The former Cartier creative director will oversee Precious Jewelry and High Jewelry creations beginning in October 2026
Chanel has announced the appointment of Marie-Laure Cérède as Director of its Jewelry Creation Studio, entrusting the veteran designer with the creative direction of the House’s Precious Jewelry and High Jewelry collections. She will join Chanel in October 2026 and report to Frédéric Grangié, President of Watches & Fine Jewelry.
In her new role, Cérède will oversee all jewelry creation activities across Chanel’s teams in Paris and Geneva, guiding the development of both fine jewelry and high jewelry collections while contributing to the continued evolution of the House’s distinctive design codes.
“I am honoured and moved to join Chanel, a Maison of singular cultural force and exceptional discipline that continues to question convention, redefine femininity, and express modernity through form and spirit,” Cérède said. “I am looking forward to meeting the teams and writing the new chapter together.”
The appointment brings one of the luxury sector’s most accomplished jewelry creatives to Chanel. Cérède began her career at Cartier before joining Harry Winston, where she led the artistic direction of both jewelry and watchmaking. In 2016, she returned to Cartier as Creative Director of Jewelry and Watchmaking, a position she held for nearly a decade.
Throughout her career, Cérède has developed a reputation for balancing heritage and innovation, combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of gemstones, craftsmanship, and design history. Raised in Libreville, Gabon, she has often cited the influence of nature, color, and global cultures on her creative outlook, interests that later evolved into a broader appreciation for decorative arts and artisanal traditions.
“Her approach to creativity as a delicate balance between heritage, emotion, audacity and restraint will bring a new perspective to the Chanel codes that define our unique creations,” said Frédéric Grangié. “Marie-Laure’s imagination and deep expertise in craft and knowledge of gemology will take Chanel in exciting new directions.”
Chanel’s leadership also emphasized the significance of the appointment. Global Executive Chairman Alain Wertheimer and Global CEO Leena Nair described Cérède as “one of the most talented, refined, and accomplished Creative Directors of her generation,” highlighting her ability to lead creative teams and shape the future of the House’s jewelry business.
The move comes as Chanel continues to strengthen its Watches & Fine Jewelry division, a category that has become an increasingly important pillar of the brand’s luxury offering. With Cérède’s arrival, the House adds one of the industry’s most respected jewelry designers to its creative leadership team, positioning the division for its next phase of development.