Brand intelligence
Chanel
Founded by Gabrielle Chanel in Paris in 1910, Chanel is an independent luxury house spanning haute couture, ready-to-wear, leather goods, watches and fine jewellery, fragrance and beauty. The house is led globally by CEO Leena Nair and remains privately held.
- Country
- France
- Founded
- 1910
- Creative lead
- Matthieu Blazy
- Ownership
- Wertheimer family
- Documented milestones
- 7
- Coco Chanel — Founder and Couturier1910–1939 · house · former · CHANEL
- Coco Chanel — Founder and Couturier1954–1971 · house · former · CHANEL
- Karl Lagerfeld — Artistic Director of Fashion1983–2019 · all fashion · former · CHANEL
- Virginie Viard — Artistic Director of Fashion Collections2019–2024 · all fashion · former · CHANEL
- Matthieu Blazy — Artistic Director of Fashion Activities2025–Present · all fashion · current · CHANEL
- Leena Nair — Global Chief Executive Officer2022–Present · house · current · CHANEL
- 1910 — Chanel Modes opensGabrielle Chanel opens her millinery boutique at 21 rue Cambon in Paris.
- 1921 — Chanel N°5 launchesThe house launches its first perfume, created with perfumer Ernest Beaux.
- 1924 — Beauty business establishedSociété des Parfums Chanel is created and the first makeup collection follows.
- 1954 — Return to coutureGabrielle Chanel reopens the couture house and begins her second creative tenure.
- 1983 — Karl Lagerfeld era beginsKarl Lagerfeld becomes artistic director of fashion.
- 2019 — Virginie Viard appointedVirginie Viard succeeds Karl Lagerfeld as artistic director of fashion collections.
- 2025 — Matthieu Blazy joinsMatthieu Blazy begins as Artistic Director of Fashion Activities.