouettes offered by the luxury label were logistically effortless. Loose at the waist, billowy in shape and low in the heel — most of which were white and pointy-toe, conjuring up a mod sensibility. Capes and caftans flowed beautifully, as did a duo of purple feathery frocks. Viard’s subtle magic is a look that isn’t forced. It is simply on offer for those looking to satiate their appetite for the season’s trend du jour — all the while dripping, coolly, in luxury.