Chanel names Matthieu Blazy as its new creative director
A sudden sea change has swept the world of designer fashion as Margiela, Chanel and Bottega Veneta have all announced a change of creative director in the past 48 hours.
After a redemptive 10-year run, John Galliano, 64, is stepping down from his post as creative director of Margiela, sharing the news with the public via an emotional and deeply personal note on Instagram.
“Today is the day I say goodbye to Maison Margiela," he begins. "My heart overflows with joyous gratitude and my soul smiles." Galliano goes on to celebrate 14 years of sobriety, chronicling how Renzo Rosso, president of Margiela's parent company OTB, gave his life and career a second chance after an intoxicated rant saw him ousted from his place at Dior.
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His tenure at Margiela was not only good for him. His vision and leadership brought growing sales to the fashion house, even amid slow luxury spending, and made the brand a strong voice in the move toward genderless fashion.
"Gratitude to my fashion family for this life-saving creative moment and the safe place we have built together," Galliano writes. "Human beings at their best are resilient, creative, and inventive when unafraid of being themselves."
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Galliano has not said where he heads to next but hints at more to come—but before the dust could settle on such an announcement, Chanel made waves announcing its choice of Matthieu Blazy, 40, as its new creative director.
Blazy is leaving his position at Bottega Veneta after a three-year stint that positioned him as one of the hottest talents on the scene. Chanel’s fashion president Bruno Pavlovsky says they're looking to the man to "push the boundaries of what Chanel is, for the future."
“Matthieu became an obvious choice for the brand as we came to understand his talent, his personality, his groundedness, his culture,” Pavlovsky is quoted in an interview with BoF. “The interview process was truly inspiring as we grew to know him: his vision for creation, his modernity, his respect for and commitment to products and the women who surround and inspire him.”
Blazy fills the space left by Virginie Viard, who followed in the footsteps of the great Karl Lagerfeld.
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Likewise, it’s been announced that Louise Trotter, formerly creative director of Carven, will take Blazy’s place at Bottega Venetta.
“Her aesthetic seamlessly combines exquisite design with sublime craft and her commitment to cultural advocacy aligns beautifully with our brand vision,” Leo Rongone, CEO of Bottega Veneta, is quoted in a press release. “Through her sophisticated lens, Bottega Veneta will continue to celebrate its heritage while preserving modern relevance. I also want to express my profound appreciation for Matthieu, who has been an extraordinary partner in infusing our brand with desirability, emotional resonance, and intellectual identity.”
“I am deeply honored to join Bottega Veneta as Creative Director,” Trotter says. “The House’s storied legacy of artistry and innovation is truly inspiring, and I am excited to contribute to its future and celebrate its timeless vision.”
With so much change in a matter of days, it only creates more excitement for the coming year. Read more about Blazy’s appointment at businessoffashion.com and read Galliano’s full announcement via Instagram.
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Photography by: Yvonne Tnt/BFA
