Iconic Virginie Viard is a French fashion designer and the current artistic director of Chanel. She succeeded Karl Lagerfeld in February 2019 after working closely with him for over three decades. Known for her understated and collaborative approach, Viard has been instrumental in maintaining Chanel’s legacy while introducing a softer, more wearable aesthetic.

Her designs often blend the brand’s iconic codes—tweed, pearls, and timeless tailoring—with modern and relaxed touches that appeal to contemporary audiences. Viard is celebrated for her ability to preserve Chanel’s heritage while subtly evolving it, ensuring the house remains relevant in the ever-changing world of fashion.

A private and reserved figure, she prefers to let her work speak for itself, contrasting with Lagerfeld’s larger-than-life persona. Her leadership reflects her deep understanding of Chanel’s identity, as well as her commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.

Chanel has announced that Virginie Viard is stepping down as creative director at the iconic fashion house. The designer has been with Chanel for an impressive 30 years. In her first 25 years at the house, she had a close working relationship with her predecessor, Karl Lagerfeld, who once described her as “my right arm and my left arm.”
A Legacy of Creativity and Success Viard was named the successor to Lagerfeld in 2019 following the designer’s death. Since then, she has seen great commercial success with Chanel, with sales reaching nearly $20 billion in 2023 alone. In a statement, the house said:

“Chanel would like to thank Virginie Viard for her remarkable contribution to Chanel’s fashion, creativity, and vitality… during which she was able to renew the codes of the house while respecting the creative heritage of Chanel.” The Future of Chanel
According to the house, the Haute Couture Fall-Winter 2024/25 collection will be presented as planned on the 25th of June at the Opéra Garnier in Paris. Viard’s successor will be announced in due course.

Virginie Viard stepped down as creative director of Chanel in December 2024 due to personal reasons, marking the end of her tenure after taking over from Karl Lagerfeld in 2019. Her decision was influenced by a desire to focus on her health and personal life.

There has been speculation that Karl Lagerfeld’s stepson, Hudson Kroenig, could potentially take on a more prominent role at Chanel in the future, but there is no official confirmation that he will replace Virginie Viard. The brand has not announced a successor yet, and any decision regarding leadership would likely be made with great consideration.

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