French fashion house Chanel has named Matthieu Blazy as its Artistic director of Fashion Activities, ending months of industry speculation. The 40-year-old French-Belgian designer, fresh from his acclaimed tenure at Bottega Veneta, will assume responsibility for haute couture, ready-to-wear and accessories collections beginning in early 2025.
Among those rumored to be in the running are John Galliano, Simone Rocha, Hedi Slimane, Thom Browne, Marc Jacobs, Pieter Mulier and Simon Porte Jacquemus.
“Matthieu Blazy is one of the most gifted designers of his generation,” said Alain Wertheimer, global executive chairman, and Leena Nair, global chief executive officer of Chanel, in an official statement. The appointment signals Chanel’s bold vision for the future and marks the first external Creative director hire since Karl Lagerfeld‘s legendary appointment in 1983.
Bruno Pavlovsky, Chanel’s president of fashion, expressed a long-term commitment to the strategic move. “We hope to be together for 10, 15 years or more. We’re just at the start of our story,” he shared, underscoring the company’s confidence in its choice.
Blazy brings impressive credentials to the role. He rose from ready-to-wear designer to succeed Daniel Lee at the helm of Bottega Veneta as Creative director in November 2021. His remarkable three-year leadership at Bottega Veneta transformed the brand’s runway shows into must-attend events, attracting celebrities such as Jacob Elordi, A$AP Rocky, Julianne Moore and Michelle Yeoh. His sophisticated approach to design and dedication to craftsmanship are perfectly aligned with Chanel’s heritage of excellence.
The designer’s journey through the upper echelons of fashion includes less visible but significant roles at Céline under Phoebe Philo, Calvin Klein with Raf Simons and Maison Margiela. His appointment follows the departure of Virginie Viard last June, making him only the fourth official Creative director in Chanel’s 114-year history. A number of lesser-known designers, like Ramon Esparza, an acolyte of Cristóbal Balenciaga, and Philippe Guibourgé, best known for designing the Miss Dior line, created the collections between the death of founder Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel in 1971 and the arrival of Karl Lagerfeld in 1983.
“I am thrilled and honored to join the wonderful house of Chanel. I look forward to meeting all the teams and writing this new chapter together,” stated Blazy, expressing his enthusiasm for the new role.
The fashion community is eagerly anticipating Blazy’s debut collection, scheduled for October 2025 at Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2025. He will be responsible for ten annual collections, including haute couture, ready-to-wear, Cruise (Resort) and specialty lines such as Coco Beach and Coco Neige.
This strategic appointment comes at a time when luxury brands frequently change Creative directors. However, Chanel‘s careful selection process and long-term vision suggest confidence in Blazy’s ability to maintain the brand’s iconic status.
Born in Paris and educated at the prestigious La Cambre school in Brussels, Blazy’s proven track record of balancing heritage and innovation positions him perfectly to lead Chanel forward. His sophisticated design sensibilities and technical expertise promise exciting developments for the legendary French fashion house.
