Chanel returned to Biarritz to present its Cruise 2026/27 collection, revisiting a destination that sits at the very foundation of the House’s identity. It was here, over a century ago, that Gabrielle Chanel established her couture house, shaping a new way of dressing defined by freedom, practicality and life by the sea.
For his debut Cruise collection, Matthieu Blazy builds on this legacy, drawing inspiration from the Basque coastline and its natural rhythm. The collection moves fluidly between structure and ease, uniting elements of French workwear, leisure dressing and eveningwear into a wardrobe that feels both considered and effortless.
Lightweight fabrics and maritime influences run throughout, from sailor-inspired stripes to relaxed silhouettes designed for movement. Materials reflect the surrounding landscape, with fluid silks, textured tweeds and soft knits echoing the tactility of the coast. At the heart of the collection is a renewed focus on comfort, aligned with sophistication, where the boundaries between day and evening dressing are softened.
Blazy also revisits one of Chanel’s most enduring codes, the black dress, reinterpreting it as a symbol of simplicity and quiet rebellion. Accessories reinforce the idea of travel, spanning from practical beach pieces to refined evening accents.
A return to Biarritz marks more than a change of setting. It signals a deeper reflection on the origins of the House, reimagined through a contemporary lens.
