Virginie Viard’s departure from Chanel has created a buzz across social media in the past twenty-four hours. This significant development in the fashion industry has been officially confirmed: Virginie Viard is stepping down from Chanel after nearly thirty years with the brand. She started as part of the design team and ascended to the role of Artistic Director in 2019, following the passing of Karl Lagerfeld. Over the past five years, Viard has unveiled numerous collections, including Haute Couture and the recent Cruise 2025 in Marseille.
Chanel issued a statement expressing gratitude for Viard’s contributions: “Chanel confirms the departure of Virginie Viard after a rich collaboration of five years as artistic director of fashion collections, during which she was able to renew the codes of the house while respecting the creative heritage of Chanel, and almost 30 years within the house. A new creative organisation will be announced in due course. Chanel would like to thank Virginie Viard for her remarkable contribution to Chanel’s fashion, creativity and vitality.”
The question of who will succeed her looms large. Viard’s three-decade tenure has endowed her with an unparalleled understanding of Chanel’s codes, teams, ateliers, and overall savoir-faire. Her leadership also brought significant economic benefits, boosting sales for one of the few remaining independent luxury brands. Chanel needs a successor who can withstand the pressure and criticism while maintaining high standards.
Speculation has been rife about potential successors. Hedi Slimane’s name has been frequently mentioned within the fashion community, with many believing he is poised to take over Chanel. Viard’s exit has only intensified these rumors. Meanwhile, Pier Paolo Piccioli has emerged as a popular choice among fashion enthusiasts, especially after his departure from Valentino. Additionally, many are hoping for Sarah Burton, advocating for another woman to fill the role. With Burton’s exit from Alexander McQueen and now Viard’s from Chanel, female creative directors are becoming increasingly rare in top luxury houses, which is a concerning trend.
