Chanel has brought BLACKPINK’s Jennie back into the spotlight for its FW25.26 pre-collection campaign. The brand chose Craig McDean to photograph the campaign, which takes place in Paris, within the refined gardens of the Palais-Royal. The location holds deep relevance to Gabrielle Chanel, offering a familiar setting for the visuals.
The campaign draws energy from the 1990s, focusing on the distinctive style of rom-com heroines from that era. The styling introduces broad shoulders, oversized coats, and layered looks, creating a wardrobe that builds from structured basics and textured pairings.
Jennie spoke about her connection to the decade in a press release. “The 90s have always spoken to me,” she begins. “Not just the fashion, but the mood and the spirit. I love how women in rom-coms from that era felt strong and vulnerable at the same time. There’s a playfulness in how they dressed and such a perfect mix of feminine and boyish, it’s romantic yet preppy, and that’s something I love incorporating into my own style.”
This campaign keeps the focus on tailored shapes and specific contrasts. Chanel brings together elements like corsets modeled after men’s waistcoats and black leather coats layered over softer silhouettes. Accessories sharpen the overall look with iconic house pieces such as the Chanel 25 bag and a black beret.
Jennie adds more insight into how the clothing resonates with her. “Masculine-feminine style makes me feel grounded and empowered,” she explains. “I love how this collection plays with shapes, like the broad-shouldered black coat or the black double crêpe corset inspired by a men’s waistcoat. These are strong pieces, but they still feel elegant. Wearing masculine silhouettes with feminine details reminds me that you don’t have to choose one or the other, you can be both, and that’s powerful!”
Wide shoulders anchor the collection, while cashmere coats and structured corsets add form. Chanel uses materials and tailoring to build a silhouette that feels specific to the 1990s influence referenced by Jennie. The rom-com inspiration gives the clothing a clear point of reference without turning to nostalgia.
Jennie continues her work with Chanel through this new release, reinforcing her connection to the label both visually and creatively. Her styling, presence, and commentary bring context to a collection that uses balance and strength as its core ideas. Chanel presents the pre-collection with clarity, placing its vision in a space that links history, design, and personal identity without distraction.
