Fashion

All the rumors surrounding Chanel's next artistic director

Since the legendary fashion house Chanel announced the imminent end of the mandate of Virginie Viard, artistic director in office since 2019, the fashion industry has been in turmoil.

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Speculation is rife about the potential successor to the woman who took over from Karl Lagerfeld . The question burning on everyone's lips this autumn is: who will be the next to imprint their vision on the illustrious French House of Chanel ?

A strategic choice after Virginie Viard

Virginie Viard , Karl Lagerfeld 's right-hand woman for over 30 years, has managed to maintain the essence of Chanel while infusing a touch of softness and sobriety into her collections. However, some experts believe that the brand could seek to reinvent itself again, in order to remain at the forefront of a constantly evolving sector. The future artistic director will therefore have to take on the challenge of remaining faithful to the emblematic codes of the House while bringing a breath of fresh air.

Credits: Getty Images

The names that are circulating

Several names are already circulating among industry insiders. Among them, that of Phoebe Philo , former artistic director of Céline, comes up frequently. Known for her minimalist and timeless style, Philo could bring a modernist and pared-down approach to the House of Chanel , an interesting contrast to the current aesthetic. However, she recently announced the launch of her own brand, which could make her less eligible for such a position.

Another name that has been mentioned: Hedi Slimane , currently at the helm of Celine (who has rewritten his own name without the French accent since his arrival). Known for his ability to revive the brands he touches, from Dior Homme to Saint Laurent, Slimane could offer a bold, rock vision to Chanel , although his style is sometimes considered too radical for the house with its well-established codes.

There are also rumors of emerging talents like Daniel Roseberry , whose work at Schiaparelli is a pure marvel, Simon Porte Jacquemus , who was a protégé of Karl Lagerfeld , or Marine Serre , a young French designer who has made a name for herself thanks to her avant-garde and ecological creations. Chanel could thus choose to surprise by opting for a less expected face but capable of bringing a more youthful and sustainable dimension to its collections.

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Credits: image from the documentary 'Dressed for winter 2016-2017', by Loïc Prigent

The challenges for the House of Chanel

The choice of the next artistic director will be crucial for Chanel , a house that has never shied away from taking creative risks while remaining faithful to the legacy of Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel . In a fashion market where competition is increasingly fierce, the next designer will have to balance tradition and innovation , while meeting the expectations of an increasingly diverse clientele.

Chanel has proven, with Karl Lagerfeld and then with Virginie Viard , that it is capable of evolving and renewing itself without ever betraying its identity. The challenge for the next artistic director will therefore be to continue to make this fashion star shine while taking into account the new dynamics of sustainability, inclusivity, and digitalization.

A well-kept mystery

For now, Chanel is keeping the strategic choice a secret. But one thing is for sure: whoever succeeds Virginie Viard , he or she will have the formidable task of perpetuating the Chanel dream while infusing it with a contemporary vision . Fashion lovers, investors and customers alike are eagerly awaiting the discovery of who will have the honor of wearing this heavy crown. While waiting for the official announcement, rumors will continue to fuel discussions and speculations.

So, who will succeed Virginie Viard? The answer might surprise everyone, but one thing is certain: the fashion world has its eyes fixed on Chanel.

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