Two of fashion’s leading luxury brands announced this week that they will be headed by new designers. Louise Trotter will take the helm at Bottega Veneta following Matthieu Blazy’s move to Chanel, where he’ll be the brand’s new artistic director.

Trotter steps down from her role at Carven, where she received critical acclaim from press and buyers for her four collections for the house. She will take over from Matthieu Blazy, and said in a statement: “I am deeply honoured to join Bottega Veneta as creative director… The house’s storied legacy of artistry and innovation is truly inspiring, and I am excited to contribute to its future and celebrate its timeless vision.”

The announcement comes as welcome news to fashion insiders who have been growing tired of the industry favouring men for the top design positions. Trotter’s predecessor at Bottega Veneta, Matthieu Blazy, will take the helm at Chanel (it was rumoured only two designers being considered for the role were women – Phoebe Philo and Sarah Burton – alongside eight men: Pieter Mulier, Pierpaolo Piccioli, Jeremy Scott, Marc Jacobs, Hedi Slimane, John Galliano and Simon Porte Jacquemus and Blazy.

Blazy succeeds Virginie Viard, who exited the house in June after a five-year tenure. Blazy joins from Bottega Veneta where he succeeded Daniel Lee (now at Burberry) in November 2021 and has helped make the brand one of the most in-demand luxury labels of the moment thanks to his sophisticated and innovative collections.

Blazy said: “I am thrilled and honoured to join the wonderful house of Chanel. I look forward to meeting all the teams and writing this new chapter together.”

Chanel and Bottega Veneta name new designers in landmark week for designer fashion