Très chic! Earlier today, Chanel designer Matthieu Blazy unveiled his new resort 2027 collection with a splashy and sun-dapped destination show in Biarritz, France. It was a fitting location for the event, given it went back to where it all began: it was here, in the seaside city, that Gabrielle Chanel opened her couture house in 1915.

As is customary with a Chanel show, a starry crowd came out for the affair. Because the only thing better than a getaway fashion show? One that gathers the house’s most famous friends, of course. In the front row were stars such as Nicole Kidman, A$AP Rocky, Tilda Swinton, Marion Cotillard, Sofia Coppola, Michaela Coel, and more, all of whom showed up in their finest beachy-inspired (yet elegant) fashions—from chic LBDs as per Kidman, to eye-popping shoulder bags a la Rocky’s pink slouchy style!

The A-list front row roster was captured exclusively by photographer German Larkin for Vogue while leaving the grand Hotel du Palais, as they departed for the show taking place at Le Casino Municipal. There, we got our first glimpses at their coastal ensembles, and took the opportunity to inquire around what inspired their styling choices. Plus, we asked some of the VIPs to share their favorite French words as well—because, pourquoi pas?

Below, see all the stars at the Chanel Biarritz show, and read our exclusive conversations.

Nicole Kidman

What excited you about the show?
I love Biarritz. I’ve been here before, but I love that is it so understated, and that you can swim in the ocean. It is quiet, yet culturally rich and has a warm, easy atmosphere.
What inspired your look today?
There is nothing like a little black dress. When you get a chance to wear one as gorgeous as this, it’s what you choose.
Favorite French word of the moment?
Enthousiasmant.

A$AP Rocky

What excited you about the show?
I get to get a surprise—the thrill of knowing that Matthieu is going to create something that is innovative. I think it is something that I’ve been anticipating every show: ‘what is this man about to do,’ because he’s a crazy genius in the most complimentary way.

What inspired your look today?
Matthieu Blazy. Matthew Henson. The show look today felt very casual, but very Flacko—Mr. Meyers. I don’t want to label it as ‘dad swag,’ but it was just very well put-together, if I may say. The suede jacket, that linen red shirt, those linen pants, the croc. I just look really elegant and grown. I look 37-years-old for a change.

Tilda Swinton

What excited you about the show?
I’m so moved to be here, because I know the significance of Biarritz to the house. It’s where Gabrielle Chanel had her first boutique, it’s where she started to pioneer her extraordinary attitude of beachwear and eveningwear, and this feeling of vacation and freedom. Even people who live here, who are not on vacation, are living in a state of remove—they’re away from the city, and it’s an attitude of légèreté and empowerment.

What inspired your look today?
What inspired it is my absolute love of it. I find this dropped waist, short skirt completely intoxicating. It’s so easy to wear. It means your legs hang out and you can move. I’m going to be dancing in it later. Just ease and fluidity. This beautiful jacket, which feels like it’s a boyfriend jacket, but the best ever boyfriend jacket. I have to say—it’s always difficult to choose these days, but I put this on and I didn’t want to wear anything else.

Favourite French word of the moment?
Bouleversé.

Paloma Elsesser

What excited you about the show?
The energy and the calm of the city makes my nervous system feel so at rest. I was excited to see the ocean, and come during a different season than I’ve been here before.

What inspired your look today?
Biarritz inspired my look! I wanted it to feel easy and effortless. It was between this and a gorgeous two-piece jacket and skirt set in a jacquard. As incredible as it was, I knew I envisioned a subtler and quieter, almost beachy, approach to dressing. Undone yet elevated. I think I nailed it, if I do say so myself.

Favourite French word of the moment?
Weshhhhh.

Sofia Coppola

What excited you about the show?
I discovered Biarritz last year at the film festival, and I was really happy to come back. It’s just a cool town—to be by the beach and to see the surfers. I was so excited to see Matthieu’s first cruise show.

What inspired your look today?
I love the new thin knits, and I thought to be ladylike for Chanel—but still easy.

Favourite French word of the moment?
I had to learn some new ones. I love pétillante.

Marion Cotillard

What excited you about the show?
It’s one of my favorite cities by the ocean, it’s so beautiful. I was very curious to discover the conversation between Gabrielle Chanel and Matthieu Blazy, as it was such a critical city for the house. To my surprise, there had never been a Chanel show held here.

What inspired your look today?
I wanted something simple. And Chanel being the master of the little black dress, which goes back to Chanel essence, when I saw this one, it was obvious.

Favourite French word of the moment?
Vacances (holidays).

Charlotte Casiraghi

What excited you about the show?
I love Biarritz. I have friends living here, and many memories of summer holidays. And there are some of my favorite restaurants.

What inspired your look today?
I wanted something pure and classical, with a more masculine silhouette.

Favourite French word of the moment?
I would say felure, which is the title of my book that I recently published. It is a poetic and delicate word that defines what is lightly broken in us—a small crack that could lead us to falling a part, but that is also what makes us sensitive and creative in a unique way.

Michaela Coel