Last December 2024, Chanel has finally appointed their new creative director after 6 months of uncertainty. Matthieu Blazy, the french-belgian designer, was officially announced as their new Creative Director, marking a significant chapter in the maison’s storied history.
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With Chanel releasing two collections without any secured creative direction, the decision to entrust Blazy—a visionary with three years of remarkable success at Bottega Veneta—felt destined.
Known for incooperating innovation with heritage, Blazy’s work at Bottega enhanced the house’s craftsmanship while hinting at a modern future and audience. His direction aims to steer Chanel into continuing their legacy of an undying maison, breaking away from its four-decade Lagerfeld legacy.
The Evening Soirée
A few days after this momentous announcement, I received an invitation to an exclusive sales preview at Bottega Veneta’s Rue Saint-Honoré boutique, showcasing the Pre-Spring 2025 collection (Also referred to as the Resort 2025 Collection) —one of Blazy’s final contributions to the Venetian house.
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Located at Rue Saint Honore, an iconic and prestigious fashion district here in Paris, the soirée offered guests a delightful array of savory bites and sweet delicacies, perfectly paired with refreshing beverages.
The evening unveiled a collection that bid farewell to the dark and muted tones of the cold season, embracing a palette of soft pastels. As a devoted admirer of pastel hues, particularly pink, I found myself in awe and contemplation.
Bottega Veneta Pre-Spring 2025 Collection Viewing
1. The Andiamo In Medium By Bottega Veneta
The Andiamo remains an emblematic piece of Bottega’s craftsmanship. My first encounter with this design was in Singapore, awed by their sage-green hue, “Travertine”.
While I eventually chose a different and smaller version during my previous visit to the Rue Saint-Honoré boutique, the Pre-Spring 2025 collection introduced an adorable baby pink that instantly brightened my overall appearance.
Perfect for lovers of soft hues or as a memorable gift, the Andiamo seamlessly combines practicality with standout elegance.
2. The Lauren 1980
Tucked on a shelf in the showroom, the Lauren 1980 in pastel pink caught my eye with its charming, rounded silhouette which offers a wide amount of space. Versatile enough to be carried as a purse or worn as a sling, this iconic design, named after Lauren Hutton, first gained fame in “American Gigolo” (1980).
Under Blazy’s creative direction, the bag has been reimagined with a modern sensibility, its curved structure and elegant folds ensures this timeless appeal.
3. The Cobble In Small
With my visible affection for pastel pinks, my sales assistant tempted me more by presenting “The Cobble”, featuring quilted leather that enhances its dimensional structure.
With its compact yet spacious design bearing resemblance of a picnic basket, the Cobble is a chic addition to any summer wardrobe.
The pastel pink version was particularly striking, although neutral options like maroon and black offer a more understated alternative perfect for a soiree out or elevating your basic staples.
4. The Pinacoteca
Across the showroom on their top shelf, a pastel blue “Pinacoteca” shimmered under the lights.
Spacious and reversible, this geometrically inspired design features a brown calf leather interior that can be flipped outward for a contrasting look.
While I appreciate the creativity, the reversible feature wasn’t quite for me, perhaps it’s a great feature for those seeking something unique.
5. The Bottega Veneta Parachute In Small
An honorable mention for the “Parachute” bag, constructed into a triangular silhouette with straps connected to their knotted gold hardware, this bag offers a playful yet sophisticated touch to everyday ensembles.
The Pre-Spring 2025 pastel pink edition rekindled my admiration for this fun yet functional bag.
As he prepares to helm Chanel, one can’t help but wonder: will his success at Bottega translate seamlessly to Chanel’s storied ateliers and impeccable runways?
What are your thoughts on Mathieu Blazy’s upcoming journey at Chanel? Does his legacy at Bottega Veneta prove he is the perfect fit to lead the maison into its next chapter?