After His Highly Successful Time at Bottega Veneta, Blazy Steps Up to Chanel
After much anticipation, Chanel has announced Matthieu Blazy as its new creative director. The appointment follows a transition period during which the house’s collections were overseen by its internal design team after Virginie Viard’s departure in June.
Blazy’s appointment ends months of speculation about who would take over the storied French maison. Among the rumored contenders were Thom Browne, John Galliano, Simone Rocha, Hedi Slimane, Marc Jacobs, Simon Porte Jacquemus, and even filmmaker Sofia Coppola. Ultimately, Blazy emerged as the ideal choice, thanks to his technical mastery, innovative design sensibility, and proven ability to honor a brand’s heritage while steering it toward the future.
“I am thrilled and honored to join the wonderful house of Chanel,” said Blazy. “I look forward to meeting all the teams and writing this new chapter together.”
Matthieu Blazy’s career trajectory made him a standout candidate for Chanel. He began his journey in fashion at prestigious houses such as Maison Margiela, where he worked in the brand’s artisanal atelier, before taking key roles at Céline under Phoebe Philo and Calvin Klein with Raf Simons. Most recently, as creative director of Bottega Veneta, Blazy garnered widespread acclaim for his ability to reimagine the house’s artisanal codes with a modern and understated elegance.
Blazy’s work at Bottega Veneta has been celebrated for its innovative approach to craftsmanship. His trompe-l’œil leather designs, such as leather trousers made to look like denim, became instant icons, while his seamless tailoring and unexpected takes on classic silhouettes demonstrated his deep understanding of construction. This ability to fuse meticulous technique with a fresh, contemporary aesthetic makes him a natural choice for Chanel, a brand known for its timeless elegance and innovative spirit.
Global executive chairman Alan Wertheimer and global CEO of Chanel Leena Nair said, “Matthieu Blazy is one of the most gifted designers of his generation. His vision and talent will reinforce the energy of the brand and our position as a leader in luxury.”
Chanel has always walked the line between honoring its iconic codes—tweed, pearls, and quilted bags—and embracing reinvention. Blazy’s experience revitalizing Bottega Veneta while staying true to its DNA suggests he is well-positioned to take on this challenge. His work has consistently shown a respect for tradition, combined with a willingness to push boundaries in subtle but impactful ways.
Blazy’s designs have demonstrated an ability to appeal to a wide audience, balancing artistic integrity with commercial success. This skill will be key at Chanel, a house that thrives on creating desire across both haute couture and ready-to-wear, as well as in its highly lucrative accessories and fragrance categories.
His first collection for Chanel is expected to debut during Paris Fashion Week in the Fall 2025 season, and there is immense excitement around what his creative direction will bring to one of the most storied fashion houses in the world.