‘Optimal timing for a refined creative approach at a fashion house’

Chanel has officially announced the departure of Virginie Viard after five years as the artistic director of fashion collections. Viard successfully revamped the house’s codes while honoring Chanel’s creative heritage during her almost 30-year tenure with the brand. A new creative organization will be revealed in the near future, and Chanel expressed gratitude to Viard for her significant contributions to the brand’s fashion, creativity, and vitality.

Viard took on the role of artistic director in 2019 following the passing of Karl Lagerfeld. Chanel is set to unveil its haute couture Autumn/Winter 2024/25 collection as scheduled on 25 June at the Opéra Garnier.

Under the leadership of CEO Leena Nair, who assumed the role in 2021 after coming from Unilever, Chanel has been undergoing significant transformations. The Wertheimer family, the continuous owners of Chanel, also oversee several other brands within the Chanel Group.

Following a recent trend in the industry, Chanel is expected to appoint a discreet creative head, similar to the approach taken by Kering CEO François-Henri Pinault when replacing Alessandro Michele with Sabato de Sarno. The fashion house is likely to prioritize a more low-key creative vision for its future endeavors.