Dated 15 November 2021, Matthieu Blazy’s appointment as Bottega Veneta’s creative director signaled a bold new direction for the house in the wake of Daniel Lee’s departure.
Dated 15 November 2021, Matthieu Blazy’s appointment as Bottega Veneta’s creative director signaled a bold new direction for the house in the wake of Daniel Lee’s departure.
November 15, 2021
Dated 15 November 2021, Matthieu Blazy’s appointment as Bottega Veneta’s creative director signaled a bold new direction for the house in the wake of Daniel Lee’s departure.
Matthieu Blazy, previously Men’s Designer for Raf Simons and a senior member of Céline’s creative team under Phoebe Philo and Daniel Lee, was appointed Creative Director of Bottega Veneta in 2020 at age 37. He also worked with Raf Simons at Calvin Klein, earning recognition for his market-savvy approach and artistic sensibility.
Born in Paris to an art-specialist father and historian mother, Blazy grew up amid auctions and eclectic collections, later honing his craft at La Cambre in Brussels and interning in Balenciaga’s womenswear department under Nicolas Ghesquière. Known for merging exuberance with meticulous craftsmanship, he quickly established a signature style that balances innovation with the house’s “quiet luxury” ethos.
Leo Rongone, CEO of Bottega Veneta, remarked:
“Matthieu Blazy is an extraordinarily talented individual, whom I am proud and excited to entrust with the creative helm of our luxury House. Bottega Veneta has always been equated with signature craftsmanship and distinctive creativity. Matthieu’s appointment will further enhance the modern relevance of our brand and accelerate our growth, while preserving the values that are at the core of Bottega Veneta.”
During his three-year tenure at Bottega Veneta, Blazy revolutionized the house’s creative direction. His debut collection, shown at Milan Fashion Week in February 2022, was widely praised for its seamless blend of tradition and modernity. The Kalimero bag in oxblood leather, paired with a tank top and jeans, instantly became a signature piece, exemplifying Blazy’s playful yet sophisticated approach and his knack for reimagining luxury staples. He continued to push boundaries, notably with the “Readymade” campaign in late 2023 featuring A$AP Rocky and Kendall Jenner, nodding to Marcel Duchamp and produced with Getty Images and Backgrid, highlighting his fusion of contemporary culture, art, and fashion innovation.
In 2024, Blazy departed Bottega Veneta to take on his current role as Creative Director of Chanel, leaving behind a legacy of collections that reshaped the brand’s identity. After three years, he had not only defined collections but cemented Bottega Veneta’s reputation as a house where understated luxury meets inventive artistry.
