The creative force behind Bottega Veneta’s recent renaissance, Matthieu Blazy, is now set to take on a new, bold direction at the iconic French fashion house, Chanel. After months of speculation, the appointment of the 40-year-old designer has been confirmed, and he becomes only the fourth head designer in the storied history of Chanel, following the legendary Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, and Virginie Viard.
Blazy's transition to Chanel comes after a remarkable tenure at Bottega Veneta, where he served as creative director for four-and-a-half years, the last three of which earned him critical acclaim for his innovative designs. His work at Bottega Veneta included trompe l’oeil pieces that transformed leather into the appearance of materials like flannel, denim, and even paper bags. Blazy’s ability to balance creativity with commercial appeal helped Bottega Veneta achieve impressive sales performance, even while other Kering brands are projected to decline in 2024. As Bruno Pavlovsky, president of fashion at Chanel, explained, Blazy’s deep understanding of heritage and ability to revitalize it through fresh ideas make him the ideal leader to steer Chanel into bold new territories.
A French-Belgian designer, Blazy was trained at La Cambre in Brussels and honed his craft under industry titans such as Nicolas Ghesquière at Balenciaga, John Galliano for Raf Simons’ label, Maison Margiela, Celine, and Calvin Klein. His unique vision contrasts with the traditional aesthetic of Chanel, often associated with sleek tailoring, luxe leatherwork, and the house’s iconic quilting and bouclé. Blazy’s arrival marks a new era for Chanel, moving away from these classic elements and pushing the boundaries of the brand’s craftsmanship.
Blazy’s appointment follows Virginie Viard’s five-year tenure at Chanel, where she succeeded Karl Lagerfeld after his passing in 2019. Under Viard, the brand continued its legacy, but now, with Blazy at the helm, Chanel is poised to embrace a more dynamic and innovative future. As Chanel CEO Leena Nair confirmed, the brand is focused on long-term strategic growth, and Blazy’s creative leadership will be central to that vision.
In tandem with Blazy's appointment, Bottega Veneta has also undergone a leadership change, with Louise Trotter stepping in as the new creative director. This shift signals a period of transformation and innovation in the luxury fashion world, with both Chanel and Bottega Veneta embracing new leadership to drive their brands forward into exciting new phases.
