This year, the fashion world was shaken by the sudden exit of Virginie Viard from Chanel. But after a months-long search for her replacement—and endless group chat speculation—the French luxury Hosue has finally named its new artistic director: Matthieu Blazy.
Blazy, who most recently led the creative direction at Bottega Veneta following Daniel Lee‘s move to Burberry, will start in 2025 and oversee the Maison’s haute couture, ready-to-wear, and accessories.
“His vision and talent will reinforce the energy of the brand and our position as a leader in luxury,” wrote Alain Wertheimer, Chanel’s global executive chairman, and Leena Nair, its global CEO, in a joint statement. “Under Bruno Pavlovsky’s leadership, we are confident that Matthieu Blazy will continue to shape what’s next and write a new page in Chanel’s creation.”
“I am thrilled and honoured to join the wonderful house of Chanel,” Blazy said in a statement. “I look forward to meeting all the teams and writing this new chapter together.”
After graduating from La Cambre in Brussels, the French designer held positions at Raf Simons, Maison Martin Margiela, Celine, and Calvin Klein. In just three years at Bottega Veneta, Blazy’s impact is significant. From trompe l’oeil leather ‘flannel’ shirts and ‘denim’ to dramatic fringing and textural whimsy, his vision has sustained contemporary relevancy to the leather goods brand while honouring its heritage in the wake of Lee’s departure.
At just 40 years old, Blazy ushers in an exciting new era for Gabrielle Chanel’s storied legacy.
In June, Viard stepped down as creative director of Chanel after 30 years at the house—five as its artistic director—following the passing of Lagerfeld, with whom she worked very closely. No official reason was provided for her departure, but the Maison acknowledged her contributions to a rich chapter in its legacy.
“Chanel confirms the departure of Virginie Viard after a rich collaboration of five years as artistic director of fashion collections, during which she was able to renew the codes of the house while respecting the creative heritage of Chanel, and almost thirty years within the house,” read a statement shared with Vogue Business. “A new creative organisation will be announced in due course. Chanel would like to thank Virginie Viard for her remarkable contribution to Chanel’s fashion, creativity and vitality.”
In the time since Blazy’s appointment, the coveted role had been the talk of the industry, with many putting their hat in the ring—including Marc Jacobs, who many fans were eager to see take the throne. Following an array of movements across various fashion houses, other contenders tossed around included Hedi Slimane, who recently left Celine, and John Galliano, who just left Maison Margiela.
British designer Louise Trotter has left Carven to become Blazy’s successor at Bottega Veneta.
This story first appeared on GRAZIA International.
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