Biarritz holds a milestone for CHANEL and is anchored in history. It was here that Gabrielle Chanel opened her couture house in 1915 and presented her first collection. She not only merged the natural world with the contemporary but also changed the order of fashion in the process. In Biarritz, she used fabrics like jersey, cotton, and linen to prove that both elegance and comfort could coexist, a notion that proved instantly successful—and has stood the test of time.

Fast forward to today, in his first CHANEL Cruise collection, Matthieu Blazy reimagines the Basque coast. What comes to life is a new CHANEL folklore depicting the union of French workwear, leisurewear, and grandeur. The sea, beach, sun, and wind guide the design, endorsing comfort and movement first. Always in motion, Blazy’s vision emphasizes that the enjoyment of dressing and undressing is central (with bathing suits not afraid to be seen).

Look one is a step back in time, returning to its original archival sketch of Gabrielle Chanel’s 1926 black dress. From there, fluid silks, textural tweeds, soft-beaded knits, and glistening fish-scale paillettes evolve. Uniquely, the double C does not serve as a branding emblem but rather as a necessary structural component of garments.

As with everything shown, we always return to the location for inspiration. The accessories pull from the distinct architectural style and easy beach living—from a waterproof flap bag and seashell earrings to elegant Art Deco heels and barefoot ‘heel caps.’ You can even find playful fish and star emblems sprinkled throughout.

And it’s not a CHANEL show without a star-studded front row. Celebrities in attendance included A$AP Rocky (who added a sweet touch of miniature Mary Janes as a bag charm to remind him of his daughter), Nicole Kidman, Tilda Swinton, Sofia Coppola, and Paloma Elsesser.

Images courtesy of CHANEL.