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Recapping 5 Signature Styles Virginie Viard Brought to Chanel

Heidi Truong
- Fashion Blogger -
Virginie Viard's departure from Chanel as Creative Director marks the end of an era filled with innovation and elegance. After nearly three decades with the French fashion house and succeeding Karl Lagerfeld in 2019, Viard has left an indelible mark on Chanel. Her tenure brought a fresh, youthful direction to the brand, often inspired by rock music and 1980s culture. As we look back, let's revisit five signature styles that define Virginie Viard's impactful legacy at Chanel.
Virginie Viard's deep appreciation for 1980s culture was evident in her designs, characterized by bold silhouettes and vibrant color palettes. This influence was prominently displayed at the Métiers d’art 2024 show in Manchester, where shoulder-heavy knitted forms, layered chains, and loafers paired with women's workwear stood out as key elements.

Chanel Cruise 2024 in Shenzhen showcased jacket designs with unique patterns and jewel-tone palettes inspired by precious stones like sapphire, ruby, and emerald. Prominent collars and aviator sunglasses added a dynamic touch, merging the essence of the 80s with contemporary fashion.

Favoring Shorts

Viard aimed to convey "casual luxury" through her designs, frequently incorporating shorts into her collections. The Chanel Cruise 2025 collection introduced knitted shorts in neutral and deep blue tones, reflecting a cheerful and relaxed luxury trend. At the Métiers d’art 2024 show, Viard's fondness for shorts was evident again, with masculine vests paired with wide-legged shorts blending retro and modern styles. This choice showcased her ability to reinvent classic items with a fresh, contemporary twist.

Exquisite Tweed Fabric

Chanel's signature tweed fabric remained a cornerstone of Viard's collections. The Cruise 2024 collection featured tailored outfits in neutral plaid tweed, accented with bolder patterns on pockets, collars, and shoulder lines. Viard's creative use of tweed continued at the Haute Couture F/W 2024 show in Paris, where she experimented with different patterns and color-blending techniques to evoke the static imagery of old TV screens.

Long Silhouettes

Viard frequently designed garments with long silhouettes, drawing inspiration from fashion trends of the 1920s and 1980s. This style was prominently showcased when Chanel ambassador Margaret Qualley wore a feminine pink design from the Haute Couture S/S 2024 collection to the Cannes Film Festival. The long-tailed top transformed into a layered dress, creating a graceful, ballerina-like appearance.

Sweet Bows

Bows became a significant fashion trend in 2023, thanks to the rise of coquette and balletcore styles. Viard incorporated bows into Chanel's design language, aligning them with the brand's signature elements like pearls, beads, and chains. For the RTW S/S 2023 collection, bows adorned gloves, shoes, and hair accessories, adding a feminine touch to sturdy leather items. In the Haute Couture S/S 2023 collection, Viard experimented with bows on outfits with masculine details, showcasing them as unique accessories expressing individual personality.

Conclusion

Virginie Viard's tenure at Chanel was marked by a blend of innovation and reverence for the brand's storied heritage. Her ability to infuse youthful energy and rock-inspired elements into classic Chanel designs has left a lasting legacy. As we bid farewell to one of the rare female Creative Directors in the global fashion scene, we celebrate the signature styles that defined her era at Chanel. From 80s silhouettes to exquisite tweed fabric, Viard's contributions have forever enriched the world of fashion.
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