Institution
At 19M : Beauty of the gesture
Celebrating the art of craftsmanship and materials, the Haute - couture know-how now has its address at 19M, a landmark created by Chanel to bring together workshops and schools for its métiers d’art.
19 refers to August 19th, Gabrielle Chanel’s birthdate.
It also represents the 19th arrondissement, which houses the immense hive of knowledge and skills, conceived by Rudy Ricciotti, who, after the Mucem in Marseille, repeats the feat by enveloping the work once again, this time with immense 24-meter-high concrete threads. Lastly, 19 represents the number of years Karl Lagerfeld spent at Chanel when he came up with the idea of a Métiers d’Art collection. Even before him, the lady of 31 Rue Cambon closely collaborated with different houses for her clothes and accessories, with each contributing to gradually shape the essence of Chanel’s style: the gold smith Goossens since 1954, followed by the boot maker Massaro, who created the iconic two-tone shoe, and the house of Lemarié, the exclusive supplier of fabric camellias.
The lady of 31 Rue Cambon closely collaborated with different houses for her clothes and accessories.
And, as is the case with all successful partnerships, the ties between 31 Rue Cambon and the houses of art intensified over time, eventually leading to deeper commitment. Starting in 1985, Chanel began acquiring some of these houses as the question of succession arose, eventually creating the company Paraffection over a decade later, with a mission to preserve these precious crafts. Paraffection currently brings together 26 métiers d’art, houses of art, and manufacturers that also collaborate with other fashion houses, thus radiating world wide from 19M.
26 métiers d’art, houses of art, and manufacturers that also collaborate with other fashion
Within its 25,000 square meters, the concrete and glass building accommodates approximately 600 skilled artisans, known as «les petites mains» due to the refinement of their craftsmanship. They work for Lesage Intérieurs and its embroidery school, embroiderer Montex, costume jeweller Desrues, pleater Lognon and milliner Maison Michel. Although the workshops are not open to the public, a 1,200 m2 area, the Galerie du 19M, is dedicated to hosting regular exhibitions showcasing the values of craftsmanship and exceptional skills. This centre of excellence is also a place of synergy and transmission… in short, a place of light !
Et au 5 rue Cambon : Maison Armance
Just a few numbers away from from Chanel’s historic home, you will find Maison Armance, a boutique hotel with an intimate atmosphere, designed as a couture- inspired Parisian apartment. Did you knowẒ The mansion was once the residence of Stendhal, the master behind «Le Rouge et le Noir,» and one of his earliest novels is titled… «Armance.»
Published on 20/02/2024
