Photo courtesy: Chanel
New Construction
Big news, Chanel fans (though it may not seem like it just yet…bear with us)!
Chanel recently announced plans to construct a new site for its specialty ateliers in Paris. Designed by award-winning architect Rudy Ricciotti, the Paris site will be almost 275,000 square feet upon its completion in 2020. The architectural plan, with a three-building complex overlooking a garden, focuses on natural light and energy efficiency. Conceptually, the concrete shell of the building is meant to look like threads: the basis of the fashion empire itself.
As Bruno Pavlovsky, president of Chanel Fashion, said, “It’s a new adventure, it’s a fantastic window for these workshops, and it’s also a very strong sign to the people who work in them that we believe in them and we will continue to invest in these Métiers d’Art.”
So what are the Métiers d’Art, and why is this a big deal? (And what does the Métiers d’Art fashion show that just took place have to do with it?) Let PurseBop explain.
Photo courtesy: Rudy Ricciotti via WWD
Photo courtesy: Rudy Ricciotti via WWD
Photo courtesy: Rudy Ricciotti via WWD
So What Exactly are Chanel's Metiers d'Art?
The Métiers d’Art essentially make up Chanel’s partner workshops. These are small French ateliers that Chanel has worked with over the years—the brand has even acquired 22 since 2002. Chanel has upheld the value of such collaborations with craftspeople since the days of Coco Chanel in the 1950s. In the eyes of Chanel, craft = couture.
Currently, the Métiers d’Art are scatterd throughout the city of Paris and its suburbs. The Métiers d’Art partner network includes these ateliers:
- Desrues – Costume Jeweler and Accessory Maker
- Lemarié – Feather and Flower Maker
- Massaro – Bootmaker
- Lesage – Embroiderer
- Goossens – Jeweler and Goldsmith
- Maison Michel – Milliner
- Guillet – Corsage and Floral Decoration maker
- Montex – Embroiderer
- Causse – Glove maker
- Barrie Knitwear – Cashmere producer
- Lognon – Pleater
The new Parisian site is, in essence, a way to centralize these small scattered workshops. And it’s more than just convenient: it’s a clear example of vertical integration. Chanel is taking control of its suppliers, many of which it has purchased over the last several years. It’s ultimately a savvy business move, a way to use more effectively the brand’s “army of handworkers.”
Lesage. Photo courtesy: Chanel
Lemarié. Photo courtesy: Chanel
Lognon. Photo courtesy: Chanel
Massaro. Photo courtesy: Chanel
Desrues. Photo courtesy: Chanel
The Métiers d'Art Show
In the spirit of honoring craftspeople, this announcement follows the 16th Métiers d’Art runway show on December 6. The Métiers d’Art show is a runway show outside the traditional fashion calendar that celebrates the craftsmanship of the maison’s artisan partners. It travels to a different locale every year—this year, it took place at the Elbphilharmonie in Karl Lagerfeld’s hometown of Hamburg. (The first show was held in Chanel’s haute couture salons in Paris in 2002.) The elegant space was populated with celebrities, including Chanel muses Kristen Steward and Lily Rose Depp.
Photo courtesy: Chanel
The show finale at the Elbphilharmonie. Photo courtesy: Chanel
@suzymenkesvogue
@chanelofficial
Photo courtesy: Getty Images
Photo courtesy: Chanel
Photo courtesy: Chanel
Photo courtesy: Chanel
Photo courtesy: Chanel
Photo courtesy: Chanel
Photo courtesy: Chanel
We hope this little guide, in light of Chanel’s new centralization plans, sheds light on the mystery that is Chanel’s Metiers d’Art. The artisanal craftsmanship, off-calendar fashion show and intended site, all tell a grand narrative when woven together. What did you think of the recent show? And what of Chanel’s broader business plans? Tell us all your Chanel thoughts and ideas—we’re curious.
Read related articles below:
Chanel Stays Offline
The Grand Finale: Chanel x Colette
Chanel Cruise Collection 2018 Handbag Highlights
Chanel and Louis Vuitton Named Top Brands on Social Media
Chanel Data Center: Spring/Summer 2017 Impressions
Love PurseBop
XO
Updated: February 28th, 2019
Comments
3 Responses to “Chanel Métiers d’Art Announcement”
It’s no news anything Chanel makes my heart skip a beat ❤️ I hve no doubt the new site they are going to build will be stunning just like anything that has the CC logo on it ???????? I haven’t seen the Metiers d’art show yet, just started my vacation today, didn’t have time for anything till now… but going to watch it right to drool a little ???? and die a little???? (specially for the bags ????)! Thanks for sharing the news sweets ❤️????
Just saw the pictures of the show’s looks, the tweed collection is SO GORGEOUS ???? I liked it more than the bags to be honest… didn’t see any classic flap, Boy or Coco Handle… only bags that didn’t quite make my heart jump out of the chest…. ❤️????
This is great information, although I have started to like modern architecture and furniture I am a diehard for tradition and those beautiful high ceilings apartment buildings or hôtel particulier is where a classic Name should remain..