Chanel’s esteemed creative director, Virginie Viard, is stepping down, marking the end of an era.
- Viard, who joined Chanel in 1987, significantly shaped its creative direction alongside Karl Lagerfeld.
- Over the past five years, she led as the creative director, renewing Chanel’s iconic codes.
- Chanel will soon announce a new creative organisational structure following Viard’s departure.
- The company acknowledges Viard’s remarkable contributions to Chanel’s enduring legacy.
Chanel has announced the departure of Virginie Viard, its renowned creative director. Her exit concludes a significant chapter in the history of the luxury fashion house. Viard’s journey with Chanel began in 1987, where she quickly rose through the ranks to become a vital part of the team under the legendary Karl Lagerfeld. Her collaboration with Lagerfeld spanned more than three decades, a period marked by Chanel’s unmatched creativity and innovation.
In the last five years, Viard has held the prestigious position of creative director. During her tenure, she undertook the challenging task of renewing the creative codes of Chanel, ensuring they resonated with contemporary audiences while still honouring the brand’s storied past. Her efforts have been instrumental in maintaining Chanel’s status as a leading force in the fashion industry.
A statement from the company emphasises Viard’s invaluable contribution to Chanel’s creativity and vitality. The statement reads: “Chanel confirms the departure of Virginie Viard after a rich collaboration of five years as artistic director of fashion collections, during which she was able to renew the codes of the house while respecting the creative heritage of Chanel, and almost 30 years within the house.”
Looking ahead, Chanel has promised to unveil a new creative organisation in due course. This impending announcement is highly anticipated within the fashion circles as it will set the tone for the next chapter of one of the world’s most prestigious brands. Chanel’s commitment to innovation while respecting its heritage remains a focal point as it navigates this transition period.
Virginie Viard’s departure signals a transformative phase for Chanel, heralding new creative horizons while honouring its legacy.
