Virginie Viard is stepping down from her role as Chanel’s Artistic Director of fashion collections after five years. Viard assumed this prestigious position following the death of Karl Lagerfeld in 2019, having worked alongside him for decades. Her departure marks the end of a significant era for the French luxury house, which has seen only three artistic directors in its history: Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, and Viard herself.
In a statement to CNN, Chanel confirmed Viard’s exit, praising her ability to “renew the codes of the house while respecting the creative heritage of Chanel.” The statement highlighted her nearly thirty-year tenure with the brand, emphasizing her substantial contributions.
A successor has not yet been named, but Chanel assured that an announcement would be made “in due course.” The brand expressed gratitude for Viard’s “remarkable contribution to Chanel’s fashion, creativity, and vitality.”
Chanel’s chief executive, Leena Nair, recently told The Business of Fashion about Viard’s impact on the brand. Under her leadership, Chanel’s fashion business multiplied by 2.2 times, and the ready-to-wear segment grew by 2.5 times. In 2023 alone, the ready-to-wear business grew by 23%, contributing to a 16% rise in overall earnings, which reached $19.7 billion.
Lagerfeld’s death in 2019 was a significant moment for the fashion world. Known for his prolific work at Chanel, he also led Fendi and his own label. Viard, who started at Chanel as an intern in 1987, became Lagerfeld’s close deputy. Their professional relationship was so close that Lagerfeld once described her as “my right arm and my left arm.”
Viard’s departure is part of a series of high-profile changes in the fashion industry. In March, Valentino’s Pierpaolo Piccioli left his role as creative director, with Alessandro Michele, formerly of Gucci, stepping in. British designer Sarah Burton also stepped down from Alexander McQueen in September last year.
Chanel is set to stage a runway show at Paris Haute Couture Week in June, which is expected to be Viard’s final collection for the brand. The fashion world now eagerly awaits the announcement of her successor and the future direction of Chanel.
