Chanel's Virginie Viard leaves fashion house after almost three decades—with no successor yet

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Virginie Viard, the creative director of the iconic fashion house Chanel, has bid adieu to the brand. This departure marks the end of her nearly 30-year tenure with the Parisian label. Viard, who took over the reins from Karl Lagerfeld after his demise in 2019, has been instrumental in shaping the brand’s aesthetic and identity.

 

Viard’s exit from Chanel has sent ripples through the fashion industry. Her departure was confirmed late Wednesday night, with reports indicating that she left the Rue Cambon HQ that afternoon. The luxury brand acknowledged her departure, expressing gratitude for her “rich collaboration of five years” as the artistic director.

 

During her tenure, Viard was lauded for renewing the codes of the house while respecting the creative heritage of Chanel. Her designs, often characterized by relaxed silhouettes with an Eighties flare, marked a contrast with the showmanship of Lagerfeld. Despite the muted response from the fashion world, Viard’s work led to strong growth in ready-to-wear fashion sales, which more than doubled since 2018.

 

The departure of Viard comes at a time when the fashion industry is adjusting to slower growth. Other labels, including Burberry and Gucci, are also seeking new creative direction to reignite sales. 

 

As the fashion world speculates about Viard’s successor, Chanel prepares to host its fall-winter haute couture show 2024/2025 on June 25 in Paris. This event will undoubtedly be a significant moment for the brand as it embarks on a new chapter.

 

As the world waits to see who will fill the void left by Viard, one question remains: How will this change impact the future of Chanel? Share your thoughts below.

 

 

Read more:

• https://www.vogue.com/article/virginie-viard-bows-out-at-chanel
• https://wwd.com/fashion-news/designer-luxury/luxury-retailers-react-virginie-viard-exit-chanel-1236422408/
• https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2024/06/06/karl-lagerfeld-successor-virginie-viard-quits-chanel/
• https://www.wsj.com/style/fashion/chanel-creative-director-to-leave-in-latest-fashion-shake-up-1fe9b087
• https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2024/06/06/chanel-artistic-director-virginie-viard-exit/73995232007/
• https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/chanels-creative-director-virginie-viard-exit-brand-business-fashion-reports-2024-06-06/

 

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