Chanel announces additional Karl Lagerfeld successor

Surprise, surprise: Virginie Viard will not be alone at the creative helm of Chanel. Although she was announced as the label’s new Artistic Director on the day of Karl Lagerfeld’s passing, one week later the French fashion house decided to appoint two people to share the role, according to Vogue.

Image Director Eric Pfrunder, also a longtime collaborator of Lagerfeld’s, will be the label’s Artistic Director of Fashion Image, leading its creative vision in matters related to advertising, marketing, films, events and digital, while Viard will be responsible for the haute couture, ready-to-wear and accessories collections.

Pfrunder joined Chanel in the same year as Lagerfeld, in 1987, and is often credited with inspiring the designer to pursue photography.