Chanel Appoints Matthieu Blazy as Artistic Director

Chanel has appointed Matthieu Blazy as its new artistic director, succeeding Virginie Viard, who left earlier this year. Blazy, who previously led Bottega Veneta, is expected to bring his innovative approach and craftsmanship to Chanel's haute couture, ready-to-wear, and accessories collections, reinforcing the brand's position as a luxury leader. His appointment ends months of speculation and rumors about potential candidates, including Hedi Slimane and Haider Ackermann. Blazy's track record includes working with renowned designers like Raf Simons and Maison Margiela, where he honed his skills in couture. Chanel's leadership expressed confidence in Blazy's ability to continue shaping the brand's future and honoring its heritage. This marks Chanel's first major designer hire in 40 years, following the iconic tenure of Karl Lagerfeld, who transformed the brand into a global powerhouse.