Who Took Over Chanel After Coco Died?

When Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, the founder of the iconic fashion house Chanel, passed away in 1971, the future of the brand was uncertain. Many wondered who would take over the reins of this legendary fashion empire. The answer to this question is not as straightforward as one might think.

The Interim Period

After Coco’s death, the brand was managed by a group of individuals who had worked with her closely for many years. This included her longtime friend and confidant, French aristocrat Jacques Wertheimer. He was responsible for the business side of things while another close associate, Yvonne Dudel, oversaw the design department.

Karl Lagerfeld Takes Over

In 1983, Karl Lagerfeld was appointed as Chanel’s creative director. He brought with him a fresh perspective and a bold new vision for the brand. Lagerfeld had previously worked with other high-end fashion houses such as Fendi and Chloe and was known for his innovative designs.

Under Lagerfeld’s leadership, Chanel became more experimental and daring in its approach to fashion. He introduced new materials such as denim and tweed into Chanel’s collections and created iconic pieces such as the quilted handbag with a chain strap.

The Legacy Continues

Since Lagerfeld’s passing in 2019, there has been speculation about who will succeed him at Chanel. In February 2019, it was announced that Virginie Viard would take over as creative director of the brand.

Viard had been Lagerfeld’s closest collaborator for over 30 years and had worked alongside him on every collection since she joined Chanel in 1987. She has a deep understanding of the brand’s heritage and is committed to carrying on Coco Chanel’s legacy while also bringing her own unique perspective to the table.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the future of Chanel after Coco’s death was initially uncertain, but the brand has since been led by two visionary creatives who have continued to push the boundaries of fashion. While Lagerfeld’s passing was a significant loss for the brand, it is reassuring to know that his legacy will be carried on by someone who knows and understands Chanel intimately.