Did you know Coco Chanel helped build her empire from Biarritz?
In 1915, while war was reshaping Europe, Gabrielle Chanel opened a couture house on the Basque coast, near the Biarritz casino. It quickly became a success, attracting wealthy clients, especially from Spain, and employing dozens of seamstresses.
Within a short time, the business was thriving, allowing Chanel to establish her independence and expand her vision beyond Paris.
This period played a key role in defining her style: clean lines, fluid fabrics, and a new sense of freedom in women’s clothing that would go on to shape modern fashion.
The Biarritz atelier eventually closed, but its influence never disappeared.
Now, more than a century later, Chanel returns to where it all began. On April 28th at 6:30 PM, the Cruise 2026/2027 show will take place in Biarritz, and you can watch it live on Chanel’s website.
Some stories don’t just fade, they come full circle.
