Virginie Viard to Step Down as Creative Director of Chanel
Paris, March 2023
– Virginie Viard, the creative director of Chanel since 2019, has announced her departure from the fashion house. Viard, who succeeded the legendary Karl Lagerfeld, has been instrumental in shaping the brand’s aesthetic in recent years. According to sources, Viard’s decision to step down is due to a desire to pursue other creative endeavors. She will continue to serve as an advisor to Chanel. Bruno Pavlovsky, president of Chanel, expressed gratitude to Viard for her contributions. “Virginie has made a significant impact on Chanel, guiding the brand with her unique vision and creativity,” he said. Speculation is rife regarding Viard’s successor. Potential candidates include Haider Ackermann, Loewe’s creative director, and Phoebe Philo, the former artistic director of Céline. Viard’s departure marks a significant shift for Chanel, which has undergone a series of changes since Lagerfeld’s passing. In recent months, the brand has appointed Fiona Volsen as its new chief commercial officer and promoted Charlotte Casiraghi to the role of brand ambassador. Industry analysts believe that Viard’s successor will face the challenge of balancing innovation with the brand’s heritage. With its iconic designs and global reach, Chanel remains one of the most influential fashion houses in the world.Virginie Viard, who succeeded Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel, is leaving the fashion house. Viard has been with Chanel for 32 years, and she will be replaced by a successor who will join the Maison in February 2024. Viard’s designs for Chanel were often praised for their modernity and elegance. She was known for her use of classic Chanel silhouettes, but she also introduced new elements to the brand, such as more relaxed tailoring and a wider range of colors. Viard’s departure from Chanel is a major change for the fashion house. She was a close collaborator of Lagerfeld’s, and she is credited with helping to maintain the brand’s identity after his death in 2019. It is not yet known who will replace Viard at Chanel. However, the new creative director is expected to continue to build on the brand’s legacy while also bringing their own unique vision to the maison.
