Matthieu Blazy: From Bottega Veneta to Chanel — A Transformative Journey in Luxury Fashion

The End of an Era at Bottega Veneta

After three transformative years as Bottega Veneta’s creative director, Matthieu Blazy has announced his departure to take on the coveted role of creative director at Chanel. Blazy’s tenure at Bottega Veneta began in 2021, following the sudden departure of his predecessor, Daniel Lee. From the outset, Blazy demonstrated a unique ability to balance innovation with respect for the house’s heritage. His designs consistently pushed the boundaries of craftsmanship and material manipulation, elevating Bottega’s reputation as a leader in luxury fashion.

Matthieu Blazy walks the runway during Bottega Veneta Fall/Winter 24-25 in Milan, Italy in February.

One of Blazy’s most celebrated achievements was his reinterpretation of leather. Through trompe-l’œil techniques, he transformed the material to resemble flannel, denim, and knitwear, showcasing an unparalleled attention to detail and technical expertise. These creations blurred the lines between everyday fabrics and luxurious craftsmanship, resonating with fashion critics and consumers alike. Under his leadership, Bottega Veneta became one of the most sought-after brands on Milan’s fashion calendar, with collections that married quiet luxury with bold innovation.

Blazy’s influence extended beyond the runway. He helped drive significant commercial success for the brand, with Bottega Veneta reporting a 4% sales increase in the first nine months of 2024, reaching €1.23 billion. This growth made it the top-performing brand in Kering’s portfolio during a challenging period for the luxury market. His Spring/Summer 2025 collection, featuring fluid leather dresses and strikingly understated tailoring, was widely praised as a testament to his visionary approach.

Celeb-Powered Campaigns That Defined a Brand

In addition to his collections, Blazy’s creative vision extended to Bottega Veneta’s advertising campaigns, which became cultural talking points in their own right. In 2024, the brand launched a series of celebrity-driven campaigns that featured global stars like Kendall Jenner and ASAP Rocky in a series of curated paparazzi shots. These campaigns captured the zeitgeist, blending luxury with modern storytelling.

Above, Kendall Jenner wears one of Bottega Veneta's best selling styles - Bottega Veneta BV1273S 003 Drop Aviator

ASAP Rocky stars in Bottega's campaign wearing Bottega Veneta BV1273S 005 Drop Aviator

These campaigns not only highlighted Bottega Veneta’s innovation but also solidified its position as a brand that understands and influences contemporary culture.

As Blazy exits Bottega Veneta, his legacy is one of redefining the brand’s modern identity while preserving its artisanal roots.

Take a look at some more of Bottega Veneta's best selling sunglasses from this year under Blazy...

The Fashion World’s Speculation Ends: Blazy’s Move to Chanel

The announcement of Blazy’s appointment as Chanel’s new creative director has sent ripples through the fashion world. Following Virginie Viard’s resignation in mid-2024 after a five-year tenure, speculation ran rampant about who would inherit one of the most prestigious roles in the industry. Names like Marc Jacobs, Hedi Slimane, and Jonathan Anderson were floated as potential successors, but it was Blazy who emerged as the chosen one.

Officially confirmed on December 12, 2024, Blazy’s new role at Chanel positions him as the steward of a fashion house with a legacy spanning more than a century. Bruno Pavlovsky, Chanel’s fashion president, praised Blazy’s "audacious personality" and "innovative approach to creation," emphasizing his dedication to craftsmanship and storytelling—qualities that align perfectly with Chanel’s ethos. Blazy himself expressed his excitement, stating, “I am thrilled and honoured to join the wonderful House of Chanel. I look forward to meeting all the teams and writing this new chapter together.”

Blazy’s appointment marks a new chapter for Chanel, which continues to thrive under the leadership of CEO Leena Nair. The house reported $19.7 billion in revenue in 2023, with its fashion division contributing approximately $14 billion. Despite this success, Chanel faces the challenge of balancing its storied heritage with the need for modern relevance. Blazy’s track record suggests he is well-equipped to navigate this delicate balancing act.

What Matthieu Blazy Could Bring to Chanel

Blazy’s arrival at Chanel is more than a leadership change; it signals a potential shift in the brand’s creative direction. At Bottega Veneta, he demonstrated a talent for reinterpreting tradition through a contemporary lens, and this skill is likely to shape his vision for Chanel. Known for his ability to innovate without overshadowing a brand’s identity, Blazy could reinvigorate Chanel’s iconic codes—the tweed jackets, quilted bags, and camellia motifs—while introducing fresh perspectives.

Chanel Haute Couture Runway

One of Blazy’s key strengths lies in his ability to create collections that resonate on both artistic and commercial levels. At Chanel, he will oversee a staggering 10 collections annually, including haute couture, ready-to-wear, and specialty lines like Coco Neige. This workload demands a designer capable of delivering consistent excellence, and Blazy’s meticulous approach to design suggests he is up to the task.

Fashion insiders speculate that Blazy’s knack for material experimentation could lead to exciting innovations in Chanel’s couture and ready-to-wear lines. His work at Bottega Veneta—where leather became indistinguishable from fabric—demonstrates his ability to challenge conventions. At Chanel, this could translate to unexpected takes on classic silhouettes, breathing new life into the maison’s legacy.

Bottega Veneta's famous leather intrecciato bag

Additionally, Blazy’s appointment comes at a time when Chanel is increasingly focused on sustainability and craftsmanship. His commitment to artisanal techniques and thoughtful design aligns with the brand’s efforts to preserve traditional methods while exploring modern innovations. This alignment could strengthen Chanel’s position as a leader in sustainable luxury.

A New Chapter for Chanel

Blazy’s tenure at Chanel officially begins in 2025, with his first collection expected to debut during Paris Fashion Week in September. While it remains to be seen how his vision will unfold, one thing is clear: Matthieu Blazy has the talent, experience, and creativity to leave an indelible mark on Chanel. His ability to balance heritage with innovation could usher in a new era for the maison, ensuring its relevance for generations to come.

For Chanel, this appointment represents an opportunity to build on its storied legacy while embracing a fresh perspective. For the fashion world, it’s a chance to witness the continued evolution of a designer whose work has already reshaped the industry. As we count down to Blazy’s debut collection, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. The next chapter of Chanel’s history is about to begin, and it promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.