When Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel passed away in 1971, the fashion world was left wondering who would take over the iconic brand that she had built. Chanel had become synonymous with luxury and elegance, and many wondered if anyone could ever fill her shoes.
The Interim Years
After Coco’s death, her assistant and right-hand woman, Mademoiselle Yvonne Dudel, took over the reins at Chanel. However, her tenure was short-lived as she passed away just a few months later.
Following Dudel’s death, a group of designers took over the creative direction of the brand. These included Karl Lagerfeld, who had been working for Fendi at the time but was brought on as a consultant for Chanel. He eventually became the creative director in 1983 and remained in that position until his death in 2019.
Karl Lagerfeld: The Creative Director
Lagerfeld’s tenure at Chanel was marked by his ability to balance tradition with innovation. He respected Coco’s legacy but also brought his own unique vision to the brand. One of his most notable contributions was reviving the iconic Chanel suit and making it relevant for a new generation.
Under Lagerfeld’s leadership, Chanel became known for its elaborate runway shows that were more like theatrical productions than fashion shows. He also introduced many new accessories such as the famous quilted handbag with chain straps.
Virginie Viard: The Successor
Following Lagerfeld’s death in 2019, there was much speculation about who would take over as creative director of Chanel. In February 2019, it was announced that Virginie Viard would be taking on the role.
Viard had been working alongside Lagerfeld for more than 30 years and was his right-hand woman at Chanel. She has a deep understanding of the brand’s heritage and has worked closely with Lagerfeld to create many of the collections that have been shown over the years.
Since taking over as creative director, Viard has continued to honor Chanel’s legacy while also bringing her own fresh perspective to the brand. Her debut collection was met with critical acclaim and set the tone for what is sure to be an exciting new chapter for Chanel.
- Conclusion
In conclusion, Chanel has had a long and storied history since Coco’s passing in 1971. While there have been many people who have contributed to the brand’s success over the years, Lagerfeld and Viard stand out as two of the most significant figures.
Lagerfeld’s ability to balance tradition with innovation helped keep Chanel relevant for more than three decades, while Viard’s deep understanding of the brand’s heritage makes her a natural choice as his successor.
With Viard at the helm, it will be exciting to see what new directions Chanel takes in the coming years. One thing is for sure – Coco would be proud of what her brand has become.