When Karl Lagerfeld passed away in February 2019, the fashion world was left in shock and mourning. The renowned designer had been at the helm of Chanel for over three decades, and his absence left a huge void that needed to be filled.
So, who took over Chanel after Karl? Let’s find out.
The Appointment of Virginie Viard
Following Lagerfeld’s death, Chanel announced that Virginie Viard would be taking over as the new creative director of the fashion house. Viard had worked with Lagerfeld for over 30 years and was his closest collaborator. She had previously held the position of fashion studio director at Chanel and was responsible for overseeing the creation of all of Lagerfeld’s collections.
Viard’s Previous Experience
Before joining Chanel, Viard worked as a freelance designer for various fashion houses such as Chloe and Saint Laurent. She also worked with Lagerfeld at Fendi where she was in charge of accessories design.
Viard’s Vision for Chanel
Viard has said that she intends to continue Lagerfeld’s legacy while also bringing her own vision to the brand. She has a deep understanding of Chanel’s codes and heritage, and she aims to reinterpret them in a modern way.
The First Collection Under Viard
Viard’s first collection for Chanel was shown during Paris Fashion Week in October 2019. The collection was well received by both critics and fans alike. It featured classic Chanel elements such as tweed jackets, pearls, and quilted bags but with a fresh twist.
- Viard introduced new shapes such as oversized blazers and cropped cardigans.
- She also incorporated bright colors like fuchsia into the collection.
- The runway show took place on a set designed to look like a bookshop which paid homage to Lagerfeld’s love of literature.
Viard’s Success at Chanel
Since taking over as creative director, Viard has continued to impress the fashion world with her collections. She has brought a new energy to the brand while also staying true to its roots. Her designs have been worn by celebrities such as Margot Robbie, Kristen Stewart, and Penelope Cruz.
The Future of Chanel Under Viard
It remains to be seen what Viard will do next at Chanel, but one thing is for sure – she has big shoes to fill. Lagerfeld was a fashion icon and a true legend in the industry. However, Viard has already proven that she is more than capable of carrying on his legacy and taking Chanel into the future.
In conclusion, Virginie Viard took over as the creative director of Chanel after Karl Lagerfeld’s passing. She had previously worked with Lagerfeld for over 30 years and was his closest collaborator.
Since taking on the role, Viard has continued to impress with her designs and reinterpretation of Chanel’s classic codes. The future of Chanel under Viard looks bright, and we can’t wait to see what she does next.