In the world of fashion, Chanel is a name that needs no introduction. Founded by the legendary Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, the brand has been synonymous with luxury and sophistication for over a century.
But after Coco’s passing in 1971, who took over the reins of this iconic brand? Let’s take a closer look.
The Post-Coco Era
After Coco Chanel’s death, her right-hand man, German fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld took over as the creative director of Chanel in 1983. Lagerfeld was already an established designer and had worked with many high-end brands before joining Chanel. He brought his own unique vision to the brand while still maintaining its classic aesthetic.
Under Lagerfeld’s leadership, Chanel became one of the most profitable luxury brands in the world. He was instrumental in expanding the brand beyond fashion to include accessories, fragrances, and beauty products. Lagerfeld remained at the helm of Chanel until his death in February 2019.
The New Creative Director
Following Lagerfeld’s passing, there was much speculation about who would take over as creative director at Chanel. In June 2019, it was announced that Virginie Viard would succeed Lagerfeld as Chanel’s creative director.
Viard had been working alongside Lagerfeld for over thirty years as his right-hand woman and was instrumental in bringing his creative vision to life each season. She had previously worked at other major fashion houses such as Chloe and Balenciaga before joining Chanel.
What Can We Expect?
With Viard at the helm of Chanel, there are sure to be some changes to the brand’s aesthetic direction. However, it is unlikely that there will be any major deviations from what has made Chanel so successful over the years.
Viard has stated that she will continue to draw inspiration from Coco Chanel’s legacy while also infusing her own contemporary touch. She has already shown her first solo collection for the brand during the Fall/Winter 2019/2020 Paris Fashion Week.
The Future of Chanel
Chanel has always been a brand that embraces change while staying true to its roots. With Viard now leading the creative direction, we can expect to see a continuation of this tradition.
Viard has big shoes to fill, but she is more than capable of carrying on Lagerfeld’s legacy and making her own mark on the brand. As one of the few female creative directors in the industry, she brings a fresh perspective to Chanel that is sure to resonate with both old and new fans of the brand.
Conclusion
Chanel has been a fashion icon for over a century, and its future looks bright under Virginie Viard’s leadership. While Lagerfeld will always be remembered as one of the greatest designers of our time, we are excited to see what Viard will bring to the table and how she will continue to shape this legendary brand.