Who became Chanel’s creative director in 1983 and led the house until his death in 2019?

Karl Lagerfeld became Chanel’s creative director in 1983 and led the house until his death in 2019.

When Lagerfeld joined Chanel, the historic house needed renewed energy and commercial momentum. He preserved recognizable Chanel codes—tweed, chain details, camellias, pearls and the interlocking-C branding—while repeatedly reworking them for contemporary collections.

Lagerfeld’s tenure lasted more than three decades and turned Chanel into one of fashion’s most visible luxury brands. He also worked simultaneously with other labels, most notably Fendi, but Chanel became the role most closely associated with his public image.

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel had died in 1971, so Lagerfeld was not her immediate successor. Several designers worked for the house before him, including Philippe Guibourgé and Antonio Vaccarello later served briefly as interim creative director after Lagerfeld’s death. Virginie Viard succeeded Lagerfeld in 2019.