Chanel’s iconic history and storied past are deeply intertwined with the cities in which its distinct House codes were created and built. Few cities are as integral to Chanel’s heritage as Biarritz, an elegant coastal town located on the southwestern coast of France.
It was in Biarritz that Gabrielle Chanel created her couture house in 1915, laying the groundwork for the Maison and establishing many of the distinct House codes that still fuel the brand today, over 100 years later.
A New Era of Chanel Begins in Biarritz
Home to Chanel’s earliest couture days, the Cruise 2027 show was held at the historic Villa de Larralde, where Coco Chanel set up her atelier, boutiques, and apartment. While the show was a bit like coming home for Chanel, it was also a prolific backdrop for Matthieu Blazy’s first Cruise show, as the designer spent many childhood days playing on the beaches of Biarritz.
When Coco Chanel ruled the city, Biarritz was largely considered a hub for artists and creatives, and it bustled with creative energy. That unique freedom of movement and enthusiasm served as constant inspiration for Coco Chanel and today serves as the framework for Matthieu Blazy’s Cruise 2027 collection.
There is an undeniable, dynamic energy at play throughout the collection, and while some looks offer sleek structure, many pieces convey a sense of fluidity and movement. Lightweight silk separates give way to the classic Chanel set and elevated workwear, like a twill skirt and matching workman’s shirt, paired under a striped tweed jacket.
The Bags of Chanel Cruise 2027
In true Blazy form, there is no shortage of intricately detailed pieces, including sequined denim, netted fabric mimicking a fisherman’s net, fringe, crocheted embroidery, and more. As for the bags, they, too, drew inspiration from the seaside. As expected, there are novelty takes on the classics, like raffia Maxi Flap bags and intricately beaded and embellished classic flaps.
Blazy’s new signature bags also see reinvigoration, like the east-west shopping tote (a fan favorite), which arrives in raffia with a leather flap. A parade of other new seasonal pieces will delight collectors, like striped raffia totes perfect for the beach and beyond. Discover more below.
Images courtesy of CHANEL
I am loving this era of Chanel. Chanel is once more interesting, challenging and creative, as well as beautiful and fresh. Love it.
What’s with those non-sandal sandals?!
*looks up “rage bait products” and “the product IS the marketing”*
oh
Stunning 🤩
Stunning. I haven’t been this excited about Chanel in years. Bravo!
Oh my! The flap bag that looks like a cage or ornate shell, sorry, not sure how to explain, red and blue. I kind of love it. I would have to see it IRL but I may need this bag. I do like it when Chanel offers real world clothing like the denim shirt above, I work, go to family restaurants, grocery shop, not exactly glamorous but still like to invest in nicer things.
I like those bags, too
I wonder what the crazy price will be.
This batch looks really enticing but I don’t live in the top tier metropolitan area, local Chanel has what it has. My SA promised me something last year this time, and I’m still waiting (not really, I don’t know she’s sticking to her promises.)
I am tired of not having access. Have been switching to Loewe, Celine, BV etc. who offer convenient & respectful* online purchase pathways. I tip my hat to LVMH and Kering in reaching the equally valuable clientele without investing in new brick & mortar properties. THAT’s good business.
*By “respectful” e-commerce I mean there’s no such gimmick like Hermès would limit online availability and have people jostling, that’s disrespectful. At least Chanel doesn’t do that.
I can’t wait to see some influencer wearing that heels only strap sandal with caption : “I’m obsessed”
Love everything about this! This new era of Chanel is striking.