(Reuters) – The creative director of luxury fashion brand Chanel, Virginie Viard, is set to leave the company, fashion news site Business of Fashion reported on Wednesday.
“Chanel confirms the departure of Virginie Viard after five years of fruitful collaboration as artistic director of fashion collections, during which she was able to update the codes of the House, while respecting the creative heritage of Chanel, and almost thirty years of work at the House,” the statement said. link to Chanel’s statement sent via email.
Viard, Karl Lagerfeld’s longtime deputy, took over as the fashion house’s chief designer in 2019 following the death of the couture icon.
The report does not mention any potential successor to Viard.
Chanel CEO Lina Nair brushed off talk of a designer change last month, noting that Viard has seen strong growth in ready-to-wear sales, which have grown two-and-a-half times since 2018. designs “very well for women.”
The company said last month it plans to open more stores in mainland China, although first-quarter sales data for luxury brands showed contrasting results in that market.
Chanel, known for its tweed suits, quilted bags and No. 5 perfume, is the world’s second-biggest brand after LVMH-owned Louis Vuitton. The brand is privately owned by French billionaire brothers Alain Wertheimer and Gerard Wertheimer.
Chanel did not immediately respond to requests for comment.