Inside the most coveted job in fashion

This article is part of our Vogue Business Membership package. To enjoy unlimited access to Member-only reporting and insights, our NFT Tracker, Beauty Trend Tracker and TikTok Trend Tracker, weekly Technology, Beauty and Sustainability Edits and exclusive event invitations, sign up for Membership here.

Following the sudden departure of Virginie Viard from Chanel, what is arguably the most coveted job in fashion is vacant. Viard, who was Karl Lagerfeld’s “right and left hand” as he put it, became artistic director of fashion collections in 2019 following Lagerfeld’s death. Her departure after 30 years — including five in the top role — marks a new chapter for Chanel and for fashion. “A new creative organisation will be announced in due course,” Chanel stated last week.