Matthieu Blazy Takes the Helm at Chanel as Louise Trotter Steps into Bottega Veneta
In a significant shift within the fashion industry, French-Belgian designer Matthieu Blazy is set to leave his role as creative director at the Italian luxury brand Bottega Veneta to assume the same position at the iconic French fashion house, Chanel. His transition to Chanel marks a new chapter for the brand as he will succeed Virginie Viard, who departed the role in June after five impactful years. Viard, who took over from the revered Karl Lagerfeld following his passing in 2019, had shaped Chanel's identity yet left room for a fresh vision.
Blazy, recognized as one of the most compelling designers today, has been with Bottega Veneta since 2020, taking the reins as creative director in 2021. Under his leadership, the brand’s presentations at Milan Fashion Week became highly anticipated events, celebrated for their blend of refinement, material experimentation, and craftsmanship that often surprises. Esteemed fashion critic Suzy Menkes lauded the vibrancy and daring of Blazy’s designs, noting that each show showcased a new canon of beauty that resonated with luxury consumers. His final show in September 2024 received widespread acclaim, solidifying his status as a trendsetter.
Blazy will officially join Chanel in April 2025, with his inaugural collection slated for September of that year. Bruno Pavlovsky, the fashion director at Chanel, emphasized that Blazy was chosen not just for his embodiment of the brand's heritage but for his capacity to redefine what Chanel signifies moving into the future. The appointment illustrates a continued trend of change within many luxury fashion houses, following recent shifts such as John Galliano's departure from Maison Margiela after a decade at the creative helm.
As Louise Trotter steps up to succeed Blazy at Bottega Veneta, the fashion world watches closely to see how these transitions will impact the landscape of luxury fashion. Trotter, the current creative director of the Carven brand, will begin her role at Bottega Veneta in January 2025, bringing her own vision and voice to the iconic Italian brand.
With these changes, both Chanel and Bottega Veneta are poised for new directions that could redefine their identities and appeal in a rapidly evolving fashion market.
Related Sources: