Lauren Sherman published an article today on Puck News:
"On December 16, Bottega Veneta creative director Matthieu Blazy—a standout talent in Pinault’s stable—is expected to be named the next creative director of Chanel, a historic appointment that will transform the industry, no matter how it plays out. No word on whether Blazy will design one final Bottega Veneta collection. A spokesperson for Kering did not comment. Nor did a spokesperson for Chanel."
"Despite murmurs otherwise in the Kering offices, I’m told that Blazy’s resignation was definitive… and unexpected. All this would have been highly secretive. Typically, as part of the recruitment process, a prospective designer auditions for months. "
"As for whether Kering tempted him to stay, it appears that they probably had no choice but to let him go. There’s a lot of hullabaloo around non-competes in the fashion business, but the reality is that, in Italy, they can be bought out. It would have been more productive to simply wish Blazy the best and find a replacement."
"I’m told that several names were bandied about as Kering began interviewing successors—including Jacquemus (poor guy can’t stay out of a creative director conversation) and Miu Miu’s Dario Vitale. However, I’m also told that the leading candidate, and likely appointee, is Louise Trotter, the current designer of Carven."
Source: puck.news