Brooklyn-born and runway-bred, Lily Chee has mastered the alchemy of modern influence—seamlessly shifting from social media mogul to red carpet regular with a front-row ferocity that never misses. The actress, model, and Internet It-girl has built a career on striking a rare balance: polished yet personal, algorithm-friendly yet grounded. And if there’s one thing she knows how to do, it’s show up for a moment—especially when Chanel calls.

Set against a backdrop of colossal interlocking C’s, the house's Spring/Summer 2025 haute couture show at Paris’s Grand Palais doubled as a love letter to Chanel’s heritage, beginning with a documentary tribute to its couture ateliers. Led by the maison's design team, the collection was a study in quiet opulence—classic tweeds softened with near-translucent pastels, feather-light embellishments that seemed to hover in motion, and sheer, gossamer layers punctuated by coquettish bows. But the real statement wasn’t just in the clothes; it was in the focus on the petites mains, the artisans whose hands shape couture into something beyond clothing—an art form in motion.

CULTURED followed along with Chee as she stepped into Chanel’s world of timeless craftsmanship. Below, she takes us behind the scenes as she prepares to dash off to the Parisian runway.

To get the look, try Calligraphie de Chanel Longwear Intense Cream Eyeliner in Hyperblack, Le Volume de Chanel Mascara in Noir, Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush in Light Peach, and Rouge Coco Flash Hydrating Vibrant Shine Lip Colour in Boy.  All, Chanel.

Makeup by Tobi
Hair by Laurie Zanoletti