Karl Lagerfeld to take Chanel’s Cruise 2016/17 collection to Cuba

Chanel's Cruise 2016/17 is going to be staged in Cuba on May 3rd 2016, at the French house’s first-ever show in Latin America, informed several news reports from Havana this week.

"In Cuba next spring, leading fashion figures will gather in Havana in one of the most anticipated events in the past half century," said an official report by the Cuban news distributor, AIN.

In a statement released by Chanel, the firm said: “The cultural richness and opening up of Cuba is a source of inspiration for Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel."

According to media reports, Lagerfeld hinted at his new destination after the brand’s Spring/Sumer 2016 runway show when asked: “Where would he like “Chanel Airlines” to take him?” “Cuba” was his answer.

The island has become a popular destination for celebrities, such as Mick Jagger, Katy Perry and Rihanna. In the late eighties, Cuba tried to enter the fashion circuit with a fashion event called “Cubamoda”, sponsored by Contrex. It hosted relevant fashion designers including the Spanish Paco Rabanne.

With Chanel’s show, Cuba hopes to become a hub for the fashion industry and attract worldwide attention from an array of cultural, political and economic entities.