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Crafting the Future of Chanel: Matthieu Blazy
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After 3 remarkable years directing the collections at Bottega Veneta, Matthieu Blazy sets sail to new horizons, dropping anchor at Chanel. The new artistic director embarks on a new venture, inheriting the challenge of continuing Chanel's legacy while breathing new life into the iconic brand.
Published on 4 Mar 2025 / Updated on 12 Mar 2025
Table of Contents
- Margiela to Bottega: The Formative Years
- Crafts of our time
- Leading together
- Related topics
- Modern icons: Matthieu Blazy’s 5 most defining bags
- 1. The Bottega Veneta Sardine bag
- 2. The Bottega Veneta Andiamo bag
- 3. The Bottega Veneta Kalimero bag
- 4. The Bottega Veneta Parachute bag
- 5. The Bottega Veneta Hop bag
- Is more always more?
April 2025 will mark the beginning of a new chapter for Chanel. The Parisian house appointed Matthieu Blazy as its new artistic director, succeeding Virginie Viard, who helmed of the brand for 5 years, following the passing of Karl Lagerfeld.
Blazy’s widely celebrated 3-year tenure at Bottega Veneta — where he masterfully balanced craftsmanship and material innovation with culturally on-point reference — sets the stage for his transformative leadership at Chanel. A new dawn is set to rise at the legendary couture house, with the promise of new directions explored, new territories conquered.
Margiela to Bottega: The Formative Years
Born into a family deeply immersed in the art world, Blazy’s upbringing played a significant role in shaping his unique perspective. The Belgian-born spent his young years surrounded by masterpieces at the auction house Drouot, an early exposure to art and design that began to lay the foundation for his creative vision. After graduating from La Cambre, he embarked on an impressive journey through renowned fashion houses such as Maison Margiela, Celine, and Calvin Klein. Under the mentorship of industry titans like Raf Simons and Phoebe Philo, he honed his skills before stepping up as Bottega Veneta’s creative director in 2021, following Daniel Lee’s departure.
Crafts of our time
At the Italian fashion house Matthieu Blazy solidified his signature approach: an unwavering reverence for craft, balanced with innovation and contemporary relevance. A staunch advocate for traditional savoir-faire in the modern era, he believes craftsmanship and technology can coexist to enhance each other. “We need to use technology to support the craft, but it cannot all come from the machine.” said Blazy at the 2023 BoF’s VOICES conference. Seeing craft as inherently timeless, he sees technology as a serving tool, defending the subtle imperfections in handwork as what makes each product unique and special.
Leading together
Collaboration and community lie at the heart of Blazy’s creative philosophy. He seems to thrive in team environments, valuing direct communication with artisans and craftspeople. His time at Maison Margiela, where his office was strategically placed in the middle of the atelier, reinforced his belief in inclusive and dynamic design processes. “You don’t talk just to designers, you talk to the makers,” he recalls about his experience overseeing the “Artisanal” couture line, in an interview featured in The Business of Fashion. Championing a work culture where makers and designers engage in dialogue from the earliest stages, he ensures every piece is infused with authenticity and the highest quality.
Related topics
Modern icons: Matthieu Blazy’s 5 most defining bags
During his tenure at Bottega Veneta, Blazy introduced several bags redefining modern luxury. Each one of them reflected his deep respect for traditional leatherwork while embracing contemporary functionality.
1. The Bottega Veneta Sardine bag
The Sardine, first introduced in Fall/Winter 2022, offered a sculptural take on the beloved Jodie bag, incorporating a polished brass handle shaped like a sardine. This blend of artisanal craft and playful refinement, paired with its supple Intrecciato leather, made it an instant hit.
2. The Bottega Veneta Andiamo bag
With the Andiamo, launched in Resort 2023, Blazy created a bag named after the Italian phrase for “let’s go.” Its soft yet structured silhouette, complete with an intricate braided leather detail, embodied effortless elegance and became a symbol of understated luxury.
3. The Bottega Veneta Kalimero bag
Spring/Summer 2023 saw the debut of the Kalimero, a bucket bag seamlessly woven from a single piece of leather. Showcasing Bottega’s mastery of the Intrecciato technique, its relaxed form and crossbody functionality appealed to modern wearers who value both craftsmanship and ease.
4. The Bottega Veneta Parachute bag
In Pre-Fall 2024, Blazy redefined utility with the Parachute bag, a spacious tote featuring intricate woven panels. Its relaxed yet elevated aesthetic catered to those who value both function and refinement.
5. The Bottega Veneta Hop bag
Unveiled for Fall/Winter 2023, the Hop bag embraced movement with its relaxed hobo shape. Featuring a draped construction and minimalist hardware, it highlighted Blazy’s ability to merge luxury with everyday wearability.
Is more always more?
Blazy’s design philosophy challenges the notion that extravagance defines luxury. He prioritizes emotion and personal connection over ostentation, drawing inspiration from the sentimental and cultural value of vintage and vernacular clothing. His approach favours restraint, focusing on strong, well-edited ideas that endure beyond fleeting trends.
This ethos, combined with his deep respect for craftsmanship and collaborative approach, positions Matthieu Blazy as a transformative force poised to lead Chanel into an exciting new era.
What will Blazy create at Chanel? Expectations are high, and all eyes are on the maison’s next chapter. With his first collection expected in October 2025, the fashion world waits with bated breath to see how he will shape this new era—honouring tradition while quietly breaking new ground.
Be sure to visit SACLAB’s journal again for an in-depth look at Blazy’s debut pieces at Chanel.
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