Who Took Over Chanel When Coco Died?

When Coco Chanel, the legendary fashion designer, passed away in 1971, it left the fashion world wondering who would be the successor to her empire. Coco Chanel was known for revolutionizing women’s fashion, introducing comfortable and practical clothing such as the little black dress and trousers for women.

She had built a brand that was synonymous with elegance and class. So who took over Chanel when Coco died?

Who Took Over Chanel?

After Coco’s death, the ownership of the House of Chanel was handed over to Pierre Wertheimer, her business partner. However, he did not take over as creative head of the company. The role of artistic director fell on Karl Lagerfeld’s shoulders in 1983.

Karl Lagerfeld

Karl Lagerfeld is a German fashion designer who had made a name for himself in the fashion industry for his work with Fendi and Chloe. When he took over as creative director at Chanel, he brought a fresh perspective to the brand while still staying true to its heritage.

Lagerfeld’s first collection for Chanel was a hit and received critical acclaim. He continued to innovate while staying true to Coco’s original vision for the brand. He introduced new materials such as denim and leather into Chanel designs that were previously only associated with traditional fabrics like tweed.

Virginie Viard

After Karl Lagerfeld passed away in 2019, Virginie Viard took over as Creative Director at Chanel. Viard joined Chanel in 1987 and worked closely with Lagerfeld for many years before taking on this role.

Viard has kept up Karl Lagerfeld’s legacy by continuing to push boundaries while also respecting Coco’s vision for the brand. Her collections have included nods to both Coco’s classic designs as well as modern trends.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when Coco Chanel passed away, her business partner Pierre Wertheimer took over ownership of the company, but it was Karl Lagerfeld who took over as creative director. After Lagerfeld’s death, Virginie Viard took over as Creative Director and has kept the brand’s legacy alive while also adding her own unique touch. Chanel has remained one of the most iconic fashion brands in history, and its impressive lineage of leaders has ensured that it will continue to thrive for years to come.