Matthieu Blazy is about to breathe a new life into Chanel as the new artistic director

After weeks of swirling rumours, it’s official: Matthieu Blazy has been named Chanel’s new artistic director. This announcement, following Virginie Viard’s departure in June, stands out as the ultimate plot twist in this year’s high-stakes game of fashion musical chairs.

Blazy, at 40, boasts an enviable CV, having transformed Bottega Veneta into a darling of both Gen Z and Hollywood during his tenure. From Jacob Elordi’s instantly iconic Bottega bags to Pedro Pascal and A$AP Rocky championing the brand’s effortlessly edgy sophistication, Blazy cemented Bottega as the go-to label for modern luxury – accessible yet aspirational. That exact vibe is what Chanel, which reportedly recorded revenues of US$19.7 billion in 2023 (S$26.53 billion), needs as it steps into a new era.

Starting in 2025, the French-Belgian designer will oversee Chanel’s haute couture, ready-to-wear, and accessories collections. Reporting directly to Fashion President Bruno Pavlovsky, Blazy has already earned high praise. In an interview with The Business of Fashion, Pavlovsky described the hiring process as “truly inspiring,” applauding Blazy’s creative vision, respect for Chanel’s heritage, and ability to marry tradition with modernity.

Chanel’s leadership echoed this sentiment in a joint statement, with Global Executive Chairman Alain Wertheimer and CEO Leena Nair hailing him as “one of the most gifted designers of his generation.”

Blazy’s secret sauce? His knack for merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary cultural flair. At Bottega, his architectural approach to design and commitment to artisanal quality wowed critics and customers alike. Highlights include his collaborations with Cassina and Fondation Le Corbusier for On the Rocks, a standout installation at Milan’s Palazzo San Fedele, and his whimsical capsule collection with American author and illustrator Richard Scarry.

It’s this buzzworthy blend of timeless sophistication and cutting-edge relevance that defines Chanel’s 114-year legacy. With the resources of Le 19M’s master ateliers at his disposal, Blazy is perfectly positioned to lead the maison into its next chapter.

And Blazy himself? Ready and raring to go. “I’m thrilled and honoured to join the wonderful House of Chanel,” he shared, expressing excitement to work alongside the brand’s iconic teams. With his proven ability to weave storytelling, craftsmanship, and cultural relevance into his designs, Blazy seems destined to bridge Chanel’s timeless elegance with the pulse of today’s ever-evolving fashion landscape. Buckle up – this could mark Chanel’s most thrilling era yet.

This article was originally published in Female.