By Virginie Viard, the artistic director of fashion collections at Chanel, has stepped down from her role, which she took on after the passing of Karl Lagerfeld in 2019. This marks the end of an era for Viard, who began her journey with Chanel as an intern in 1987 and later became Lagerfeld’s trusted deputy.
During her tenure, Viard played a pivotal role in revitalizing Chanel’s image, respecting its rich legacy while steering the brand towards modernity. Under her creative direction, Chanel experienced remarkable growth, with the fashion business expanding by 2.2 times and ready-to-wear sales increasing by 23% in the previous year. The company’s earnings also saw a significant boost, reaching $19.7 billion in 2023, a 16% increase.
Chanel’s CEO, Leena Nair, has recognized Viard’s substantial contributions to the brand’s success. As the fashion world awaits the announcement of Viard’s successor, her final collection is set to be presented at the Paris Haute Couture week in June.
Viard’s exit is part of a broader trend of reshuffling within the luxury fashion sector, signaling a time of transformation for these prestigious brands. Her successful leadership has not only preserved but also enhanced Chanel’s esteemed reputation, contributing to its impressive growth. The anticipation for the new artistic director is high, as this individual will play a crucial role in shaping Chanel’s future and maintaining its status as a leading name in the fashion industry.
