Virginie Viard’s Departure | A New Era for Chanel

Image via Vogue

If you know me, you know I’m a Chanel girl. From a young age, I rocked a bow in my hair, fingerless tweed gloves adorned with crystals, a mini skirt, and two-tone Chanel thigh-highs as my uniform—my friend still teases me about the “boho gloves” I wore on one of our first dates. Little did he know, they were Chanel!

The fashion world was stunned by the departure of Virginie Viard, who took over for Karl Lagerfeld just five years ago. She held one of fashion’s most coveted and elite positions, with only Lagerfeld and Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel herself serving as previous artistic directors for the storied brand.

Virginie Viard: The Perfect Successor

While no one can truly fill Karl Lagerfeld’s iconic shoes, Virginie was the perfect candidate, often referred to by Karl as his “right and left arm.” Karl had a deep understanding of Chanel’s identity and seamlessly wove core symbols into his designs. After 30 years at the house, Virginie managed to revive the collections in a way that echoed Karl’s vision.

A Lasting Impact

As a result of her leadership, the value of Chanel’s classic pieces has skyrocketed, and the house has nearly doubled its ready-to-wear and accessories sales over the last two years. Virginie’s tenure may have been short, but her impact on the brand and the fashion industry is undeniable.

Virginie Viard’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in Chanel’s history, leaving us all wondering what the next era will bring for this iconic fashion house.