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"Virginie Viard, Director of Chanel’s Fashion Creation Studio and Karl Lagerfeld’s closest collaborator for more than 30 years, has been entrusted by Alain Wertheimer with the creative work for the collections, so that the legacy of Gabrielle Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld can live on," reads a press release issued from the House of Chanel just hours after the icon's passing.
We got a better idea of who might receive the baton after Karl was absent for the Chanel Haute Couture show and Virginie hinted at her possible promotion when she appeared to 'take her bow'.
According to W magazine, his long-time right hand woman is perfectly poised to take over the reigns. They worked so closely together it makes sense that he trusted her and her future.
WATCH: Karl Lagerfeld absent for Chanel haute couture show in Paris
This is what we know about her
1. She started at Chanel as an intern, according to ELLE.
2. She was quickly placed in charge of embroidery then eventually became the fashion studio director where she oversaw eight collections each year, according to the Independent.
3. She's also had a career in costume design. According to W, "she designed the costumes for Krzysztof Kieslowski's Three Colors: Blue in 1993, starring Juliette Binoche and Julie Delpy, and was in charge of the wardrobe for Three Colors: White in 1994."
4. She also worked with Karl at Chloé in 1992, for five years before returning to Chanel, according to Harper's Bazaar.
And now things have come full circle as she becomes the first woman to head up Chanel since Coco!
We're looking forward to seeing her next collection and what vision she has for the house.
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