Matthieu Blazy appointed creative director of Chanel

Matthieu Blazy has been appointed as Chanel’s new creative director, succeeding Virginie Viard, who departed the iconic fashion house earlier this year. Blazy, a Franco-Belgian designer with a rich history in the fashion world, will be responsible for the brand’s entire fashion line, including couture and accessories, producing ten collections annually. He is set to officially start in April 2025, with his first runway presentation scheduled for October during Paris Fashion Week as part of the spring/summer 2026 showcase.

Born and raised in Paris, the 40-year-old designer has a notable background, having collaborated with prominent figures like Raf Simons, Maison Margiela, and Phoebe Philo at Cline. Prior to this prestigious appointment, Blazy served as the creative director for Bottega Veneta.

Chanel’s studio design team will carry on with the upcoming couture collections set for January and June, as well as the fall 2025 collection in March, until Blazy takes the reins. With his appointment, Blazy becomes only the fourth designer to lead Chanel since its inception over a century ago, following the legendary Karl Lagerfeld, Viard, and the brand’s founder, Gabrielle Coco Chanel. This is a significant moment for the fashion house, highlighting its commitment to evolving while maintaining its storied heritage.