In the fleeting world of high fashion, a decade is basically a lifetime. Most models cycle through a single campaign and vanish into the "formerly-known-as" pile before the ink on their contract even dries. But Lily-Rose Depp? She’s different.
Honestly, her relationship with Chanel is less of a business deal and more of a family inheritance at this point. Walking into the Spring/Summer 2026 show in Paris recently, Lily-Rose looked every bit the seasoned veteran. She’s 26 now. She started this journey at 15. Eleven years of tweed, pearls, and the heavy weight of being a "House Ambassador" is a lot for anyone, but for the daughter of Vanessa Paradis, it’s practically her DNA.
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Why Lily-Rose Depp and Chanel Just Works
It's easy to dismiss celebrity kids as "nepo babies," and sure, having a mother who has been a Chanel face since 1990 doesn't hurt. But the industry is brutal. If she didn't sell perfume, she wouldn't be here.
Karl Lagerfeld, the late, legendary creative director who basically hand-picked her, saw something specific. He once noted that she had the "qualities of a star" from a new generation. He wasn't just talking about her cheekbones—though those are definitely part of the equation. It was about her paradox.
The "You Know Me and You Don't" Vibe
In her early campaigns for N°5 L’Eau, the tagline was "You know me and you don't." That basically sums up her entire public persona. She’s incredibly private, rarely doing long-form interviews, yet she’s the face of one of the most recognizable brands on the planet.
She’s stated before that the value of privacy was hammered into her since she was a toddler. Growing up in a "media circus" taught her to keep the good stuff for herself. This mystery is exactly what a luxury brand like Chanel craves. In a world where every influencer shares their morning coffee and their skincare routine in 4K, Lily-Rose remains a bit of an enigma.
A Timeline of Iconic Moments
If you look back at the last decade, her highlights with the brand aren't just ads—they are fashion history.
- 2015: The debut. At just 16, she was the face of the Pearl eyewear collection. People were obsessed.
- 2017: The Pink Bride. Closing the Chanel Couture show is the ultimate flex. She did it in a massive, ruffled pink gown that looked like a very expensive cloud.
- 2024: The Nosferatu Press Tour. This was a turning point. Instead of just wearing the current season, she dove into the archives. She wore a Chanel Fall 1995 couture gown to the L.A. premiere. It was moody, gothic, and perfect for a vampire movie.
- 2025/2026: Her appearance at the Rue Cambon apartment campaign for the Première Édition Originale watch.
She often talks about "stealing" things from her mom’s wardrobe. In a 2025 interview with British Bazaar, she mentioned that Chanel has always been "inextricably linked" to her childhood memories of her mother. It's not just a job; it’s the smell of her house growing up.
The Modern Muse vs. The Archive
What makes her relevant right now, especially in 2026, is how she balances the old-school Chanel elegance with her own somewhat chaotic, Gen Z energy.
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You’ll see her on a red carpet in a sheer lace catsuit from the 2020 BAFTA Awards, looking like a classic movie star. Then, the next day, paparazzi catch her in London with her girlfriend, the rapper 070 Shake, wearing a vintage Chanel bag with baggy jeans and a thrifted sweater.
She doesn’t treat the brand like it’s in a museum. She wears it. She makes it look lived-in.
Style Evolution
Her style has definitely shifted from the "baby-doll" look Karl Lagerfeld initially went for. Nowadays, she leans into more structured, masculine-meets-feminine silhouettes. Think oversized tweed jackets paired with nothing but boots, or those "90s-style" bra tops she wore to the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
Beyond the Runway: The Reality of the Role
Being a Chanel ambassador isn't just about showing up to a party. It’s a massive commitment.
She is involved in everything from the "Jardin Imaginaire" beauty campaigns (working with makeup artists like Ammy Drammeh) to high-jewelry launches. It’s a lot of travel, a lot of fittings, and a lot of being "on."
People often wonder if she’ll ever jump ship to another brand. Honestly? Probably not. She has said multiple times that there is "room in Chanel for every woman to find something," and given her family history, she’s likely a lifer.
What We Can Learn From Her Style
If you want to channel the Lily-Rose aesthetic without having a movie star's bank account, there are a few "unspoken rules" she seems to follow.
- The "Take One Thing Off" Rule: She’s a big believer in the Coco Chanel quote about removing one accessory before leaving the house. Less is more.
- Archive over Trend: Don't buy what's "in" right now. Look for pieces that feel like they could have been worn in 1994 or 2024.
- Mix Your Textures: She loves a heavy tweed paired with something delicate like silk or lace.
- Confidence is the Only Accessory: She often looks "bored" or "detached" in photos, but that’s just the Parisian cool-girl vibe. It's about not trying too hard.
Moving Forward with the Look
If you're looking to integrate this kind of timeless-yet-edgy style into your own life, start by investing in one high-quality, structured jacket. It doesn't have to be a four-figure Chanel piece, but the silhouette matters. Look for something with "square shoulders and wide hips," a shape Lily-Rose has championed since the 2017 Giacometti-inspired collection.
Keep an eye on the upcoming 2026 Métiers d'art show in New York. Rumor has it she’ll be front and center, likely debuting a look that blends her French roots with a bit of American grit.
To stay updated on her latest archival pulls and campaign launches, follow the official Chanel social channels, as she rarely posts professional updates on her own "chaotic" Instagram. Focus on silhouette over labels, and remember that style is supposed to be fluid—much like her own approach to life and fashion.