During a visit to Hong Kong, Chanel’s President of Fashion, Bruno Pavlovsky, was asked by Tatler Asia about the house’s search for a new Artistic Director, in the wake of the departures of Karl Lagerfeld and Virginie Viard. At the time, Pavlovsky hinted that the new director “will not be any names that the press has been guessing.”
In December of 2024, Chanel fulfilled Pavlovsky’s words by announcing the appointment of Matthieu Blazy, artistic director of Bottega Veneta, as the house’s new Artistic Director. Blazy’s tenure in Chanel is scheduled to start in April 2025, with his first collection for the house showing in September.
Matthieu Blazy is known for his approach to “quiet luxury” during his time at Bottega Veneta. Learn more about the aesthetic in A Fashion Revolution: The Rise of Quiet Luxury.
Why Matthieu Blazy is An Inspired Choice
On the surface, Blazy’s low-key yet vibrant design portfolio is a far cry from the high glamour of Karl Lagerfeld, but the fashion world has embraced Chanel’s decision to have him take on one of the world’s most esteemed designer brands. Here’s what the house’s new Artistic Director brings to the table.
1. A Young Designer with Strong Fashion Credentials
Matthieu Blazy may only be 40 years old, but he brings an impressive design portfolio with him. Not only was he a design leader at Bottega Veneta, but he also brought his sensibilities to houses like Maison Margiela, Celine, and Calvin Klein, where he worked alongside powerhouses like Phoebe Philo and Raf Simons.
Blazy’s understated approach to luxury has resulted in the creation of new classics. This is not to say that Bottega’s Intrecciato handbags can easily replace Chanel’s quilted purses, but thanks to Blazy’s creative vision, the stylish woven bags have become staples for modern fashionistas.
2. A Singularly Focused Vision
A designer without his own design house, Blazy has the advantage of concentrating all his attention on any brand he works for, and Chanel could use as much of his singular vision and attention as possible. By focusing on design with the Chanel DNA in mind, Blazy will need all of his resources to bring the brand into the 21st century.
The combination of Blazy’s youth and creative vision may be the revitalizing jolt that Chanel needs, especially with a younger market who no longer views the brand as the height of fashion. How he interprets and updates the Chanel brand remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that it is hotly anticipated by observers.
3. A Fresh New Perspective on A Respected Brand
But how will Blazy marry his version of “quiet luxury” with a house associated with glamour and iconic pieces? It all boils down, again, to his passion for craftsmanship. Taking a closer look at Blazy’s designs for Bottega Veneta reveals a higher premium on well-made product, whether it’s a woven bag, a leather work shirt, or a cuddly pair of boot-socks.
At a moment when major designer houses are accused of skimping on quality, Blazy’s appointment at Chanel may mean a return to the iconic craftsmanship that has kept the brand in the fashion conversation for generations. Simply put, Blazy’s eye for craftmanship and high quality is a good fit for Chanel’s heritage.
Want to know what makes Chanel’s 2.55 handbag so iconic? Find out why the 2.55 is on our list of 6 Classic All-Time Favorite Luxury Bags.
Bringing Chanel Into the Future
In the end, the choice to bring Matthieu Blazy into the Chanel fold is a matter of bringing the brand back into relevance. More than just a fresh new pair of eyes, Blazy also brings a measure of respect for Chanel’s high-quality reputation. One can hope that he can deliver on his creative vision with little to no compromise.
Will Matthieu Blazy deliver on his promise when his much-awaited Chanel collection debuts in September? Will he exceed the expectations of the brand’s powers-that-be? Whatever may happen in the future, it all goes back to the words of Chanel executive Bruno Pavlovsky in his Tatler Asia interview:
To truly understand Chanel, one must embrace both its heritage and its future possibilities. But above all, there must be a genuine love for the brand. Each piece is more than its physical presence—it’s a symbol. When our clients choose their Chanel pieces each morning, that choice is influenced by multiple factors: design excellence, material quality, craftsmanship and emotional connection. This emotional component is vital.
Read on for more Beauty and Fashion on Truly Classy.
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Featured Image by Yahoo! Life