Matthieu Blazy, the young Belgian designer known for his work with some of fashion’s biggest names, has earned a reputation as a rising star in the industry. Over the past decade, Blazy has made a mark with both critical and commercial successes, showcasing his talent at prestigious fashion houses. Now, he takes on the most high-profile role of his career: creative director of Chanel, succeeding Virginie Viard, Karl Lagerfeld, and Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel herself.
Here are five key facts to know about Matthieu Blazy as he steps into his new role:
Discovered by Raf Simons Right After Graduation Blazy graduated from the renowned La Cambre design school in Brussels, Belgium, where he studied alongside notable peers like Julien Dossena of Rabanne and Anthony Vaccarello of Saint Laurent. His impressive graduate collection, which was inspired by French astronaut Claudie Haigneré, caught the attention of designer Raf Simons, who hired Blazy immediately for his eponymous label.
Designed Kanye West’s Iconic Yeezus Tour Mask While Blazy has preferred to stay out of the spotlight, his work has occasionally taken center stage. One of his most memorable creations was the crystal-covered mask he designed for Maison Margiela’s 2013 Artisanal couture collection. Kanye West famously wore the mask during his 2013-14 Yeezus Tour, cementing Blazy’s place in fashion history.
Revolutionized Bottega Veneta with Leather ‘Denim’ During his time as creative director at Bottega Veneta, Blazy became known for his bold and innovative designs. One standout piece was the denim-inspired leather “jeans,” which were first shown on the runway by Kate Moss in 2022. These surreal creations helped define his tenure at the brand and contributed to Bottega Veneta’s growing influence in the fashion world.
Collaborated with Raf Simons at Calvin Klein Before his time at Bottega Veneta, Blazy worked alongside Raf Simons at Calvin Klein. He served as the design director for women’s ready-to-wear, contributing to the brand’s creative success during Simons’ tenure. Blazy’s role in shaping the brand’s innovative collections added to his growing reputation in the industry.
Had a Long-Term Relationship with Pieter Mulier Blazy was also known for his personal relationship with designer Pieter Mulier, with whom he had been involved for over a decade. The two met while working at Raf Simons’ label. Though the couple has since parted ways, Blazy has shared personal moments from their relationship on social media. Sources indicate that Blazy is now in a new relationship with someone from southern Italy.
As Blazy steps into his new role at Chanel, all eyes are on him to see how he will bring his fresh perspective to one of fashion’s most storied houses.
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