Chanel opts for cerebral over showy with new creative director

The most glamorous job hunt in fashion is over. Chanel have announced the appointment of 40-year-old French-Belgian designer Matthieu Blazy to the role of creative director, bringing to an end a six-month recruitment campaign which has seen almost every top-tier name in fashion linked to the role.

- Jess Cartner-Morley

Blazy joins Chanel from Bottega Veneta, which has become a favourite with fashion insiders during his three-year tenure with the brand. He previously held senior roles at Calvin Klein, Celine and Maison Margiela.

Little known outside of the industry, Blazy was considered an underdog in a field thought to have included Marc Jacobs, Jeremy Scott, Hedi Slimane, Simon Porte Jacquemus, Pieter Mulier of Azzedine Alaia and Pierpaolo Piccioli, whose acclaimed run at Fendi recently ended.

Blazy's appointment offers a rare insight into strategy at Chanel, which is privately owned, famously secretive – and phenomenally successful. Global revenue reached $19.7bn in 2023, a 16% annual increase in a period when most of the luxury industry has suffered a slowdown.