Since Karl Lagerfeld introduced the concept in the 1980s, the unveiling of the Chanel bride has been one of the couture season’s most anticipated moments.
Each spring and fall show is closed by a hand-selected bride, a house muse who dons an Haute Couture wedding ensemble. With looks ranging from sweet mini dresses to elaborate ballgowns and even swimwear-inspired garb, throughout the years the looks have never failed to surprise and inspire.
The tradition was one taken on by Lagerfeld’s successor as creative director of the house, Virigine Viard, upon his death in 2019. Whether it remains to be seen whether Viard’s own successor will carry the torch, it is hard to imagine putting a stop to such a beloved tradition.
Ahead, we reflect on the most memorable Chanel brides looks in history, as seen on icons like Claudia Schiffer, Devon Aoki, Linda Evangelista and more.
Chanel Brides Throughout The Years
Claudia Schiffer
1994
A favourite of Lagerfeld’s, model Claudia Schiffer has played the Chanel bride on several occasions. It his her fall 1992 look—a corseted, tweed number with contrast piping—that is her most iconic. The dress was re-worn by Dua Lipa at the 2023 Met Gala.
Devon Aoki
2000
At the turn of the millennium, Lagerfeld opted for a modern bridal look. Devon Aoki was ever the contemporary bride, with a dark lip and short, blush gown.
Linda Evangelista
2003
From the shoulders to the belt, to the intricate detailing; this dress, worn by supermodel Linda Evangelista, is the picture of resplendence.
Alek Wek
2004
The feathered cape and beaded gown work by Alek Wek in 2004 remain visionary.
Sasha Pivovarova
2008
Russian model Sasha Pivovarova embodied both bride and ice princess as the fall 2008 bride.
Cara Delevingne
2014
For her turn as Chanel bride in spring 2014, Cara Delevingne took the runway alongside Lagerfeld’s petite muse, Hudson Koening, son of model Brad Koening.
Lily Rose Depp
2017
Actress and model Lily Rose Depp donned a belted, blush number for spring 2017 couture.
Adut Akech
2018
South Sudanese-Australian model Adut Akech was a blue bride for the fall 2018 presentation.
Vittoria Ceretti
2019
Vittoria Ceretti turned heads not for what she was wearing, but what she wasn’t. For her turn playing Chanel bride, Lagerfeld forwent a gown and dressed the Italian model in a shimmering couture swimsuit, complete with a silver cap and veil.
Margaret Qualley
2021
Ahead of her real-life wedding to producer jack Antanoff, actress Margaret Qualley wore a chic, simple gown for Viard’s fall 2021 couture show.
Angelina Kendall
2024
Australian model Angelina Kendall wore a voluminous, floral dress as the first bride following the shock exit of Virginie Viard.
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
