SEE MORE AT ELLE COLLECTIVE

Announcing the appointment, Alain Wertheimer, global executive chairman, and Leena Nair, global CEO of Chanel, explained further why the Belgian designer was the right man for the job, describing him as ‘one of the most gifted designers of his generation’ and that ‘his vision and talent will reinforce the energy of the brand and our position as a leader in luxury. Under Bruno Pavlovsky’s leadership, we are confident that Matthieu Blazy will continue to shape what’s next and write a new page in Chanel’s creation.’

Blazy’s name had long been in the running, alongside other rumoured contenders including Hedi Slimane and Simon Porte Jacquemus, since the swift departure of Virginie Viard in June 2024. Viard, who had a long history at the brand as Karl Lagerfeld’s right-hand, took on the top creative role following his death in 2017.

Speaking immediately after the appointment, ELLE‘s fashion director Avril Mair commented: ‘This is without a doubt the most coveted job in fashion – but also the most intense, with 10 collections a year to deliver for the world’s second largest fashion brand. It’s a clever, considered appointment: a Paris-born designer who worked quietly under some of this generation’s most revered names (Phoebe Philo, Raf Simons) then suddenly shot to fame with his appointment at Bottega Veneta in 2021. Blazy now becomes only the second external designer at the brand, following in the footstep of Karl Lagerfeld, who himself followed Coco Chanel. The pressure will be immense but he has until October 2025 to produce his first collection, which is an indication that the brand is prepared to give the designer time to settle in.’

ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.