Chanel’s latest show on a beachfront in Biarritz celebrated both a historic milestone and a new chapter for the house under designer Matthieu Blazy.
A Century of the Little Black Dress
Chanel held its fifth catwalk show under designer Matthieu Blazy on a beachfront in Biarritz, France—the same coastal town where Gabrielle Chanel opened a couture house in 1915. The event marked the centenary of Chanel’s iconic little black dress, first introduced in 1926.
The collection featured an eclectic array of looks, from denim skirt suits to silk ensembles paired with sporty tank tops, and a turquoise gown covered in pailettes. A newspaper print suit directly referenced Chanel’s time in Biarritz.
Key accessories included oversized straw baskets and seahorse earrings, echoing Karl Lagerfeld’s pop spirit while introducing a new, fresher color palette.
Diverse Representation on the Runway
Models of various ages walked the show, alongside a visibly pregnant model, underscoring the house’s evolving approach to representation and inclusivity.
Designer’s Reflection
Matthieu Blazy offered a sharp insight into the history of the little black dress, saying Gabrielle Chanel "borrowed the black dress from workers and adapted it for the aristocracy." He described the garment as "a revenge on her own social status."
The Client Perspective
Bruno Pavlovsky, Chanel’s president of fashion, noted that Blazy’s work "gives him the freedom to twist, to create the Chanel of today and tomorrow." Addressing the brand’s VIP clientele, Pavlovsky revealed that Chanel has "tens of thousands" of very important clients (VICs) spending over €100,000 annually, and that they are "super happy now."
Destination Show Trend
The Biarritz show is part of a broader luxury trend of hosting destination events, with upcoming shows planned by Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and MaxMara.
Village Atmosphere
A food market in Biarritz was transformed into a cocktail party for guests including Nicole Kidman, Michaela Coel, and Tilda Swinton. In a local exhibition hall, a screen was installed to allow residents to watch the show, maintaining the town’s connection to the house’s history.