Craftsmanship responsible for Chanel's high-end quality products

In the world of haute couture, few brands hold as much prestige as Chanel. A key factor in this success is the company's commitment to preserving and nurturing the artisanal workshops that have been a part of its heritage for decades.

Established in 1936, Maison Michel, a hat workshop, was one of the first to join Chanel's family. Laetitia Crahay has been at the helm of its artistic direction since 2006, creating exquisite headpieces that have graced the runways of brands such as Chanel, Nina Ricci, Givenchy, and Christian Lacroix.

Another significant addition to Chanel's portfolio is Maison Guillet, a flower workshop founded in 1896. With over 10,000 petal, flower, and leaf matrices, it has been a vital contributor to both haute couture and ready-to-wear collections for brands like Chanel, Chanel joining the workshop in 2006.

The textile embroidery workshop Montex, acquired by Chanel in 2018, is another gem in the brand's crown. The youngest owner, Annette Monnet, carries on the tradition of intricate and beautiful embroidery, a skill that has been passed down through generations.

Goldsmith workshops have also played a crucial role in Chanel's success. Goossens, founded in 1950, was bought by Chanel in 2005. Under the direction of Patrick Goossens, it has served brands such as Balenciaga, Rochas, Yves Saint Laurent, Guerlain, and Marc Bohan for Dior.

Desrues, a button specialist workshop founded in 1929, has a rich history of collaboration with fashion greats like Lanvin, Dior, Chanel, and Yves Saint Laurent. The company became the exclusive provider of jewelry and accessories for Madeleine Vionnet, and its first collections for Chanel were in 1965, with the company transferring to Chanel's control in 1984.

Maison Lesage, an embroidery workshop, began serving great names in fashion such as Paul Poiret and Madeleine Vionnet in 1924. Under the direction of François Lesage, the workshop worked for firms such as Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Gaultier, and Lacroix, and was bought by Chanel in 2002.

Maison Lemarié, a feather workshop founded in 1880, is another workshop owned by Chanel. It became the most important feather workshop in France and exports 50% of its products.

Massaro, founded in 1894 and bought by Chanel in 2001, is a small workshop with a workforce that does not exceed a dozen. Despite its size, it has a significant impact, crafting pieces for Chanel for decades and even creating the famous two-tone shoe presented by Gabrielle Chanel in 1959.

In total, Chanel owns eight French artisanal workshops, each a testament to the brand's commitment to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of French craftsmanship. These workshops, with their centuries-old traditions and skilled artisans, continue to be a cornerstone of Chanel's success in the fashion industry.