Rumour among some in the French fashion industry is the Bleu de Chanel ad that Scorsese shot was “too American” in tone and will not be released. Timothee came off to American execs as too much of an American caricature and everyone recognized it would not be embraced by a global audience. Timothee is not the problem, he just followed the director. “Disappointed” was the word used to describe the affair.
Chanel likely have committed to just writing off the expense because they are extremely hesitant to offer Scorsese another opportunity fearing he would not do it unless he got to do his own thing again whereas they would insist in more creative control.
Again, just scuttlebutt relayed to me from a European friend in the industry.