The year 2018 wasn't marked by a change in Chanel's head designer. Instead, it saw the continued, and increasingly celebrated, tenure of Virginie Viard, who had already been deeply embedded in the house's creative fabric for decades. The question of "who designs for Chanel now?" in 2018, and for several years afterward, had a clear and consistent answer: Virginie Viard. However, the narrative surrounding Chanel's creative leadership in 2018 is richer and more complex than simply naming a single individual. It's a story of legacy, evolution, and the subtle yet significant shift in creative direction following the passing of Karl Lagerfeld. To understand the situation fully, we need to delve into the context surrounding Viard's appointment and her work, while also clarifying the misinformation regarding Matthieu Blazy's connection to Chanel in 2018.
Virginie Viard: The Unsung Architect of Chanel's Continuity
The notion of "Virginie Viard leaving Chanel" in 2018 is entirely inaccurate. Far from leaving, she was consolidating her position as the steward of Chanel's creative vision, having already served as Lagerfeld's closest collaborator for many years. Her role as Chanel's artistic director, and later creative director, was a gradual ascension rather than a sudden appointment. She wasn't a newcomer thrust into the spotlight; she was a seasoned professional intimately familiar with the house's DNA, its archives, and Lagerfeld's methods.
Viard's journey with Chanel began in 1987, when she joined the house as an assistant to Lagerfeld. Over three decades, she honed her skills, developing a deep understanding of the brand's aesthetic principles and its intricate production processes. She played a pivotal role in the creation of Chanel's collections, quietly contributing her expertise and vision while remaining largely out of the public eye. This behind-the-scenes involvement made her uniquely positioned to lead Chanel after Lagerfeld's passing.
The Virginie Viard Chanel collections of 2018 showcased her understanding of the brand's heritage while subtly introducing her own distinct style. Her designs maintained the iconic elements that defined Chanel – the tweed suits, the quilted handbags, the pearls – yet they possessed a fresh, contemporary sensibility. There was a quiet elegance, a sense of understated sophistication that differentiated her work from Lagerfeld's more flamboyant and theatrical creations. This evolution was a testament to Viard's ability to honor the past while shaping the future of the house.
While Lagerfeld's influence remained palpable, Viard's collections in 2018 began to hint at a new direction. The emphasis shifted slightly from the overtly theatrical and extravagant towards a more refined and wearable aesthetic. The silhouettes were often softer, the colors more muted, and the overall feeling more intimate and personal. This subtle shift was a significant step, showcasing Viard's ability to navigate the delicate balance between honoring Chanel's legacy and forging her own path.
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