Franco-Belgian designer Mathieu Blazy, who has served as the creative director of Bottega Veneta for the past three years, will take on the same role at Chanel. He will oversee the creation of haute couture and ready-to-wear collections. Under his leadership, the brand will also focus on expanding its accessories lines.

According to Bruno Pavlovsky, president of Chanel SAS, Blazy will join the fashion house in the first half of 2025, likely in April. His first collection is expected to be unveiled in October.

«We hope to collaborate for 10, 15, or even more years. We are at the very beginning of our journey together. Together, we can write a new chapter for the brand», Pavlovsky emphasized.

Blazy will replace Virginie Viard as Chanel’s creative director. Viard left the fashion house in June 2023 after leading the company for five years. Before her, only Karl Lagerfeld and Gabrielle Chanel held the position of creative director.

«I am thrilled and honored to join Chanel. I look forward to meeting all the teams», Blazy shared.

Blazy secured the position over two other potential candidates, whose identities remain unknown. Rumors suggested that Chanel had considered Hedi Slimane, Simon Porte Jacquemus, and Pieter Mulier for the role.

«We chose someone whose values, talent, and vision of women, our clients, best aligned with our brand», Pavlovsky commented.

Pavlovsky highlighted that a key factor in selecting Blazy was the designer’s «immense admiration and respect for the legacy and work of Mademoiselle Chanel, Karl, and Virginie».

Before his time at Bottega Veneta, Blazy collaborated with Raf Simons, Calvin Klein, Celine, and Maison Margiela. Following his departure, Bottega Veneta’s new creative director will be Louise Trotter.

 Photo: Bottega Veneta