Chanel appoints Marie-Laure Cérède as head of jewelry design

Chanel continues to reorganize its creative leadership. After entrusting the reins of ready-to-wear and haute couture to Franco-Belgian designer Matthieu Blazy in late 2024, the House announced on June 9 the appointment of Marie-Laure Cérède as director of the jewelry design studio. The former creative director at Cartier will take up her position in October 2026 and will oversee both the jewelry and high jewelry collections.

With this appointment, Chanel secures the services of one of the most respected figures on Place Vendôme. Marie-Laure Cérède spent the bulk of her career at Cartier, where she gradually rose through the ranks to become head of watch design in 2017, then head of jewelry design in 2021.

A renowned figure in the jewelry world

Over the years, she has established herself as a specialist in reinterpreting the House’s iconic pieces. Under her leadership, several emblematic models have been reimagined to appeal to new generations of customers while preserving their identity. The Panther, Pasha, and Baignoire watches were thus modernized, while the Trinity ring, created in 1924, was reimagined in a square version. Another notable example: the Love bracelet, launched in 1969, was transformed into a link-style version, more flexible and contemporary.

A passionate lover of art, sculpture, and gemmology, renowned for her expertise in precious stones, she also held positions at Harry Winston before returning to Cartier, where she spent more than two decades.

In the press release announcing her appointment, Marie-Laure Cérède said she is “honored and moved to join Chanel, a house with such a unique culture and exceptional discipline that continues to challenge conventions, redefine femininity, and set the standard for modernity through form and spirit”.

At Chanel, she will report to Frédéric Grangié, president of the watch and jewelry divisions, and will work alongside Arnaud Chastaingt, director of the watch design studio.

Succeeding Patrice Leguéreau

Marie-Laure Cérède takes over from an iconic figure at the house: Patrice Leguéreau. Having joined Chanel in 2009, Leguéreau led the jewelry and high jewelry design studio for fifteen years. He played a major role in establishing Chanel as a leading player in contemporary high jewelry through collections acclaimed for their sophistication and their fidelity to the world of Gabrielle Chanel.

His passing in 2024 left this strategic position vacant. Since then, the in-house teams have continued to develop the collections while awaiting the appointment of a new creative director. Marie-Laure Cérède’s name had been circulating in the industry for several months.

A jewelry legacy begun by Gabrielle Chanel

While Chanel is primarily known for fashion and perfumery, jewelry is an integral part of its history. In 1932, Gabrielle Chanel presented her first and only fine jewelry collection, named “Bijoux de Diamants.” It was a bold move at a time when traditional jewelers largely dominated the industry. The themes of the comet, the sun, the stars, and wings, conceived by the designer, remain major hallmarks of the house’s jewelry universe to this day.

Revived in the 1990s with the opening of its jewelry boutique on Place Vendôme, Chanel has gradually strengthened its presence in this market. Over the years, the Coco Crush and Camélia collections, as well as its high jewelry creations, have helped establish the house’s legitimacy in this highly competitive field.

With the arrival of Marie-Laure Cérède, Chanel is banking on a renowned figure to write a new chapter in its jewelry development. A choice that also reflects the growing importance of this business within the group and among luxury houses, as jewelry remains one of the most dynamic segments of the global luxury market.