Would you cheat on Bottega Veneta with Chanel?

Matthieu Blazy’s appointment as the new creative director at Chanel truly shook the fashion world. Known for his transformative vision at Bottega Veneta, Blazy is stepping into one of the most prestigious houses luxury fashion: Chanel.

Blazy’s career is a masterclass in creativity and innovation. After beginning his career at Raf Simons, Blazy moved on to Maison Margiela’s artisanal line before joining Céline under Phoebe Philo. These formative years cemented his reputation as a designer with a deep understanding of craftsmanship, subtle details and interesting silhouettes.

In 2021, Blazy took the lead at Bottega Veneta, succeeding Daniel Lee. Under his leadership, Bottega Veneta experienced a true renaissance within their Ready To Wear as well as a further developed vision of Lee's iconization of leather goods. While Lee revamped the “intrecciato” weave, it was Blazy who further developed and translated it into countless genious designs, turning it into the icon it is today. Today he is celebrated for truly reimagining Bottega Veneta's identity while staying true to its roots.

At Chanel, Blazy inherits a legacy shaped by the famous Karl Lagerfeld and, more recently, Virginie Viard. After Lagerfeld’s passing in 2019, Viard, along with Chanel’s studio team, steered the brand through a transitional phase. While her creative vision maintained Chanel’s classic codes, it left critics and fashion fans seeking a bolder vision. Blazy’s recent appointment signals a shift towards reinvention, with industry insiders anticipating a fresh energy and innovative approach to the house’s storied aesthetic, while deep diving into the Maison's archives.

As Blazy prepares to unveil his first collection for Chanel, questions loom large. Will he introduce a new era of modernity to the Maison or find ways to recontextualize its heritage for a contemporary audience?

While the industry eagerly awaits Blazy’s vision for Chanel, one thing is certain: fashion moves in cycles but thrives on reinvention.