Chanel has appointed Matthieu Blazy, former design chief at Bottega Veneta, as its new creative director, following months of speculation regarding one of the most coveted positions in the fashion world. The announcement comes after the departure of Virginie Viard in June, leaving the prestigious role vacant.
Blazy’s appointment marks a significant shift in the direction of the French fashion house, known for its iconic tweed jackets, double-C logos, and the timeless No. 5 perfume. With the luxury sector facing a downturn, this new leadership could signal a refreshed aesthetic for the brand, which remains one of the most powerful names in high fashion.
Alain Wertheimer, global executive chairman of Chanel, and Leena Nair, global CEO, praised Blazy’s talent, calling him “one of the most gifted designers of his generation.” Blazy’s extensive experience in the luxury industry, including his influential role at Bottega Veneta, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Chanel’s collections.
Chanel, which is the world’s second-largest fashion label after Louis Vuitton, has long been privately owned by the Wertheimer family, including Alain and his brother Gerard. The fashion house has maintained a strong reputation, with its sales growing by 16% last year, reaching nearly $20 billion.
Blazy replaces Virginie Viard, who had been with Chanel for almost 30 years, working closely alongside the legendary Karl Lagerfeld. Viard took over the creative reins in 2019 after Lagerfeld’s passing, but her tenure ended unexpectedly earlier this year.
In other luxury fashion news, Kering, the parent company of Bottega Veneta, has named Louise Trotter as the new creative director of the brand to replace Blazy. Trotter, who is currently the creative director at Carven and has previously worked at Lacoste, will take on the role at Bottega Veneta at the end of January.
With both Blazy and Trotter stepping into major creative roles, the fashion industry is watching closely to see how these new appointments will shape the future of these iconic brands. For Chanel, Blazy’s fresh vision could bring new energy to its legacy of luxury and craftsmanship.
READ MORE: