Chanel Cruise 2027 is a Joyful Homecoming in Biarritz

Published: April 29, 2026 Last Updated 46 minutes ago by FPN

Matthieu Blazy presented his debut Cruise 2027 collection for Chanel in Biarritz, the Basque coastal town where Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel opened her first couture salon in 1915.

The show took place on April 28, 2026, at Le Casino Municipal, near Chanel’s historic beginnings. Blazy presented a collection that was joyful, thoughtfully referential, and inspired by the seaside lifestyle that once influenced Coco Chanel.

This show served as a tribute to Biarritz’s influence on Chanel’s signature style of liberated, sporty elegance. Blazy translated Coco Chanel’s active lifestyle into modern, wearable pieces that balance archival inspiration with contemporary appeal.

The venue was transformed to evoke Coco’s original salon, featuring mirrored walls, plush ivory carpets, and gilded Baroque armchairs. Notable guests such as Nicole Kidman, Tilda Swinton, Michaela Coel, and A$AP Rocky attended, as the show unfolded to the sounds of waves, children, whale songs, and music, including Kylie Minogue’s “Come Into My World.”

This return to Biarritz was significant, as it is where Chanel first presented her early collections and adopted a practical, unrestrictive style. Blazy honored this legacy with thoughtful updates, maintaining focus on the modern wearer.

Standout Looks and Clever Reinterpretations

The show began with a modern interpretation of Chanel’s Little Black Dress, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026. Blazy reimagined the 1926 drop-waist original with Art Deco-inspired embroidery and transformed the signature bow into an oversized evening clutch, paired with loafers featuring silver interlocking Cs.

Blazy incorporated the Chanel logo throughout the collection in a refined manner. Subtle Cs appeared in shirt piping, off-the-shoulder dresses, and geometric foulard prints. Reflecting on his transition from logo-free designs, Blazy remarked, “I got familiar with the idea of a logo here, and I love a logo. This one is beautiful… thank god.”

Seaside themes were prominent, with tangerine skirt suits, sequin mermaid gowns, and a woven top coat featuring a beachscape and “Biarritz” inscription. Jersey rompers referenced vintage beachwear, and bathing caps paid tribute to Picasso’s “Bathers.”

Other highlights included:

• Bubblegum pink workwear-inspired jacket and skirt sets in no-fuss fabrics.
• Shorts in collaboration with Charvet.
• A waterproof version of the classic flap bag.
• Fishnet coverups and extra-large totes perfect for coastal days.
• Candy-colored shoes included playful “half-shoes” or “sheels” that covered only the heel and tied at the ankle, as well as toe-capped pony-hair pumps reminiscent of Blazy’s previous collections.

The collection featured diverse casting, including models of different ages and backgrounds. Notably, Kaya Wikins walked the runway while six months pregnant.

Accessories were a highlight, showcasing Blazy’s talent for creating distinctive pieces. Oversized clutches, maxi totes, reimagined minaudières, and barefoot-friendly heels balanced practicality with creativity. The “sheel” concept reflected the collection’s playful approach to resort dressing.

 

The collection combined craftsmanship with ease, using paillettes for evening, lightweight jerseys and cottons for day, and tweeds with a seaside influence. The range included pantsuits, Basque-stripe jumpers, maxi dresses, and sequin looks, offering both aspiration and emotional connection.

Blazy’s Vision: Reverence with a Modern Hand

Since joining Chanel, Matthieu Blazy has respected the brand’s heritage while introducing modern updates. In Biarritz, he honored Coco’s simplicity and pleasure-driven approach, demonstrating that Chanel can remain both luxurious and relevant for contemporary life.

Critics noted the collection’s restraint, which stood out in a season marked by excess. Blazy combined couture sensibility with coastal elegance, blending French workwear, glamour, and practicality. His Biarritz show reinforced his impactful leadership at Chanel.

With the waves outside and the mirrored salon reflecting both past and future, Chanel Cruise 2027 marked a new chapter. Blazy demonstrated that Coco’s original vision and innovations continue to inspire the brand today.

From subtle logos and mermaid sequins to practical, playful accessories, this collection offers pieces that are both joyful and wearable. Under Blazy’s direction, Chanel continues to stand out.