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Matthieu Blazy

Artistic Director, Chanel

The former Raf Simons and Phoebe Philo deputy has been tapped to lead Chanel into the future.

Matthieu Blazy

Matthieu Blazy is the artistic director of Chanel and former creative director of Bottega Veneta. The former Raf Simons deputy had been tasked with leading Kering-owned Bottega Veneta into its next phase of growth, following Daniel Lee ’s departure.  

Blazy was born in Paris, and graduated from La Cambre in Brussels. After internships at Nicolas Ghesquière’s Balenciaga and John Galliano , he began his fashion career as menswear designer for Raf Simons, before joining Maison Martin Margiela to design the trendsetting, secretive house's artisanal line and women’s ready-to-wear. Kanye West famously wore crystal-encrusted masks from Maison Martin Margiela during Blazy’s tenure leading the brand's anonymous design collective for his 2013-2014 "Yeezus" tour. 

In 2014, Blazy moved to Celine, where he was senior designer under Phoebe Philo , before joining forces with Raf Simons again at Calvin Klein from 2016 to 2019. 

He was appointed ready-to-wear design director at Bottega Veneta in 2020 under Daniel Lee before becoming creative director in 2021. Blazy debuted his first collection for Bottega Veneta at Milan Fashion Week in February 2022, including ladylike top-handle bags and trompe l'oeil blue jeans made out of leather.

In 2024, Blazy was appointed artistic director of fashion collections at Chanel, opening a new era for the French couture and beauty giant. Blazy succeeds Virginie Viard, a longtime deputy of Karl Lagerfeld, who exited the brand in June after five years as artistic director.

Career History

Education

VITAL STATISTICS

BORN1984
NATIONALITIESBelgian, French
LOCATIONItaly
MEMBER SINCE2022

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Latest News & Analysis
Fashion Week

The Couture Season That Cut Through | The BoF Podcast

Fresh off a week of major moments, Tim Blanks and Imran Amed break down the blockbuster couture debuts at Dior and Chanel and what they signify about the state of the luxury industry.

Fashion Week

The Couture Season That Cut Through | The BoF Podcast

Fresh off a week of major moments, Tim Blanks and Imran Amed break down the blockbuster couture debuts at Dior and Chanel and what they signify about the state of the luxury industry.


Fashion Week

Couture Has Entered a New Era. What Does It Mean?

There were plenty of questions coursing through the shows in Paris this week as new designers at Chanel and Dior brought fresh perspectives to their first couture collections, reports Angelo Flaccavento.

Fashion Week

Couture Has Entered a New Era. What Does It Mean?

There were plenty of questions coursing through the shows in Paris this week as new designers at Chanel and Dior brought fresh perspectives to their first couture collections, reports Angelo Flaccavento.


Luxury

What’s Couture For? Chanel and Dior’s New Designers Make Their Case

Matthieu Blazy and Jonathan Anderson each took different approaches to navigating the inherent tensions of French couture, Robert Williams writes. Plus: LVMH’s results.

Luxury

What’s Couture For? Chanel and Dior’s New Designers Make Their Case

Matthieu Blazy and Jonathan Anderson each took different approaches to navigating the inherent tensions of French couture, Robert Williams writes. Plus: LVMH’s results.


Fashion Week

Blazy’s Chanel Couture Was a Slam Dunk!

Who knew an inspiration as unlikely as ‘bird on a mushroom’ could unleash such a torrent of creativity, reports Tim Blanks.

Fashion Week

Blazy’s Chanel Couture Was a Slam Dunk!

Who knew an inspiration as unlikely as ‘bird on a mushroom’ could unleash such a torrent of creativity, reports Tim Blanks.


Luxury

What Comes After Viral Fashion?

This week in luxury, calculated risk-taking wins the red carpet at the Golden Globes, while Brunello Cucinelli and Richemont report Q4 sales. Plus, what to watch for at Milan men’s week.

Luxury

What Comes After Viral Fashion?

This week in luxury, calculated risk-taking wins the red carpet at the Golden Globes, while Brunello Cucinelli and Richemont report Q4 sales. Plus, what to watch for at Milan men’s week.


Marketing

Can Brands Turn Their Most Devoted Fans Into Paying Customers?

Plenty of people root for their favourite label like it’s their local football team — but that passion doesn’t always translate into sales.

Marketing

Can Brands Turn Their Most Devoted Fans Into Paying Customers?

Plenty of people root for their favourite label like it’s their local football team — but that passion doesn’t always translate into sales.


Marketing

Breaking Down Chanel’s A$AP Rocky Partnership

While it only officially sells women’s clothing, Chanel’s partnership with the rapper is the latest instance of it doubling down on male ambassadors.

Marketing

Breaking Down Chanel’s A$AP Rocky Partnership

While it only officially sells women’s clothing, Chanel’s partnership with the rapper is the latest instance of it doubling down on male ambassadors.


Luxury

This Week: Chanel and Zara Face Fresh Tests

Matthieu Blazy’s first US show for Chanel and Zara-owner Inditex’s latest financial results will be key tests for two powerhouses at opposite ends of the market. Plus, The Fashion Awards.

Luxury

This Week: Chanel and Zara Face Fresh Tests

Matthieu Blazy’s first US show for Chanel and Zara-owner Inditex’s latest financial results will be key tests for two powerhouses at opposite ends of the market. Plus, The Fashion Awards.


Luxury

Inside Charvet, the French Shirtmaker that Struck Runway Gold with Chanel

In a rare interview, Anne-Marie and Jean-Claude Colban open up about Charvet, serving a ‘cultural elite’ and how a creative exchange with Matthieu Blazy for his Chanel debut spotlighted the shirtmaker’s unique appeal.

Luxury

Inside Charvet, the French Shirtmaker that Struck Runway Gold with Chanel

In a rare interview, Anne-Marie and Jean-Claude Colban open up about Charvet, serving a ‘cultural elite’ and how a creative exchange with Matthieu Blazy for his Chanel debut spotlighted the shirtmaker’s unique appeal.


Luxury

The Importance of Minimalism in a Maximalist World

Spectacle is fun; simplicity is boring. But boredom is perhaps what we’re most lacking in art and fashion today, writes Felix Salmon.

Luxury

The Importance of Minimalism in a Maximalist World

Spectacle is fun; simplicity is boring. But boredom is perhaps what we’re most lacking in art and fashion today, writes Felix Salmon.


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