As the fashion world buzzes with anticipation and curiosity, one of the most significant changes in recent times comes from one of the most iconic luxury brands in history: Chanel. Under the steady leadership of Bruno Pavlovsky, President of Fashion at Chanel, the brand has thrived through changing tides of the fashion industry. But even within the legacy of Karl Lagerfeld’s remarkable tenure, Chanel is evolving. The latest chapter of this evolution comes with the arrival of Matthieu Blazy, who took over as Creative Director of Chanel’s ready-to-wear collections in 2025.
In an exclusive interview, Pavlovsky sat down to discuss the shifts underway at the brand and how Blazy is reshaping Chanel for the future while honoring its timeless craftsmanship. With Blazy’s arrival marking a new era for the house, there’s both an eagerness to stay true to Chanel’s roots and a sense of excitement for what the future holds.
A New Vision Under Blazy’s Creative Leadership
Chanel is a house built on an extraordinary foundation of heritage, vision, and innovation, driven by the genius of its founder, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, and later shaped by Lagerfeld’s transformative designs. The brand has long maintained an unassailable reputation for luxury and exclusivity, yet recent years have seen a shift towards modernizing the offerings while staying rooted in tradition. This delicate balance is where Matthieu Blazy enters the picture.
Blazy, who succeeded Lagerfeld’s long reign, is widely seen as the perfect creative successor, known for his exceptional talent and understanding of fashion’s evolving landscape. The French designer had previously worked at Bottega Veneta and has earned accolades for his innovative approaches to ready-to-wear collections, with a clear focus on craftsmanship and artisanal mastery.
“When we were thinking about the future, we had Matthieu in mind because he understands our legacy and can innovate from that place,” explains Pavlovsky. “He isn’t here to change everything drastically, but to bring a new energy and a different interpretation of the codes that make Chanel so unique.”
For Chanel, that means carefully selecting a designer who isn’t simply copying Lagerfeld’s aesthetic, but rather taking the helm in a way that resonates with a new generation of luxury consumers. Blazy’s deep knowledge of fabric and construction makes him the ideal candidate to continue Chanel’s commitment to the highest quality, even as he pushes the boundaries in a way that appeals to today’s fashion sensibilities.
Blazy’s Influence: Elevating Craftsmanship
Matthieu Blazy’s influence on Chanel’s ready-to-wear collections has been subtle but impactful. His focus on elevating the brand’s craftsmanship, while maintaining the deeply ingrained ethos of Chanel, has already begun to make waves. Unlike other luxury brands that embrace fleeting trends, Chanel’s identity has always rested on producing garments that are both timeless and contemporary—pieces meant to be passed down through generations. Blazy has done an incredible job of honing this philosophy in a way that feels new but also incredibly familiar.
“What Matthieu has brought to Chanel is an even greater attention to detail,” Pavlovsky notes. “Every stitch, every fabric choice, every silhouette is considered. He’s incredibly focused on materials—on how things feel, how they’re put together—and that’s something our clients deeply appreciate.”
Indeed, Blazy’s collections emphasize sophisticated simplicity, allowing the materials and structure to speak for themselves. For example, his incorporation of delicate textiles such as handwoven tweeds, velvet, and intricate lacework into his collections has deepened the house’s already renowned reputation for quality.
“The fabrics are treated with care, and each one is selected for its ability to tell a story, not just in terms of style but in terms of heritage,” Pavlovsky shares. “Matthieu’s work builds on the philosophy of Gabrielle Chanel herself, who once said, ‘Fashion is made to become unfashionable.’ His collections are meant to transcend seasons, to become part of the Chanel history.”
The Future of Chanel: A Modern House Rooted in Tradition
As Pavlovsky reflects on the changes underway, it’s clear that Blazy’s arrival signals the brand’s ongoing desire to remain as relevant today as it was when Coco Chanel first revolutionized women’s fashion. Under Pavlovsky’s stewardship, Chanel has maintained a firm hold on its commitment to producing exclusively high-quality, couture-driven pieces. Yet, this doesn’t mean the house has resisted embracing the modern digital age or evolving its approach to luxury.
In the past few years, Chanel has made significant strides in diversifying its customer engagement strategy, from incorporating digital platforms to embracing more inclusive sizing. But what truly sets Chanel apart is its refusal to compromise on the in-store experience. While many luxury brands have rushed to develop their own online ecosystems, Chanel has carefully curated a direct-to-consumer experience that balances tradition and modernity.
“We have been in the industry for over 100 years, and we are always thinking about how we can bring something new while maintaining our DNA,” says Pavlovsky. “The world is changing, but our roots remain the same. Matthieu’s approach embodies that philosophy: we want our clients to always feel like they’re experiencing something personal when they interact with the brand.”
Blazy’s debut collections for Chanel have already sparked conversations about the next chapter of luxury fashion. From sharp tailoring to elegantly deconstructed garments, his pieces blend modern attitudes with classic design codes, offering the perfect balance of femininity, sophistication, and functionality. The versatility of his collections makes them not only desirable to the seasoned Chanel collector but also to a younger demographic that gravitates towards elevated everyday pieces.
The Role of the Digital Age in Chanel’s Success
The role of the digital world in Chanel’s success has also been top of mind for Pavlovsky. Although the brand has taken a more conservative approach to digital marketing compared to other luxury players, the need to engage with today’s consumers has never been more important. In fact, Pavlovsky sees digital spaces not as a threat to exclusivity but as an opportunity to create deeper, more meaningful connections with fans of the brand.
“We have a selective, thoughtful approach to how we communicate our collections digitally,” Pavlovsky explains. “We don’t simply put things online for the sake of doing so. We aim to provide an experience that reflects the exclusivity and luxury of the Chanel brand. Matthieu’s vision for the collections helps us bring this philosophy to life.”
Innovation Without Compromise
In his leadership, Pavlovsky has consistently pushed for innovation without sacrificing the brand’s core values. When asked about the future of Chanel under Blazy’s leadership, Pavlovsky is optimistic. “What excites me most is the possibility of seeing Matthieu take the house into new directions without ever losing touch with its roots,” he says.
As we look ahead, it’s clear that Chanel is poised to maintain its place at the forefront of the luxury fashion world, with Matthieu Blazy breathing new life into its ready-to-wear offerings. For Pavlovsky, the future of Chanel lies in balancing tradition with innovation, ensuring that the brand continues to lead the fashion world while staying true to the legacy that has made it one of the most admired fashion houses in the world.
With Matthieu Blazy’s arrival, Chanel is primed for another century of success—one that honors its history, embraces change, and most importantly, continues to deliver the artistry and quality that has become synonymous with the brand.
