Chanel’s Artistic Director Virginie Viard Steps Down After Five Years
In a surprising turn of events, Chanel announced on Wednesday that Virginie Viard, Karl Lagerfeld’s handpicked successor, will be leaving the fashion house after five years as its artistic director. Despite receiving criticism for her collections, Viard managed to significantly boost sales, with revenues reaching almost $20 billion in 2023.
Viard, who took on the role following Lagerfeld’s passing in 2019, was praised for renewing the codes of the house while honoring its creative heritage. However, her tenure was marked by speculation about her possible departure and a lack of groundbreaking change in the brand’s aesthetic.
The news of Viard’s departure comes amidst a wave of changes in the fashion industry, with Valentino and Celine also undergoing creative shake-ups. Speculation is already swirling about who might replace Viard, with names like Hedi Slimane and Pierpaolo Piccioli being thrown into the mix.
Chanel has assured that a new creative organization will be announced in due course, and that the upcoming couture presentation in Paris in June will proceed as planned. The departure of Viard marks a new chapter for the iconic fashion house, as it looks to continue its legacy of luxury and innovation in the ever-evolving world of fashion.
