Chanel’s global leadership group convened in New York last week for a Very Important Meeting that left the distinct impression that Matthieu Blazy, the creative director of Bottega Veneta, will soon be joining the independently-run fashion house as the successor to Karl Lagerfeld. (Virginie Viard, in the final analysis, was merely a placeholder.) There could be an announcement that Blazy is leaving Bottega Veneta as early as November 26, I’m told by multiple sources—although the process may take longer than anticipated out of respect for Patrice Leguéreau, Chanel’s recently deceased fine jewelry designer, which might explain why the rumor mill is outpacing a deal.