When it comes to the world of fashion, few names are as iconic as Chanel. The brand is known for its timeless designs, impeccable craftsmanship, and of course, its founder Coco Chanel.
But who runs the House of Chanel today? Let’s take a closer look.
History of Chanel
Chanel was founded by Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel in 1909. Over the years, the brand has become synonymous with luxury, elegance, and sophistication. Some of Chanel’s most famous designs include the little black dress, the quilted handbag with chain straps, and the two-tone ballet flats.
The Death of Coco Chanel
Coco Chanel passed away in 1971 at the age of 87. Her death marked the end of an era for the fashion world and left many wondering what would become of her eponymous brand.
Alain Wertheimer and Gerard Wertheimer
The answer to that question came in the form of Alain Wertheimer and Gerard Wertheimer. The brothers are grandsons of Pierre Wertheimer, who was an early business partner of Coco Chanel. In 1983, they purchased full ownership of the House of Chanel.
Alain Wertheimer
Alain Wertheimer is the co-owner and chairman of Chanel. He is known for his low profile and rarely gives interviews or appears in public. Despite this, he is widely respected in the fashion industry for his business acumen and strategic vision.
Gerard Wertheimer
Gerard Wertheimer is also a co-owner of Chanel and serves as its co-chairman. Like his brother Alain, he tends to keep a low profile but is highly regarded within the fashion world.
The Role of Bruno Pavlovsky
While Alain and Gerard Wertheimer own Chanel, the day-to-day operations of the company are overseen by Bruno Pavlovsky. Pavlovsky serves as the president of fashion at Chanel and has been with the company for more than 30 years.
The Creative Direction of Virginie Viard
Since 2019, the creative direction of Chanel has been led by Virginie Viard. Viard worked alongside Karl Lagerfeld for more than 30 years before his passing in 2019. She is known for her impeccable taste and attention to detail, and has been praised for her ability to seamlessly blend Chanel’s classic aesthetic with modern sensibilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Coco Chanel may have passed away, her legacy lives on through the House of Chanel. Today, the brand is owned by Alain and Gerard Wertheimer, led by Bruno Pavlovsky, and creatively directed by Virginie Viard. Together, they continue to uphold Chanel’s reputation as one of the most iconic fashion houses in history.