Is Matthieu Blazy Heading to Chanel?

A new report suggests that the French fashion house plans on announcing Virginie Viard’s successor in mid-December, and signs are beginning to point toward the Bottega Veneta designer.

Fashion
4.0K 2 Comments

The everlasting hunt for a new creative director at Chanel may finally be ending, according to a new report from WWD. On Friday, the outlet’s sources revealed that the legacy French fashion house plans on announcing Virginie Viard’s successor in mid-December — and that many signs are pointing to Matthieu Blazy for the role.

The Paris-born designer — responsible for transforming Bottega Veneta into one of the sought-after labels in Milan (raking in €836 million EUR in revenue in the first half of this year, up 3% on a comparable basis to the same period last year) — has “emerged as a new contender” for Chanel’s top seat, the same sources said. Bottega Veneta has reportedly already started looking for Blazy’s replacement, gauging interest from its second-in-line designers. Chanel, Blazy and Bottega-owner Kering have not offered comments on the news.

The rumor mill has worked overtime on the matter of Chanel’s creative directorship ever since Virginie Viard departed from the label’s helm in June. Previous whispers suggested that John Galliano might take the role; however, since a prominent Jewish family owns the brand, Galliano’s antisemitic past could stifle those conversations. Other common theories said that Hedi SlimaneJeremy Scott, Sarah Burton or Marc Jacobs could take Chanel’s reigns, and WWD‘s sources claim that the House has interviewed Pieter Mulier, Pierpaolo Piccioli, Jacobs and Scott for the job.

Blazy is a newer name in the mix, but the designer, who attended Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts Visuels de La Cambre in Brussels, certainly boasts a strong resume for the position. He began his career as a men’s designer for Raf Simons in 2007, and he later became a head designer at Maison Margiela, where his prominent collections earned him the title of “the most famous designer you’ve never heard of,” prior to Galliano taking control of the House. In 2014, he began working under Phoebe Philo at Céline, and he later returned to working with Simons at Calvin Klein from 2016 to 2019. In November 2021, Blazy became Bottega Veneta’s creative director.

There’s no saying if his next stop will be Chanel just yet, but stay tuned for updates on the matter as they become available.

Read Full Article

What to Read Next

Matthieu Blazy Confirmed As Chanel's Creative Director
Fashion

Matthieu Blazy Confirmed As Chanel's Creative Director

Just hours after his departure from Bottega Veneta.

Bottega Veneta Announces Louise Trotter As Creative Director Amidst Matthieu Blazy's Exit

Bottega Veneta Announces Louise Trotter As Creative Director Amidst Matthieu Blazy's Exit

Sources indicate that Blazy will take on the role of creative director at Chanel.

Bottega Veneta Launches First Genderless Fragrances by Matthieu Blazy
Fashion

Bottega Veneta Launches First Genderless Fragrances by Matthieu Blazy

With a set of five naturally-derived eau de parfums contained in sculptural marble and glass vessels.


Matthieu Blazy Joins Chanel, John Galliano Leaves Margiela and More Luxury Shake-Ups in This Week’s Top Fashion News
Fashion 

Matthieu Blazy Joins Chanel, John Galliano Leaves Margiela and More Luxury Shake-Ups in This Week’s Top Fashion News

Stay up to date on fashion’s biggest headlines.

KAWS Reunites With the Brooklyn Nets For Nike NBA City Edition Uniform
Fashion

KAWS Reunites With the Brooklyn Nets For Nike NBA City Edition Uniform

The 24-2025 uniform boasts “Brooklyn” across the chest and the features artist’s signature XX motif on the waistband.

The Trilogy Tapes Drops Its Winter 2024 Collection
Fashion

The Trilogy Tapes Drops Its Winter 2024 Collection

Outerwear, scarves and cold-weather headwear are joined by the brand’s signature graphic tees.

A Chef and an Artist Walk Into a Bar
Food & Beverage 

A Chef and an Artist Walk Into a Bar

A decade ago, Chef Daniel Humm transformed Eleven Madison Park into one of the world’s most famous restaurants. Now, his friend Francesco Clemente has inspired him to open a cocktail bar.

UNDERCOVER Is Celebrating Hello Kitty's 50th Anniversary With New Sanrio Collab
Fashion

UNDERCOVER Is Celebrating Hello Kitty's 50th Anniversary With New Sanrio Collab

With sweatshirts, T-shirts, tote bags, caps and pouches covered in beaded and embroidered takes on Sanrio’s famous characters.

FKA Twigs Drops Glitch Heavy Single "Drums of Death" Following High Demand
Music

FKA Twigs Drops Glitch Heavy Single "Drums of Death" Following High Demand

“Crash the system, diva doll.”


Luck Brings Us Together in Ana Barriga's 'Letter to My Mermaid'
Art

Luck Brings Us Together in Ana Barriga's 'Letter to My Mermaid'

Stepping into a playful world of personality at Richard Heller Gallery.

Here’s Your Guide To Hublot’s 2024 Creative Collaborations
Watches

Here’s Your Guide To Hublot’s 2024 Creative Collaborations

Presented by Hublot
From the Arsham Droplet to Sang Bleu’s new sapphire installment, discover the playful designs pushing the boundaries of horology.

Bugatti W16 Mistral Sets New Open-Top Speed Record at Over 280 MPH
Automotive

Bugatti W16 Mistral Sets New Open-Top Speed Record at Over 280 MPH

Piloted by Bugatti’s official test driver and Le Mans winner, Andy Wallace.

Spinnaker Brings the Watches From ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ to Life in New Collaboration
Watches

Spinnaker Brings the Watches From ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ to Life in New Collaboration

Featuring three limited-edition designs.

Ray Vaughn Announces Debut EP: 'The Good, The Bad & The Dollar Menu'
Music

Ray Vaughn Announces Debut EP: 'The Good, The Bad & The Dollar Menu'

After an impressive year of singles, the TDE talent is readying his first project – due in December.

More ▾