Chanel Haute Couture: the first runway show after Virginie Viard’s departure

On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, the Chanel Haute Couture Fall-Winter 2025 runway show took place, marking the brand’s first show entirely managed by its in-house team following the departure of creative director Virginie Viard.

Chanel Haute Couture at the Palais Garnier during Haute Couture Week 2025

The Chanel Haute Couture show, opened by Vittoria Ceretti, was held at the Palais Garnier in Paris, combining art and opulence.

“Chanel Haute Couture is a discipline of beauty, patience, and excellence, values shared with the Paris National Opera.”

Vittoria Ceretti opening the Chanel Haute Couture Fall-Winter 2024/2025 runway show

The maison, with its Fall-Winter 2024/2025 Haute Couture collection, presented its most theatrical side, in line with the opulence of the venue hosting the show.

Tweed, a hallmark of Chanel, abounds among the looks presented, crafted in various shapes, notably tailored suits with midi skirts. All adorned with jewel-like details such as buttons, feathers, and intricate embroidery.

References to the luxurious classical past of the maison were plentiful, characterized by bon ton and elegance, featuring an abundance of puff sleeves, romantic bows, and pleated ruffles. There were also nods to the world of dance, a sport for which Chanel has often designed costumes, such as for “Train Bleu” (1924) and “Apollon Musagète” (1928).

The color palette of the collection is quite neutral, with a preference for black and pastel shades.

Additionally, there was the presentation of a wedding gown made of taffeta, adorned with 3D flower appliqués on the bodice, puff sleeves, and tulle at the waist.

VIRGINIE VIARD HAS LEFT THE CREATIVE DIRECTION OF CHANEL

Virginie Viard’s decision to step down as the creative director of Chanel, announced by the maison late Wednesday evening on June 5, 2024, came as a bolt from the blue to the fashion world. But what happened?

After serving as creative director at Chanel for a solid 5 years since 2019, Virginie Viard has abruptly departed the French fashion house.

According to a press statement released late Wednesday evening on June 5, 2024, Viard’s departure appears to stem from a heated argument with Bruno Pavlovsky, the president of Chanel Fashion, following which the creative director of Chanel decided to resign from her role within the maison for good.

Virginie Viard

Virginie Viard’s position was deeply rooted within Chanel, bolstered by the profound bond she shared with Karl Lagerfeld, who referred to her as his “right-hand and left-hand.” Upon the designer’s passing in 2019, she was promptly appointed as the new creative director by the brand’s owners, brothers Alain and Gérard Wertheimer.

Karl Lagerfeld and Virginie Viard

Furthermore, just a few weeks ago, CEO Leena Nair had praised Virginie Viard for the incredible results Chanel was achieving, with a 16% increase in sales in 2023, reaching a turnover of 20 billion euros, partly due to price increases in certain products such as bags and accessories.

BUT WHO WILL SUCCEED VIARD?

Some speculation suggests that Hedi Slimane, currently the creative director of Céline, could potentially replace the former creative director. Others include Pierpaolo Piccioli and Sarah Burton, former creative directors of Valentino and Alexander McQueen, respectively.

Among other names mentioned are Jeremy Scott, Riccardo Tisci, and Marc Jacobs.

In the end, all we can do is wait to find out who will replace her as the creative director of Chanel.

Conclusion: On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, the Chanel Haute Couture Fall-Winter 2025 runway show took place, marking the first show entirely managed by the brand’s internal team following the departure of creative director Virginie Viard.

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Also read:

PARIS HAUTE COUTURE WEEK 2025: A SUMMARY OF THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENTS

HERMÈS OPENS THE FW24 NEW CHAPTER IN NEW YORK