It’s official—Matthieu Blazy is taking the reins at Chanel as its new creative director, arguably the most sought-after role in fashion today.
Known for his transformative tenure at Bottega Veneta, Matthieu Blazy, a 40-year-old Paris-born designer, has become a household name for his minimalist elegance coupled with impeccable craftsmanship. He has a storied career that includes working with some of the most iconic names in the industry, including Raf Simons, Maison Margiela, and Céline under Phoebe Philo, before joining Calvin Klein. His time at Bottega Veneta as creative director saw the Italian house flourish, with standout collections that cemented its place among Kering’s most valuable luxury brands, showcasing a consistent upward trajectory in revenue growth.
Matthieu Blazy’s departure from Bottega Veneta comes as Louise Trotter steps in as the brand's new creative director. Now, Matthieu is set to take over Chanel, one of the world's most powerful luxury brands, starting in 2025. His new role will see him designing a staggering 10 collections a year, encompassing ready-to-wear, couture, Métiers d’art, and more.
Get to know more about Matthieu Blazy and his illustrious fashion career below.
Who Is Matthieu Blazy? 10 Things You Need to Know About Chanel's New Creative Director
1. He's a graduate of La Cambre.
Matthieu Blazy’s journey began at La Cambre in Brussels, one of Europe’s most prestigious art and design schools, where he mastered the technical and conceptual elements of fashion design. His education laid the groundwork for his sharp attention to detail and inventive approach to craftsmanship.
2. He began his career at Balenciaga as an intern.
Matthieu Blazy’s first foray into the world of fashion was an internship under Nicolas Ghesquière at Balenciaga. This experience allowed him to observe and learn from one of the most visionary designers in contemporary fashion. It was at Balenciaga that he developed his foundational skills in innovation and tailoring, which later became hallmarks of his design philosophy.
3. He was Phoebe Philo's protégé at Céline.
Matthieu Blazy’s career blossomed further when he worked at Céline during Phoebe Philo’s iconic tenure, contributing to some of the brand's most celebrated designs.
4. He spent some time at Maison Margiela under John Galliano.
Before his work at Bottega Veneta, Matthieu Blazy spent several years at Maison Margiela, where he worked closely with John Galliano. His role at Margiela gave him invaluable insight into deconstructive, experimental design. Under John Galliano’s mentorship, he honed his skills in creating innovative, avant-garde pieces that prepared him for the next stages of his career.
5. He was a key player at Calvin Klein under Raf Simons.
One of Matthieu Blazy’s career milestones came when he reunited and worked closely with Raf Simons at Calvin Klein, where he served as Vice President of Design for both menswear and womenswear.
6. He revitalized Bottega Veneta.
Before becoming creative director, Matthieu Blazy was Daniel Lee’s right-hand man as design director in 2020, contributing significantly to the brand’s success. Appointed as creative director in 2021, Matthieu Blazy transformed Bottega Veneta, owning the brand’s signature craftsmanship with his modernist vision. From reimagining the Intrecciato weave to redefining luxury outerwear, his work attracted high-profile fans like Rihanna, Kendall Jenner, and Hailey Bieber.
7. He was a mentor to Marine Serre.
Matthieu Blazy has also influenced emerging talent, mentoring Marine Serre, who won the prestigious LVMH Prize in 2017.
8. He's known for his hands-on approach.
Matthieu Blazy is known for his attention to detail. He's deeply involved in every stage of the design process, from conceptualization to final production, working closely with his team of designers, artisans, and craftsmen to ensure that each piece aligns with his vision and meets exacting standards.
9. He draws inspiration from art, history, and architecture.
Matthieu Blazy is deeply influenced by art and architecture, with a particular interest in post-war modernism. His collections often feature geometric shapes and clean lines, reflecting his admiration for architectural design and minimalist art.
10. He's bringing a fresh new lens to Chanel.
As Chanel’s new creative director, Matthieu Blazy is poised to merge his experience and expertise with the house’s storied codes. Industry insiders are eager to see how he will reimagine the Chanel woman for a new era.
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