Of course, Knightley is no stranger to being a Chanel muse: Over the years, the actor has worn countless designs by the fashion house, both on and off the red carpet. She says her favorite piece ever worn remains a Karl Lagerfeld-era frock, which she chose for the Venice premiere of Atonement back in 2007. “There was an amazing white lace dress with pink details Karl designed,” she says. “I loved it and it was a very special moment.”
Once Knightley arrived at the Palais Garnier to take in the show, she says she was struck by the craftsmanship and opulence of the new assortment. “I loved the capes, the purple tweed suit, and the look with the white shirt and the gold skirt full of embroideries—the way it caught the light was beautiful,” says Knightley. (We could see her wearing all of those.) “There were also some amazing details such as tassels on a suit; they were moving like dancers.”
Though attending a couture collection was a dreamy experience, Knightley says she will now turn her attention to family and friends. “I’ll be taking some time off as I just wrapped Black Dove with Ben Whishaw, which comes out on December 24. And I start a new filming project in September.” Until then, you’ll find her slipping into some relaxed summer fashion. But don’t expect couture—rather, pieces that are “kids-friendly. [I’ll be] doing children things this summer!”
Below, an exclusive look inside Knightley’s day at the Chanel couture show.